Wok Chef

JKS Restaurants; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lunch for 2 after probation

Up to 50% off dining across JKS

CODE App membership

Job summary

JKS Restaurants in Covent Garden is seeking an experienced Wok Chef to join an award-winning group renowned for Asian and Thai cuisine. You will create exceptional dishes, maintain high standards, and contribute to a memorable dining experience for guests.

Experience in fast-paced quality kitchens, adherence to SOPs and health and safety, and a passion for food and hospitality are essential. Ready to roll up your sleeves and help drive our kitchen forward.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Wok Chef in a fast-paced quality restaurant.
• Passion for Asian and/or Thai cuisine.
• Eagerness to roll up sleeves and get stuck in.

Responsibilities

• Create exceptional dishes and deliver an all-encapsulating guest experience.
• Adhere to standard operating procedures and Health & Safety guidelines.
• Work in a quality kitchen and contribute to the team’s success.

Skills

Wok Chef experience

Asian/Thai cuisine passion

Attention to detail

Team player

Job description

Experience - Previous experience as a Wok Chef within a quality restaurant

JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Wok Chef to join their kitchen in Covent Garden. The successful candidate will have a passion for Asian and/or Thai cuisine and have previous experience as a Wok Chef.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Wok Chef looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group

The Restaurant

Plaza Khao Gaeng celebrates Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cooking through the tradition of khao gaeng, broadly translated as “curry over rice”. Expect a kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes and fermented seasonings, alongside searingly hot stir-fries cooled with fresh herbs - all designed for mixing, matching and sharing.

In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng restaurants expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such spot in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema, where curries sit in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade and climb the stairs to the former box office. This is anytime comfort food: a pause from the heat, noise and movement of the street outside.

Our third Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Covent Garden in May, turning to Thailand’s deep south - the historic borderlands of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and beyond. Anchored by a large charcoal grill, the menu draws together smoke, spice and acidity in a generous, khao gaeng-style spread made for the table - our most Southern menu yet, inspired by rural kitchens.

The Position

We're looking for an experienced Wok Chef to join our kitchen team, creating exceptional dishes and delivering an all-encapsulating experience to our guests. You'll have experience working in a quality kitchen, adhering to standard operating and Health and Safety procedures. More importantly we are looking for people for as passionate about food and hospitality as we are!

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:

• Prior experience as a Wok Chef within a fast-paced quality, restaurant;
• Passion for Asian and/or Thai cuisine;
• Eagerness to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in;
• A creative approach with impeccable attention to detail;
• Passion for about food and hospitality, along with the eagerness to continually learn;
• The desire to develop your career within an ambitious and trend-setting restaurant group;

At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.

Award-Winning Workplace

• Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026

Dining & Hospitality

• Lunch for 2 after probation
• Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
• CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants
• Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
• 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
• 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
• Health, legal, money and debt support services available

Entertainment

• Up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
• Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK
• Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
• Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
• Company donations for your involvement with charities

Special Occasions & Recognition

• Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
• Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
• Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2026.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.