Ship Cook / Assistant Chef – Indian Meals for Passenger Crew

Mashreq Bank; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime recruitment firm is seeking a Ship Cook / Assistant Chef to prepare authentic Indian meals for onboard crews. Candidates should have a diploma in Culinary Arts and at least 2 years of experience, especially in maritime environments. This role involves meal preparation, kitchen management, and adherence to safety standards, offering competitive benefits and a chance for international travel.

Benefits

Competitive monthly salary

Free meals and accommodation

Travel allowances and insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in cooking for large groups.
• Experience on cruise or passenger ships preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals for passengers and crew focusing on Indian cuisine.
• Maintain cleanliness in the kitchen following maritime food safety.
• Coordinate with supply officers for inventory management.

Skills

Proficiency in preparing Indian meals

Excellent knife skills

Inventory control skills

Strong time management

Knowledge of allergens and food restrictions

Education

Diploma or certification in Culinary Arts

Job description

Job Summary:

Houston Skilled Consultancy is seeking a passionate and experienced Ship Cook / Assistant Chef to prepare high-quality, authentic Indian meals for the onboard passenger crew of international ships. This is a unique opportunity to combine culinary skills with the adventure of working at sea. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of traditional Indian cuisines, meal planning, and food safety standards in a maritime environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare daily meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks focused on North and South Indian cuisine.

• Ensure timely and hygienic food preparation for crew and passengers in accordance with dietary and nutritional guidelines.

• Assist the Head Chef in planning menus and managing inventory based on voyage length and crew preferences.

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the galley/kitchen area as per international maritime food safety protocols.

• Coordinate with supply officers to procure, store, and monitor perishable and non-perishable items.

• Support in managing kitchen staff and train junior cooks when required.

• Follow proper waste disposal methods and minimize food wastage onboard.

• Adapt menus as per special dietary requests (vegetarian, Jain, diabetic, etc.).

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Diploma or certification in Culinary Arts, Hotel Management, or related field.

• Specialization or significant experience in Indian cuisine (veg and non-veg).

• Knowledge of maritime food preparation, hygiene, and safety regulations is an advantage.

• Good communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to work in confined spaces for extended periods.

• Basic understanding of English or Hindi for communication onboard.

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Cook or Assistant Chef in hotels, restaurants, or cruise/passenger ships.

• Experience cooking for large groups or in industrial kitchens preferred.

• Maritime or shipboard culinary experience will be considered a strong advantage.

Working Hours:

• 8 to 10 hours per day in shifts, depending on voyage and crew needs.

• Rotational schedule based on ship deployment (example: 4 months on, 1 month off).

• Must be flexible to work on weekends and holidays as per ship schedule.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in preparing Indian meals: curries, breads, snacks, rice dishes, lentils, and sweets.

• Excellent knife skills and ability to work under pressure.

• Inventory control and portion management skills.

• Strong time management and multitasking abilities.

• Knowledge of allergens and food restrictions.

• Familiarity with kitchen equipment used on ships.

Benefits:

• Competitive monthly salary with overtime provisions.

• Free meals and accommodation on board.

• Travel allowances and insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for global travel and tax-free income.

• Professional growth in an international marine hospitality environment.

• Certification support and training for maritime compliance.

Why Join Houston Skilled Consultancy:

At Houston Skilled Consultancy, we bridge the gap between talent and opportunity across the global maritime sector. We value skilled professionals who are passionate about delivering excellence—even at sea. Join us to work with international cruise and passenger lines, gain international exposure, and enjoy a rewarding culinary career on board.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send their updated CV, copies of culinary/hospitality certifications, and a recent passport-sized photo to uswith the subject line: Application for Ship Cook – Indian Cuisine.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening followed by a virtual or in-person cooking test.