At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep the kitchen clean and organised while supporting chefs with prep tasks.
- Company: Join Jikoni, a purpose-led restaurant celebrating multicultural culinary traditions.
- Benefits: Enjoy team meals, discounts, 28 days holiday, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and unique training experiences.
- Why this job: Be part of a new kitchen team and grow your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for hospitality and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Founded in 2016 in Marylebone, Jikoni is a purpose‑led restaurant and community‑focused business founded on the belief that the purpose of a restaurant is to restore. We create warmth, generosity, and kindness through hospitality that transforms how people feel, drawing on multicultural culinary traditions and the wisdom of the maternal kitchen. Our approach, “Cooking Without Borders,” celebrates diversity by sharing flavours, stories, and techniques from Asia, the Far East, India, the Middle East, and East Africa, bringing the nourishing, selfless essence of home‑cooked meals to every guest.
Since our founding, Jikoni has grown steadily and has now opened a new all‑day café and restaurant project with the new V&A East Museum in Stratford's Olympic Park. We are poised to expand to another vibrant new restaurant in Bloomsbury late 2026. These expansions will serve as the foundation for the Jikoni Group.
What we're looking for
We’re seeking talented and passionate Kitchen Porters to join our team. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Executive Chef and BOH team, playing an important part as a foundational member of our new kitchen team (opening April 2026). This is a hands‑on role where you’ll support the development of a new restaurant, continue to learn and grow in a dynamic environment and contribute positively to a growing team by exemplifying our company values: Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
Emotional Skillset: You embody the qualities that define great hospitality: Kindness, Optimism, Self‑Awareness, Curiosity, Integrity, and Empathy.
Values Alignment: You share our family values of Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
Leadership & Ambition: A desire and drive to build and shape new channels of the business, contribute to a positive and supportive culture and build a career with us.
Culinary Curiosity: A deep curiosity for our style of maternal cooking and immigrant cuisine and global flavours.
Key responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen, including washing dishes, utensils, cookware, and ensuring all work surfaces and storage areas meet hygiene and food safety standards.
- Support the chefs and kitchen team with basic preparation tasks, stock rotation, waste disposal, and ensuring equipment is clean, sanitised, and ready for service.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness, and organisation in line with health & safety regulations.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Support the opening and development of a new kitchen, helping establish best practices and ways of working.
What we offer
- Career Progression: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic and progressive company and working directly with senior management and directors to grow your leadership, business and hospitality skills while contributing to business with a positive purpose.
- Unique Training: Go beyond the kitchen with visits and hands‑on training with our biodynamic farm partner and specialist producers.
- Competitive Package and Team Benefits: Delicious and wholesome team meals, a 51% team discount at our restaurants upon passing probation, 28 days holiday, a company pension scheme and private health insurance plans for all team members.
Kitchen Porter employer: Jikoni
At Jikoni, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led restaurant that fosters a warm and inclusive work environment. As a Kitchen Porter, you'll not only play a vital role in our new kitchen team but also benefit from unique training opportunities and career progression within a dynamic and multicultural setting. With competitive packages, generous team benefits, and a commitment to personal growth, Jikoni is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Porter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before you apply, pop in for a coffee or a meal. This way, you can soak up the atmosphere and show genuine interest when you chat with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on social media. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to work at Jikoni and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for multicultural cuisine! When you get the chance to speak with the hiring team, share your love for diverse culinary traditions and how you embody the values of kindness and hospitality.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Porter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about joining our team and contributing to our mission of creating warmth and kindness through hospitality.
Align with Our Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with ours. We’re all about multiculturalism, integrity, and selfless service, so share examples from your experience that demonstrate these qualities. It’ll help us see you as a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a strong candidate for the Kitchen Porter role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can contribute positively to our kitchen environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of the Jikoni family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jikoni
✨Know Your Kitchen Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your kitchen knowledge. Familiarise yourself with basic food hygiene practices and common kitchen equipment. This will show that you’re serious about the role and ready to jump in and support the team.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Jikoni values kindness, optimism, and empathy. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in previous roles or situations. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you align with their values.
✨Show Your Culinary Curiosity
Express your interest in multicultural cooking and the concept of 'Cooking Without Borders'. Share any experiences you have with diverse cuisines or your eagerness to learn about them. This will highlight your passion for the role and the restaurant's mission.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they maintain their high standards of cleanliness and organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
