Indian Cuisine Chef

Job Summary

Work collaboratively with the Head of Catering to design and implement diverse, nutritious, and culturally inclusive menus with a focus on Indian cuisine. Lead the preparation and production of high-volume meals in a school cafeteria environment while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and presentation.

Responsibilities

Menu Planning & Development

• Contribute authentic Indian dishes across various regional styles (North Indian, South Indian, etc.) suitable for children and staff.
• Adapt traditional recipes for health-conscious diets (low-fat, low-sodium, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).
• Collaborate with nutritionists to ensure balanced, allergy-safe, and kid-friendly options.

Food Production & Cooking

• Prepare and cook a variety of Indian meals (curries, dals, rice dishes, flatbreads, snacks, desserts) from scratch, using bulk production methods suitable for large school settings.
• Oversee mise en place, batch cooking, and efficient station setup to ensure consistent quality and timely meal service.
• Innovate recipes using seasonal and locally available ingredients.

Kitchen Management & Teamwork

• Work under the direction of the Head of Catering to manage daily kitchen operations related to Indian food service.
• Supervise and train junior staff in the preparation and handling of Indian food, including use of tandoor ovens, spice blending, and plating techniques.
• Ensure all kitchen practices align with food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP compliance).

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor ingredient inventory, prepare requisitions, and reduce food waste through proper portioning and repurposing.
• Maintain cost-effective cooking while ensuring high flavor and satisfaction.

Cultural Engagement & Events

• Participate in special events, international food days, and cultural festivals by preparing themed menus that celebrate Indian cuisine.
• Support communication with school community to promote awareness and appreciation of Indian food culture.

Additional Responsibilities

• Be familiar with NIST child safeguarding policy
• Be aware of abuse risks to children
• Abide by the NIST Code of Conduct
• Be vigilant
• Prevent abuse/protect children
• Report concerns (mandatory duty)
• Challenge poor practice / promote good practice

Knowledge Requirements

• Proven experience as an Indian chef in a professional kitchen, preferably in a school, cafeteria, or high-volume catering environment.
• Deep knowledge of Indian culinary traditions, spices, ingredients, and techniques.
• Ability to scale recipes for large groups while maintaining flavor integrity and visual appeal.
• Strong understanding of dietary restrictions and allergen-safe cooking.
• Thai Food Handlers Certificate or equivalent (preferred).
• Ability to communicate in English and Thai in a professional setting.

Other Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• A genuine passion for creating high-quality, nutritious food tailored for a school environment.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in preparing Indian cuisine, including both North and South Indian specialties.
• Strong understanding of dietary needs, food allergens, and child-friendly food options.
• Proven ability to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety practices at all times (HACCP knowledge preferred).
• Excellent time management skills and ability to produce high volumes of food under time constraints.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural kitchen team.
• Adaptable to evolving menu requirements and willing to receive ongoing feedback from both catering management and the school community.
• Creativity in developing vegan, gluten-free, and health-conscious Indian dishes.
• Willingness to participate in professional development opportunities and culinary training workshops when required.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending a letter of application, a full resume indicating qualifications and experience, and a recent photograph to the recruitment team at [email protected].

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.