Korean Cuisine Chef in Croydon

Company: Daiu Korean BBQ & Chinese Hot Pot

Location: Croydon, Tokia Square CR0 1RE

Position: Korean Cuisine Chef (Chef de Partie Level, Full-Time)

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience and working hours

About Daiu Korean BBQ & Hot Pot:

Daiu offers an authentic and immersive Asian dining experience, specialising in the interactive and social delights of Korean BBQ and Chinese Hot Pot. We are looking for a skilled and passionate Korean Cuisine Chef to join our dedicated kitchen team and help deliver high-quality Korean dishes, BBQ preparation, sauces, side dishes, and hot kitchen items to our guests.

The Role:

We are seeking a talented and specialised chef to take full ownership of our Korean kitchen preparation and cooking section. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in authentic Korean cuisine, including Korean BBQ preparation, marinades, soups, stews, fried dishes, rice dishes, noodles, banchan, and sauces. You will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting Korean menu items to a consistently high standard, ensuring an authentic and enjoyable dining experience for our guests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Korean Section Management: Take full responsibility for the Korean section, including Korean BBQ preparation, hot dish cooking, sauces, and side dishes. Prepare, cook, and present all Korean dishes according to authentic recipes and the restaurant’s specifications. Ensure all mis-en-place for the Korean section is completed to a high standard and on time for service. Maintain impeccable organisation, cleanliness, and efficiency of your section.
• Culinary Execution: Demonstrate strong knife skills and preparation techniques for meat, seafood, vegetables, and Korean BBQ ingredients. Prepare a variety of Korean BBQ meats, including marinated beef, pork, chicken, and other speciality items. Prepare traditional Korean marinades, sauces, and seasonings, including gochujang-based sauces, soy marinades, ssamjang, garlic sauces, and dipping sauces. Cook and prepare traditional Korean hot dishes, including soups, stews, rice dishes, noodles, pancakes, fried chicken, and other popular Korean menu items. Prepare Korean side dishes and accompaniments, including kimchi, pickled vegetables, salads, and banchan items. Ensure every dish is perfect in taste, freshness, quality, and visual presentation.
• Quality & Safety: Uphold the highest standards of food hygiene and safety, especially regarding raw meat, seafood, marinades, and BBQ preparation. Follow all HACCP procedures specific to the Korean section, including strict temperature control, allergen control, and stock rotation. Manage inventory of fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, Korean sauces, spices, and specialised Korean ingredients. Store all products correctly and ensure your workstation complies with health and safety regulations. Hold a valid UK Food Hygiene Certificate (essential).

Person Specification:

• Proven experience as a Chef de Partie, Korean Cuisine Chef, Korean BBQ Chef, or specialised Korean Cook in a restaurant environment.
• Strong and demonstrable skills in all aspects of Korean food preparation.
• Essential: Strong knowledge of Korean BBQ preparation, meat cutting, marinating, seasoning, and presentation.
• Essential: Experience in preparing Korean hot dishes and a solid understanding of traditional Korean cooking techniques.
• Knowledge of how to prepare fundamental Korean sauces, marinades, soups, stews, and side dishes is a significant advantage.
• Understanding of food safety principles, with a specific focus on raw meat handling, allergen control, and BBQ preparation, and a valid UK Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under pressure during busy service periods.
• A reliable, hard-working, and positive team player who can integrate into a diverse kitchen team.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to follow instructions precisely.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive team environment.
• A competitive salary reflective of your experience and specialist skills.
• The opportunity to develop and strengthen the Korean cuisine section within an established and popular restaurant.