At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior chefs, prep dishes, and maintain kitchen cleanliness in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: BAO Borough, a vibrant restaurant inspired by Asian culture and culinary innovation.
- Benefits: Up to 50% off food, personalised development plans, and rewards for living BAO values.
- Other info: Enjoy a warm, inclusive atmosphere with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a supportive team with opportunities to learn and grow.
- Qualifications: Some kitchen experience or a strong desire to learn; great team player.
The predicted salary is between 25740 - 31460 £ per year.
BAO Borough is looking for a Commis Chef to join the kitchen team and start building the foundations of a great kitchen career. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone at the beginning of their culinary journey - someone who’s eager to learn, loves working in a team, and takes pride in doing things properly.
The Restaurant is located at the edge of Borough Market. BAO serves innovative Asian dishes in an informal, fast-paced environment. BAO Borough has a Yakitori grill, grab & go hatch, and Karaoke room. Bao's goal is to create restaurants that offer a different experience to each other, inspired by our founder's upbringing and travels around Asia. Each restaurant within the group has a unique menu and a different story.
The Position: At BAO, we care about the details - from how we prep to how we plate every dish. As a Commis Chef, you’ll work closely with senior chefs to learn your section, build confidence, and deliver consistently high standards during service. We’ll give you the structure, support, and feedback you need to grow - and in return, we’re looking for someone who’s committed, curious, and shows up with a great attitude every day.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting your section with prep and service
- Following recipes and guidance from senior chefs with care and attention
- Working cleanly and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen
- Learning new skills and asking questions to keep improving
- Helping to maintain food safety and cleanliness standards
- Contributing to a positive and well-organised kitchen environment
What we’re looking for:
- Some kitchen experience or a strong desire to learn and grow as a chef
- A great team player who communicates clearly and asks for help when needed
- Supportive and kind - someone who wants to grow with others, not compete with them
- Focused, reliable, and proud of doing things properly
- A positive attitude and willingness to take on feedback
We want working at BAO to feel like stepping into a warm, fluffy bao - soft, supportive, and full of good stuff. Here's what you'll get as part of the team:
- Up to 50% off food and drink across all BAO restaurants and discounts across friends in the industry
- Access to curated wine and meat suppliers at trade prices
Rewards & Recognition:
- BAOcoin - earn rewards for living BAO values, then spend them in the BAOshop
- BAO Pyramid Scheme - earn up to £500 for referring someone to join the team
Growth & Development:
- Personalised development plans tailored to your goals
- Access to School of BAO, a series of talks, workshops and field trips
Work-Life Balance:
- Rotas released two weeks in advance so you can plan ahead
Milestones:
- Perks to celebrate work anniversaries milestones
The Group: BAO quite literally means steamed bun. But BAO means so much more than that, a cult brand with a cult following that aims to inspire with design through food. Founded in 2013 by family trio, Erchen Chang, Shing Tat Chung and Wai Ting Chung in a car park in East London to now spanning 7 restaurants across London, where each has its own story of Taiwanese Culture with unique experience, narrative and menu.
At BAO we seek people who warm our souls through cooking and hospitality. We strive to cultivate an environment where our design is inspiring, where our unconventional way of thinking brings humour and innovation; our detail challenges you to do your best.
Commis Chef employer: BAO London
BAO Shoreditch is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, perfect for those looking to advance their culinary careers. With a focus on personal development through tailored plans and access to the School of BAO, employees enjoy a balanced work-life schedule, generous perks, and a fun atmosphere that celebrates creativity and teamwork. Located in the heart of East London's creative hub, BAO offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering outstanding food and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like BAO London. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to BAO London
Don't be shy about reaching out to BAO London directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about BAO London and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAO London
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
