Chef

Tadka Hut; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tadka Hut, Melbourne's Indian cuisine restaurant, seeks an experienced Chef to lead a busy kitchen, develop menus and ensure high standards of taste, presentation and hygiene. You will guide junior staff, coordinate operations and maintain quality across all dishes.

Ideal candidates have a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management or equivalent, and strong knowledge of Indian cooking methods, safety standards, and cost control in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (Commercial Cookery) or equivalent qualification.
• Experience as a Chef in a restaurant or commercial kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of Indian cuisine and traditional cooking methods.
• Experience in menu planning, food preparation, cooking and presentation.
• Sound understanding of food safety standards, kitchen hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations during busy service periods.
• Strong organisational, time-management and multitasking skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus in consultation with management, considering customer preferences and costs.
• Prepare, season and cook a variety of Indian dishes using traditional recipes and techniques.
• Monitor ingredient quality and ensure dishes meet standards of taste, freshness and presentation.
• Estimate food requirements, manage portions and help control costs and wastage.
• Prepare curries, tandoori dishes, sauces and marinades according to standards.
• Regulate cooking temperatures and monitor preparation processes for consistency.
• Inspect supplies to ensure freshness and suitability for use.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen activities to meet service times.
• Provide guidance and training to kitchen staff on techniques and hygiene.

Skills

Indian cuisine knowledge

Menu planning

Leadership skills

Food safety & hygiene

Time management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (Commercial Cookery)

Job description

Are you a skilled and passionate Chef with a flair for preparing delicious food and a commitment to maintaining high culinary standards?

Tadka Hut is seeking an experienced Chef to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional who enjoys preparing authentic Indian cuisine, developing quality dishes and contributing to the smooth operation of a busy commercial kitchen.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning menus, preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, monitoring food quality and ensuring consistent standards of taste, presentation and hygiene. The role requires strong culinary knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

About Us

Tadka Hut is a restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine, offering customers a variety of traditional and flavourful dishes prepared using quality ingredients and authentic cooking techniques.

We are committed to delivering a satisfying dining experience through freshly prepared meals, consistent food quality and excellent customer service.

Our kitchen prepares a range of Indian dishes, including traditional curries, tandoori specialities, vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, and other popular Indian delicacies.

At Tadka Hut, we value culinary expertise, teamwork, consistency and attention to detail. Our team works together to maintain high standards of food preparation, presentation, hygiene and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus in consultation with management, considering customer preferences, seasonal ingredients and food costs.
• Prepare, season and cook a variety of Indian dishes using traditional recipes and appropriate cooking techniques.
• Monitor the quality of ingredients and ensure dishes meet established standards of taste, freshness and presentation.
• Estimate food requirements, manage portion sizes and assist in controlling food costs and wastage.
• Prepare and cook curries, tandoori dishes, sauces, marinades and other menu items according to restaurant standards.
• Regulate cooking temperatures and monitor food preparation processes to ensure consistent quality.
• Inspect food supplies and ingredients to ensure freshness, quality and suitability for use.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen activities to ensure meals are prepared accurately and within required service times.
• Provide guidance and training to kitchen staff on food preparation techniques, cooking procedures and hygiene standards.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels and assist with ordering ingredients and kitchen supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, hygiene requirements and workplace health and safety procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of kitchen equipment, food preparation areas and storage facilities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (Commercial Cookery) or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Relevant experience working as a Chef in a restaurant or commercial kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of Indian cuisine, traditional cooking methods, spices and food preparation techniques is highly regarded.
• Experience in menu planning, food preparation, cooking and presentation.
• Sound understanding of food safety standards, kitchen hygiene and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations and maintain consistent food quality during busy service periods.
• Strong organisational, time-management and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a professional kitchen team.
• Good communication, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation and customer satisfaction.

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.