At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the kitchen team with prep and service while learning from experienced chefs.
- Company: BAO Shoreditch, a vibrant restaurant inspired by Taiwanese cuisine.
- Benefits: Up to 50% off food, rewards for living BAO values, and personalised development plans.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Kickstart your culinary career in a fun, supportive environment with great growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Some kitchen experience or a strong desire to learn and grow.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
BAO Shoreditch 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 tucked into East London’s creative hub, BAO Shoreditch takes its cue from the bustling beef noodle shops of Taiwan - reimagined with a playful, London twist. Upstairs, guests enjoy rich bowls of beef noodle soup, signature BAOs, and a menu full of bold Taiwanese flavours. Downstairs, there’s a bar and private KTV room, a unique space for late-night drinks, group dining, and the occasional singalong. It brings a fun, unexpected layer to the Shoreditch experience. Like every BAO restaurant, Shoreditch has its own identity - energetic, characterful, and rooted in great food and service.
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
The Benefits 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 fieldtrips.
Work‑Life Balance Rotas released two weeks in advance so you can plan ahead.
Milestones Perks to celebrate work anniversaries milestones.
Celebrations 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 carpark 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 bring humour and innovation; our detail challenges you to do your best.
Commis Chef employer: BAO
BAO Shoreditch is an exceptional employer for aspiring chefs, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of East London's creative scene. With a strong focus on employee growth, personalised development plans, and a culture that values teamwork and positivity, BAO ensures that every team member feels valued and inspired to excel in their culinary journey. Enjoy generous discounts, rewards for embodying BAO values, and a unique opportunity to learn from experienced chefs while contributing to a fun and energetic kitchen atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commis Chef
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Since you’re going for a trainee role in the hospitality-food-service sector, look for ways to gain practical experience. Volunteer at local events or pop-up restaurants. Not only does this give you a taste of the industry, but it’s a great way to meet people and show you’re passionate about getting your foot in the door.
✨Visit Local Dining Hotspots
Don’t be shy – visit local restaurants, cafes, and bars! Drop in, chat with staff, and express your interest in trainee positions. Many places look for motivated trainees who are eager to learn and might even hire from walk-ins. Plus, you'll get a feel for the atmosphere and see where you might fit best.
✨Connect with Hospitality Colleges
Reach out to hospitality schools or colleges in your area. They often have partnerships with local businesses and can help connect you with trainee opportunities. They might also host job fairs or industry events that can be great for networking and meeting potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you're ready to apply, make sure you do it through our website at BAO. We often list trainee opportunities exclusively there, and it's a great way to stand out. Plus, our team values direct applications, so you don’t want to miss out on a chance to impress us!
We think you need these skills to ace Commis Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service industry, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to showcase any previous service experience in your CV or cover letter, whether it's from part-time jobs, volunteering, or even school projects. Let your enthusiasm for making a positive dining experience really shine through!
Mention Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food safety, hygiene, or customer service training, make sure to include these in your application. Many employers in hospitality value this kind of training, so it gives you a leg up over others who might not have them. Even if you're just starting out, mentioning your commitment to learning about these areas can impress hiring managers.
Express Your Willingness to Learn:As a trainee, it's crucial to convey your eagerness to learn on the job. Use your cover letter to share why you're excited about starting a career in hospitality and how you look forward to gaining hands-on experience. Employers want to see that you're motivated and ready to dive into the fast-paced environment of food service!
Tailor Your Application to BAO:When you're preparing your application for BAO, make sure to mention why you're specifically interested in working there. Do some research about their values, unique offerings, or reputation. Personalising your application not only shows that you're genuinely interested but also helps you stand out in a pool of candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at BAO
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is king! During the interview for a Commis Chef at BAO, be ready to demonstrate your people skills. Think of examples where you've handled difficult customers or worked as part of a team to create a great dining experience.
✨Get Familiar with Food Safety Standards
Expect some technical questions around food safety or health regulations relevant to the hospitality food service industry. Brush up on basic food hygiene rules and be prepared to discuss how you'd handle a situation related to food safety at BAO.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, your willingness to learn is crucial! Make sure to communicate your passion for the hospitality industry and your eagerness to dive into every aspect of your role. Talk about your motivations and any relevant experiences that sparked your interest in food service.
✨Bring Your Best Ideas for Customer Engagement
Think about ways you could enhance the dining experience at BAO. Whether it’s a fun theme night or a creative cocktail suggestion, having fresh ideas ready can show that you're enthusiastic and ready to contribute to the team's success, even as a trainee!
