At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Sous Chef and create delicious Bombay-inspired dishes.
- Company: Dishoom, a celebrated restaurant group with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, competitive salary, wellness support, and fun team events.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development, plus a chance to visit Bombay!
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company that gives back to the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy kitchens and a passion for cooking and learning.
We are proud to be recognised as one of the best places to work in Hospitality. Looking after people is at the core of what we do and we work hard to make life at Dishoom the best it can be. Since 2010, our restaurants have celebrated the Irani cafes and all of the food and drink of Bombay. Plus, we have a range of kitchens to ensure our guests can enjoy our food at home!
Alongside running busy sites with large teams, we also believe in doing more. Each year, we pledge to plant a tree for every Dishoom-walle, continue to break down barriers through our cultural events, and support children through our Meal for a Meal initiative. As of this year, we have donated 30 million meals (and counting) to children in the UK and India, with every Dishoomwalle contributing 55 meals per shift to this cause.
How we’ll support you:
- Financial: Free weekly wage advances and emergency cash. Access to our savings support & financial health planning tool. £100 monthly to spend when dining in Dishoom each month. Post this £100, 50% during the day, and 25% in the evening for you and up to 5 people. Access to our Healthcare cash plan. Enhanced family leave and pay, plus specific Dishoom-walle benefits for those growing little families.
- Mental & Physical: All Babus (Managers) are fully trained in mental health support & First Aid. Dedicated support from our confidential advice helpline - available to you or someone in your household – 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. On demand GP appointments, free counselling sessions and life coaching through our wellness app. Free fitness sessions every month (including yoga and spin classes). Calling all sports fans, we have our very own Dishoom Premier League (an in-house cricket tournament) where you get to compete with your team at Lord's, and an annual Dishoom Football league that runs across our cafés and Permit Room teams.
- Socials: We’re a growing company and love nothing more than bringing our teams (and families) together to celebrate everyone’s hard work across the year. You’ll be invited to our Family Mela (Family summer festival), Huge Christmas celebration, and regular team events across our cafes. Team members who work at Dishoom for 5 years are invited to attend Bombay Bootcamp – an educational trip to Bombay to learn about our unique food, culture and heritage.
What to expect:
- Free team meals every shift, plus all the Chai you can drink!
- £45,000 per year. We pay on a monthly basis.
- A full-time role working across 5 days, Monday - Sunday availability required.
- A weekly changing rota provided at least 6 days in advance.
- We’re an all day-dining Cafe meaning our teams work a variety of daytime and evening shifts (not the usual always late nights!).
- Access to our award-winning training programmes and support. We focus on your development from day one and proudly promoted 326 Dishoom-walles last year!
- The usual number of days holiday a year - paid for at your usual rate. Our sites are closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and if you have children, we’ll provide one extra day to take them to their first day at school.
- We’ll provide the Chef whites - Kitchen safety shoes required!
Have you got Seva?
In Dishoom, we see every team member as valuable and important to ensuring the all-around brilliant experience for our guests. As a Sous Chef:
- You love to cook and learn new skills; eager to immerse yourself into our Bombay food and culture.
- You’ve worked in a busy environment for the past few years and want to find an opportunity that demands your first-class ability.
- You’re a growing leader and your willingness to learn more and develop is what will set you apart.
- You are ready to be the Head Chef's right arm; supporting all aspects of the kitchen operation to ensure food quality and delivery exceeds our guests’ expectation.
- You have a growing stock knowledge and have had exposure to some systems, but intrigued to learn new ones and ways of working.
- You are a real team player, always looking out for your team and leading by example.
- You want to be part of a company that can help you thrive and grow, but above all, enable you to achieve what’s important to you and your happiness.
At Dishoom - everyone is welcome. We are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workplace and strongly encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply for roles with us.
Sous Chef employer: Dishoom
Dishoom is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong emphasis on employee development and comprehensive training, we ensure that every team member feels valued and supported. Enjoy great perks like free meals while being part of a dynamic café team that thrives on energy and curiosity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous 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 Dishoom. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Dishoom
Don't be shy about reaching out to Dishoom 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 Sous 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 Dishoom 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 Dishoom
✨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!
