Head Chef - InterContinental Abu Dhabi

IHG; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious hotel chain in Abu Dhabi is seeking a talented Head Chef to lead culinary operations at their Pan Asian Restaurant. This role involves crafting authentic and innovative dishes, managing a multicultural kitchen team, and overseeing food quality and safety standards. Applicants should have 5–7 years of experience in a fine dining environment focusing on multiple Asian cuisines. The position offers a competitive salary and a range of employee benefits, promoting a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Room discounts

Comprehensive training programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Expertise in Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, and other Asian cuisines.
• Strong understanding of flavor profiles and cooking techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations crafting contemporary dishes reflecting Asian flavors.
• Manage kitchen operations ensuring quality and safety standards.
• Recruit and mentor a skilled culinary team specializing in Asian cuisines.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary creativity

Knowledge of Asian cuisines

Communication

Team training and mentoring

Job description

InterContinental Abu Dhabi is seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary Head Chef to lead the culinary operations of our signature Pan Asian Restaurant. This is a prestigious opportunity for a culinary leader with deep expertise in Asian gastronomy, strong creativity, and a passion for delivering world‑class dining experiences.

As the Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind the restaurant’s culinary identity—crafting authentic, contemporary, and refined dishes that reflect the diverse flavors of Asia. From Japanese and Chinese to Thai, Korean, and Southeast Asian influences, you will innovate, elevate, and curate menus that stand out in Abu Dhabi’s competitive dining scene.

You will lead a multicultural team, oversee kitchen operations, manage food quality and safety standards, and ensure every plate served meets the highest levels of craftsmanship expected from the InterContinental brand.

Culinary Leadership & Menu Innovation

• Curate, develop, and continuously refine a premium Pan Asian menu with a balance of authenticity and modern presentation.
• Conduct regular tastings, seasonal menu updates, and signature dish development to enhance the restaurant’s identity.
• Stay updated on Asian culinary trends, sourcing methods, and new techniques to keep the restaurant at the forefront of innovation.

Kitchen Operations & Quality Control

• Lead daily kitchen operations ensuring impeccable standards in food preparation, hygiene, safety, and consistency.
• Implement efficient mise‑en‑place practices, portion controls, and kitchen workflows.
• Ensure all dishes meet the restaurant’s quality expectations, from taste to temperature to plating aesthetics.

Team Development & Training

• Recruit, train, and mentor a skilled culinary team specializing in various Asian cuisines.
• Conduct ongoing coaching, performance evaluations, and skill‑building sessions to maintain a high‑performing kitchen brigade.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and organized kitchen environment.

Cost Management & Supplier Relations

• Oversee food cost control, waste reduction, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Work closely with procurement to source authentic, high‑quality Asian ingredients and establish reliable supplier relationships.
• Ensure alignment with budget parameters without compromising quality.

Guest Engagement & Brand Representation

• Interact with guests during special events, chef’s table experiences, and menu presentations.
• Collaborate with Marketing & F&B teams for promotions, signature events, and seasonal culinary campaigns.
• Represent the restaurant at culinary events, tastings, and media engagements when required.

What we need from you

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high‑end Pan Asian or fine dining environment.
• Expertise in multiple Asian cuisines (e.g., Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian).
• Proven success in managing large kitchen teams in luxury hotels or award‑winning standalone restaurants.
• Strong understanding of flavor profiles, traditional cooking techniques, and modern Asian culinary trends.
• Creative flair, excellent palate, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and kitchen safety regulations.

What you can expect from us

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

IHG gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We understand that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.

So, join us and you’ll become part of our ever‑growing global family.