Line Cook

Theuniversityunion; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free shift meals

Employee discount on merch

Cash advance program

Annual staff trip to India

Job summary

Chai Pani in Washington, DC is seeking a Line Cook to bring bold flavors to life with consistent prep and plating in a fast-paced kitchen. You will work with a James Beard Award–winning team, upholding high standards and contributing to a culture of care and excellence.

You will join a kitchen that values growth, mentorship, and collaboration, with flexible opportunities and a focus on delivering joyful, homestyle Indian street food to guests.

Qualifications

• Growth mindset and a culture of excellence.
• Team-first attitude and a drive to go above and beyond for guests and coworkers.
• Attention to detail and respect for systems.
• Love of learning and willingness to contribute to a culture of feedback.

Responsibilities

• Line cook responsibilities from prep to plating with consistency and care.
• Work in a fast-paced, high-energy kitchen ensuring timely service.
• Collaborate with BOH and FOH teams to deliver meals that bring joy and home feeling.

Skills

Growth mindset

Team-first

Attention to detail

Learning mindset

Job description

• Location 1325 5th St NE,Suite A,Washington, DC, 20002,United States
• Base Pay $25.00 / Hour
• Job Category Chai Pani D.C., Department - BOH
• Employee Type Full & Part-Time

Description

About Chai Pani

Chai Pani sparked a revolution. Named the 2022 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant in America, we’re on a mission to change the perception of Indian cuisine in America. From the pages of The New York Times to Oprah’s Favorite Things, our groundbreaking approach has captured the nation's imagination and its appetite.

"Chai Pani" means tea and water. It’s shorthand for a humble offering of hospitality. For us, it’s about mind-blasting street food and heartfelt service. We’re building connections, honoring tradition, and serving the world through food, love, and care.

Ready to join a team that’s changing the culinary landscape? If you have a passion for extraordinary service and bold flavors, we want you on this journey with us.

Position Summary: As a Line Cook at Chai Pani, you’ll bring bold flavors to life with consistency, care, and creativity. You’ll work in a fast-paced, high-energy kitchen where every movement matters, from precise prep to final plating. You’ll take pride in your station, hold yourself to high standards, and collaborate with a team that values growth, feedback, and excellence. Most importantly, you’ll help deliver food that brings people joy and makes them feel at home.

What we this role offers:

• The chance to work with a James Beard Award–winning restaurant group and Chef
• Flexibility, camaraderie, and a culture where your voice matters
• Growth, mentorship, and a community that values excellence and care
• Exposure to a vibrant and distinct Indian street food story and menu

What you offer:

• A growth mindset, and a commitment to upholding a culture of excellence, love and care
• A team-first attitude and a drive to go above and beyond for guests and coworkers alike
• Attention to detail and respect for systems
• A love of learning and willingness to contribute to a culture of feedback in the pursuit of excellence

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while overseeing service, events, and daily operations.
• Ability to move frequently throughout the restaurant, including FOH, BOH, and non-public areas, as operational needs require.
• Ability to bend, reach, squat, kneel, and climb stairs as necessary to support operational oversight.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis (e.g., assisting with supplies, equipment, or event setup).
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-energy environments that may not be climate-controlled, including kitchens and event spaces.
• Exposure to hot equipment and products such as ovens, grills, fryers, and hot holding equipment.
• Ability to work variable schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
• Ability to maintain focus and sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to safely navigate environments with commercial cleaning chemicals and equipment while following established safety procedures.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, dependent care FSA, and supplemental life insurance (full-time team members)
• Company paid life insurance (full and part-time team members)
• Free shift meals
• Employee discount on merch, Spicewalla products, and all of our other restaurant locations in Asheville, Charlotte & Atlanta
• Cash advance program
• Opportunity to apply to annual staff trip to India after 1 year of employment

Our Mission
Giving back is at the heart of Chai Pani's mission. We make a difference when and where we can — from supporting educational programs in Mumbai, to feeding the homeless with dignity, and within our own walls by offering competitive pay, flexible schedules, and benefits that support work-life harmony.

Join our team and help us build something truly special in D.C.!