Cook (Indian Cuisine)

Job DescriptionPosition Title: Cook (Indian Cuisine)Employer: Kesari Indian Kitchen ClaytonSalary: $79,500 + Superannuation per annumEmployment Type: Full-TimeLocation: 333A Clayton Road, Clayton VIC 3168About Kesari Indian Kitchen Clayton
Nestled in the heart of Clayton at 333A Clayton Road, Kesari Indian Kitchen Clayton is a boutique-style multi-cuisine Indian restaurant known for its cozy, natural environment and stylish, elegant ambiance. Part of a trusted Victorian brand with over a decade of culinary excellence, Kesari Clayton caters to local residents, families, and businesses with an extensive menu featuring up to 170 authentic dishes.Our culinary offerings span vibrant street-style starters (“Let’s Chaat”), sizzling tandoori platters, fragrant biryanis, comforting vegetarian specialties, rich signature curries (including our beloved Butter Chicken), and handcrafted desserts like our curated Kulfi Falooda. We pride ourselves on delivering freshly cooked, high-quality meals across dine-in, takeaway, delivery, and event catering services.Role Overview
We are seeking a qualified, passionate, and experienced Cook (Indian Cuisine) to join our fast-paced kitchen team. Working with top-quality ingredients and time-honored recipes, you will play a central role in preparing our signature dishes, maintaining exceptional flavor consistency, and elevating our dynamic Indian menu.Key ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities

• Culinary Preparation & Cooking: Prepare, season, and cook authentic Indian dishes across multiple kitchen stations (Curry, Tandoor, Chaat, and Desserts), adhering strictly to Kesari’s standardized recipes and signature presentation styles.
• Menu Development & Costing: Collaborate with kitchen management to develop new seasonal Indian specials and optimize existing recipes, while assisting with menu planning, portion control, and estimating food and labor costs.
• Food Quality & Presentation: Monitor dish quality, taste consistency, temperature, and visual presentation to ensure every order meets premium restaurant standards.
• Kitchen Operations & Inventory: Manage kitchen inventory, order raw ingredients and kitchen supplies, ensure correct stock rotation (FIFO), and store food products in temperature-controlled facilities.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Train, mentor, and supervise junior cooks and kitchenhands in correct food prep methods, knife skills, equipment operation, and food safety practices.
• Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance with Australian Food Safety Standards, kitchen hygiene protocols, and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.
• Service Coordination: Coordinate seamlessly with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth, efficient order flow during peak dining trade, takeaway, and catering operations.

Skill & ExperienceSelection Criteria & Requirements

• Qualifications: Hold an AQF Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent/higher qualification, such as a Diploma of Hospitality Management).
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of full-time, post-qualification experience working as a Cook in a fast-paced, high-volume Indian restaurant environment.
• Culinary Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge and hands-on skill in traditional Indian cooking techniques, including tandoor operation, curry bases, spice blending, street chaats, and Indian desserts.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and a strong track record of teamwork in busy kitchen environments.
• Adaptability: Ability to multitask, manage stress during peak service hours, follow instructions, and work flexible shifts (including evenings, weekends, and public holidays).

How to Apply
If you are an energetic and dedicated Cook looking to advance your career with a premier Indian dining brand in Melbourne, we want to hear from you!Please submit your application with your Updated Resume & Cover letter via online application.Note: Visa Sponsorship Available for Eligible CandidatesOnly shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview and trade test.