Experienced cook wanted

Saigon Allee; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free staff meals and drinks on shift

Job summary

Saigon Allee Restaurant in Ballarat, VIC is seeking an experienced full-time Cook to join ourHands-on kitchen team delivering authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. You will prepare, season and plate dishes, manage stations, and uphold food safety standards in a busy setting.

The ideal candidate has a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and at least 3 years’ experience in a hands-on kitchen, with strong teamwork, communication and OH&S awareness.

Qualifications

• Must have Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and minimum 3 years in a commercial kitchen.
• Hands-on, team-focused cooking in Vietnamese cuisine preferred.
• Awareness of OH&S and food safety regulations.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as in a team.
• Able to work 6-day rotating roster including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and select fresh ingredients daily to ensure quality and safety.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes following established recipes and service standards.
• Operate grills, fryers, ovens, and kitchen equipment safely during peak hours.
• Season and cook to maintain consistent flavour and presentation across menu items.
• Plate and present dishes, including sauces, dressings and garnishes.
• Manage the entrée section and other stations to ensure timely service and minimise waste.
• Store food in temperature-controlled facilities and rotate stock (FIFO).
• Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergen-aware).
• Maintain a clean, compliant kitchen in line with food safety regulations.
• Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Work under pressure

OH&S awareness

Autonomy

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

We are looking for an experienced, full-time Cook to join our team at Saigon Allee Restaurant in Ballarat, VIC. This is a hands-on role where you will ensure the food offered is delivered to an exceptional standard. Saigon Allee Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Located in the Armstrong dining precinct, our restaurant brings together the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam with a modern twist, all within a stylish industrial setting.

Key responsibilities

Inspect and select fresh ingredients daily, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance with food safety standards.

Prepare and cook a variety of dishes in accordance with established recipes and service standards.

Operate and regulate temperatures of grills, fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment to ensure efficient and safe food preparation during peak service periods.

Season and cook food to maintain consistent flavour and presentation standards across all menu items.

Portion, plate, and present dishes, including the preparation of sauces, dressings, and garnishes.

Manage the entrée section and other stations as required, ensuring timely service and minimal wastage.

Store food in temperature-controlled facilities and monitor stock rotation (FIFO) to maintain freshness and reduce waste.

Prepare food to meet special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free, allergen-aware orders).

Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant kitchen in line with food safety and hygiene regulations.

Work collaboratively with the kitchen team and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and customer satisfaction.

About you

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or above in the relevant field.

Minimum 3 years of previous cooking experience in a commercial kitchen environment.

Experience working in a hands-on, team-focused Vietnamese-style kitchen.

Awareness of Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S).

Strong communication and organisational skills.

Ability to work autonomously as well as within a team.

Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Flexible availability over a 6-day rotating roster, including nights & weekends.

Creative and passionate about food and providing high standards to ensure food quality & taste.

Nice work-life balance.

Free staff meals and drinks whilst on shift.

Be part of a high-performing and supportive team environment.

About us

Saigon Allee Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant, and we pride ourselves on serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Located in the Armstrong dining precinct, our restaurant brings together the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam with a modern twist, all within a stylish industrial setting. We are always looking to deliver unique and appetising dishes.