Cook (Indian Cuisine)

Talent connector Pty Ltd; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent role

Competitive salary AUD 80k-85k

Job summary

Simar & Gurdeep Pty Ltd in Cairns, Queensland, is seeking a skilled Cook specializing in Indian cuisine to join its kitchen team. The role involves preparing curries, biryanis, tandoori items and breads, while upholding quality, portion control and food safety standards.

Candidates should have 2–3 years in a commercial kitchen with Indian cooking experience; certificates in Commercial Cookery or a Diploma in Hospitality with cookery focus are preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have commercial kitchen experience with Indian cuisine.
• Experience with curries, gravies, tandoori dishes and breads.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and portion control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare curries, gravies, tandoori items, biryanis and naans per recipes.
• Manage curry/tandoor/appetizer sections during peak service hours.
• Ensure consistent taste, spice balance, presentation and portions; minimise waste.
• Plan and prepare daily menu and accommodate special requests.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene and assist with opening/closing duties; support junior staff.
• Work efficiently under pressure to deliver meals on time.

Skills

Commercial Cookery

Tandoor cooking

Curries

Food safety

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Diploma in Hospitality (cookery)

Job description

Talent connector Pty Ltd – Cairns City QLD

Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Job Description

Company: Simar & Gurdeep Pty Ltd Position: Cook (Indian Cuisine) Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Shop 3, Ground Floor, Earl Village, 508 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870 Salary: AUD $80,000 – $85,000 per annum, excluding superannuation

About the Role

Our Client, Simar & Gurdeep Pty Ltd, operating an Indian restaurant in Cairns, Queensland, is seeking a skilled and reliable Cook (Indian Cuisine) to join its kitchen team. The successful applicant will be responsible for preparing authentic Indian dishes, including curries, biryanis, tandoori items and traditional breads, while maintaining consistent food quality, portion control and kitchen hygiene standards. The role requires practical experience in Indian cooking, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and the capacity to manage kitchen duties efficiently during busy service periods.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Preparing and cooking authentic Indian curries, base gravies, tandoori items, biryanis and traditional breads such as naan and roti according to established recipes. Preparing dishes independently and ensuring food is cooked and presented to the required standard.

Managing the curry, tandoor or appetizer section with minimal supervision, particularly during peak service hours. Maintaining consistency in taste, spice balance, presentation and portion sizes while minimising food waste. Monitoring ingredient levels, rotating stock appropriately and assisting with ordering and receiving kitchen supplies.

Applying traditional Indian cooking techniques, including spice preparation, marination, tandoor operation and batch cooking. Planning and preparing the daily menu and ensuring dishes are prepared according to customer orders, including special requests. Ensuring ingredients are stored correctly and food is handled in accordance with applicable food safety requirements.

Maintaining personal hygiene and ensuring kitchen stations, cooking equipment and preparation areas are cleaned regularly. Assisting with kitchen opening and closing duties and ensuring the work area is organised and ready for service. Supporting junior kitchen staff and coordinating with other kitchen team members and front-of-house staff when required.

Working efficiently under pressure to ensure timely preparation and service of meals.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

Certificate III or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, or an equivalent qualification. A Diploma in Hospitality with a cookery specialisation may also be considered. A minimum of 2–3 years of commercial kitchen experience, preferably specialising in Indian cuisine, curries and/or tandoor cooking.

Practical knowledge of traditional Indian spices, seasoning, marination techniques and authentic Indian cooking methods. Experience preparing curries, base gravies, biryanis, tandoori dishes and Indian breads. Practical knowledge of clay-oven (tandoor) operation and batch cooking techniques.

Ability to prepare dishes independently and maintain consistent taste, quality and portion sizes. Knowledge of stock rotation, ingredient storage, portion control and minimising food wastage. Understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene and safe food-handling procedures.

Strong time-management and organisational skills. Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced restaurant environment. Reliability, attention to detail and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a kitchen team.

What We Offer

Full-time, permanent employment.

Salary of AUD $80,000 – $85,000 per annum, excluding superannuation. An opportunity to work in an Indian restaurant specialising in authentic Indian cuisine. A professional kitchen environment where cooking expertise and consistency are valued.