Hakka Chef

**Overview**

We are seeking an experienced and skilled **Hakka Chef** to join our team at Zauq, a vibrant South Asian restaurant renowned for blending traditional flavors with a contemporary twist. The Hakka Chef will be responsible for preparing and creating authentic Hakka-style dishes, contributing to the restaurant's diverse and dynamic menu that celebrates the fusion of South Asian and Hakka Chinese cuisine.

**Key Responsibilities**
- **Menu Development**: Design, plan, and execute a wide variety of Hakka Chinese dishes, including traditional and innovative options, in line with the restaurant's concept.
- **Food Preparation**: Prepare high-quality Hakka-style dishes such as chow mein, fried rice, manchurian, chili chicken, and other popular items with authentic flavor profiles.
- **Consistency & Quality Control**: Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portion control to ensure customer satisfaction at all times.
- **Ingredient Sourcing**: Work with the kitchen team to source and select fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that they meet the restaurant’s standards for authenticity and taste.
- **Kitchen Operations**: Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring that cooking techniques and processes align with safety and hygiene standards.
- **Staff Training**: Train and guide junior kitchen staff on Hakka cooking techniques, ingredients, and plating, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.
- **Collaboration**: Work closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to adjust the menu based on customer preferences, seasonal ingredients, and restaurant needs.
- **Special Dietary Needs**: Adapt dishes to accommodate customer preferences or dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- **Health & Safety Compliance**: Ensure compliance with all local food safety regulations and health standards, maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

**Required Qualifications**
- **Proven Experience**: At least 3-5 years of experience as a chef specializing in Hakka cuisine, preferably within a South Asian or Chinese fusion restaurant.
- **Culinary Training**: Formal culinary training from a recognized institution or equivalent experience in a Hakka-focused kitchen.
- **Strong Knowledge**: Deep understanding of Hakka-style cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavors.
- **Adaptability**: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
- **Leadership Skills**: Experience leading or managing kitchen teams, with the ability to train, motivate, and supervise staff effectively.
- **Creativity & Innovation**: Ability to create innovative dishes while respecting the traditional elements of Hakka cuisine.
- **Attention to Detail**: Excellent attention to detail, especially in food presentation and portion control.
- **Communication**: Strong communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with the kitchen and front-of-house staff.

**Preferred Qualifications**
- Experience in a South Asian fusion restaurant environment.
- Familiarity with various Asian and South Asian culinary techniques.

**Physical Demands**
- Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy kitchen equipment and supplies.
- Manual dexterity to handle kitchen tools and equipment.

**Benefits**
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-growing restaurant.
- Staff meals and discounts.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Health and Dental benefits

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $22.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 - 60 per week

Additional pay:

- Bonus pay
- Tips

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Vision care

Schedule:

- 12 hour shift
- Every Weekend
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- Do you have experience cooking Hakka dishes?
- How many years experience do you have with Hakka Cooking?

**Experience**:

- Cooking: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Food Handler Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2024-12-19