CHINA STAR

Second Chef – Chinese Cuisine
China Star | Edinburgh City CentreFull-time | Permanent
About China Star
China Star is a long-established, independent family-run Chinese restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh. After more than 30 years in the city, we are now entering a new chapter.
We are currently transforming and upgrading China Star into a modern Chinese casual dining restaurant — improving our menu, food quality, presentation, service and overall dining experience, while staying true to authentic Chinese flavours and cooking.
As part of this transformation, we are building a stronger and more professional kitchen team and are looking for an experienced Second Chef to work closely with our Head Chef and become an important part of the restaurant’s next stage.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced, reliable and hands-on Second Chef with a strong background in Chinese cuisine.
You will work closely with the Head Chef to support the day-to-day running of the kitchen, maintain consistent food quality and ensure smooth and efficient service.
We are particularly interested in chefs with experience in Cantonese, Hong Kong-style, Malaysian Chinese or other high-quality Chinese restaurant kitchens.
Strong wok skills would be a significant advantage.
This position would suit someone who is already an experienced Chinese chef and wants to take on greater responsibility within a restaurant that is developing and modernising.
Key Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>Prepare and cook Chinese dishes to a consistently high standard</li>
<li>Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen</li>
<li>Take responsibility for your section during busy lunch and dinner services</li>
<li>Carry out food preparation and mise en place efficiently</li>
<li>Maintain consistency in flavour, portion size and presentation</li>
<li>Work confidently with a wok where required</li>
<li>Help ensure smooth kitchen operations during service</li>
<li>Support the Head Chef in maintaining and improving existing dishes</li>
<li>Contribute ideas to menu development where appropriate</li>
<li>Assist with stock control, ordering and receiving deliveries</li>
<li>Help monitor portion control and minimise food waste</li>
<li>Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen safety</li>
<li>Support and guide junior members of the kitchen team</li>
<li>Communicate effectively with the Head Chef, management and front-of-house team</li>
<li>Step up and take additional responsibility when the Head Chef is unavailable</li>
</ul>
What We’re Looking For
<ul>
<li>Previous professional experience working in a Chinese restaurant kitchen</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques</li>
<li>Experience in Cantonese, Hong Kong-style or Malaysian Chinese cuisine is particularly welcome</li>
<li>Good wok skills are highly desirable</li>
<li>Able to work independently and maintain standards during busy services</li>
<li>Good organisation and time-management skills</li>
<li>Reliable, responsible and punctual</li>
<li>Able to work well as part of a team</li>
<li>Willing to learn and adapt as the restaurant and menu develop</li>
<li>Able to communicate in English for day-to-day restaurant operations</li>
<li>Basic spoken Chinese would be highly advantageous for communication with our existing kitchen team</li>
<li>Available to work evenings and weekends</li>
<li>Must already have the legal right to work in the UK</li>
</ul>
Opportunity to Progress
China Star is currently building a new kitchen and management structure as part of the restaurant’s transformation.
For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to take on greater responsibility and progress within the kitchen team as the restaurant develops.
We value people who are dependable, take pride in their work and want to contribute to the long-term success of the restaurant.
What We Offer
<ul>
<li>Competitive salary depending on experience</li>
<li>Full-time, permanent position</li>
<li>Staff meals during working shifts</li>
<li>Stable employment with a long-established Edinburgh restaurant</li>
<li>Opportunity to work closely with an experienced kitchen team</li>
<li>Opportunity to contribute ideas as we develop and modernise our menu</li>
<li>Potential for increased responsibility and career progression</li>
<li>A chance to be part of the next stage of China Star’s development</li>
</ul>
Location
China StarEdinburgh City Centre
How to Apply
Please apply with your CV or a short introduction telling us:
<ul>
<li>Your current or most recent position</li>
<li>Your previous Chinese kitchen experience</li>
<li>The styles of Chinese cuisine you have worked with</li>
<li>Your wok experience</li>
<li>Your current availability</li>
<li>Your current right-to-work status in the UK</li>
</ul>
Suitable candidates may be invited for an informal conversation followed by a paid trial shift.
Pay: From £13.35 per hour
Expected hours: 50.0 per week
Benefits:
<ul>
<li>Company pension</li>
<li>Discounted or free food</li>
<li>Employee discount</li>
<li>Store discount</li>
</ul>
Work Location: In person

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