Chef

About the Company

Punjabi Dera is an authentic Subcontinent (Punjabi/Desi) restaurant focused on traditional flavours and high-quality service. With growing customer demand and expanding kitchen operations, we are seeking a dedicated full-time Chef to support consistent food quality, efficient service, and ongoing menu development.

This position suits a motivated chef who can deliver authentic Desi/Subcontinent cuisine in a busy restaurant environment and contribute to a high-performing kitchen team.

Location: North Hobart, TAS, Australia

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $75,000 – $80,000 per annum + superannuation

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Plan, develop and update menus in line with customer demand, seasonal availability, and Punjabi/Desi cuisine standards.
2. Calculate and monitor recipe costs, estimate food and labour requirements, and support efficient kitchen rostering through accurate workload planning.
3. Order ingredients and kitchen supplies, check deliveries, manage stock rotation, and minimise wastage through portion control and safe storage practices.
4. Prepare and cook a wide range of authentic Subcontinent dishes, ensuring the food is consistent in preparation, cooking, and presentation.
5. Maintain high standards of taste, texture, portioning and presentation through routine quality checks during preparation and service.
6. Coordinate kitchen workflow and communicate effectively with management and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and timely order delivery.
7. Demonstrate cooking techniques and guide kitchen staff on recipes, preparation methods, and correct use of equipment.
8. Enforce workplace food safety and hygiene procedures, including cleaning schedules, safe food handling, and temperature/storage controls.
9. Support selection, onboarding and training of kitchen staff as required, helping to build capability and maintain consistent kitchen standards.
10. Prepare and store food items appropriately (including chilling/freezing where required) to maintain quality, safety and service readiness.

Requirements:

1. Minimum 1–2 years’ experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen environment or a similar role.
2. Demonstrable hands-on experience preparing authentic Desi/Subcontinent cuisine (Punjabi/Pakistani-style cooking experience strongly preferred).
3. Diploma in Hospitality Management (or equivalent qualification).
4. Proven ability to work with menu planning, costing awareness, stock control and quality assurance in a restaurant setting.
5. Strong understanding of kitchen hygiene and safe food handling practices, with the ability to implement and maintain compliance standards.
6. Ability to work a flexible roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays as required by restaurant operations.
7. Clear communication skills, a team-oriented attitude, and the ability to work efficiently under service pressure.

Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents are preferred.

If this opportunity aligns with your skills and aspirations, please submit your application using the platform provided on this website. Please note that, due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected for shortlisting will be contacted.

Why Join Us?

1. Competitive salary package plus superannuation.
2. Opportunity to work with authentic Subcontinent flavours and traditional cooking styles.
3. Stable, full-time position within a growing restaurant operation.
4. Supportive team environment with opportunities to broaden skills and responsibilities.
5. A workplace that values quality, consistency, and customer experience.

Employer Questions

1. Do you have at least 1–2 years’ experience working as a Chef in a commercial kitchen or a similar role?
2. Do you hold a Diploma in Hospitality Management (or an equivalent qualification)?
3. Do you have demonstrable experience cooking Punjabi/Desi/Subcontinent cuisine in a restaurant setting?
4. Are you available to work full-time, including evenings and weekends as required?
5. Do you have strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards in a commercial kitchen?
6. Do you have full-time working rights to work in Australia?