Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, crafting innovative Thai dishes and managing a passionate team.
- Company: Join JKS Restaurants, an award-winning group with a focus on quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, dining discounts, wellness perks, and extra holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a culinary adventure, celebrating Thailand's rich flavours in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef and a passion for Thai cuisine are essential.
- Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities in a critically acclaimed restaurant group.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 67000 £ per year.
Salary - Up to £58,000 per year
Schedule - Full Time
Experience - Previous experience as a Head Chef within a quality restaurant. Knowledge of Thai cuisine is preferred, but not essential.
JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen at the Borough Yards location. The successful candidate will have a passion for Thai/Asian cuisine and have previous experience as a Head Chef. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head Chef looking for a new role in an award-winning, critically acclaimed group.
The Restaurant Plaza Khao Gaeng is a celebration of Thailand's coast-to-jungle cooking, serving Khao gaeng dishes, which translates broadly as curry over rice. A kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes, and fermented fish for depth, alongside searingly hot stir-fries lifted with cooling herbs - all designed to be mixed, matched and spooned over rice. In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng spots expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such restaurant in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema - curries laid out in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade, climbing the stairs to the former box office. It's anytime comfort food, offering pause and shade from the heat and noise of the street outside. Our second Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Borough Yards in November 2025, flanking the bustle of Borough Market, much as it would in Southern Thailand. Here, we take cues from electric markets, roadside stalls and family kitchens of the South - introducing new dishes alongside favourites from Thailand's deepest southern provinces.
The Position As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes throughout the whole operation; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Directors. You will manage the overall kitchen operation as well as the day-to-day management of the kitchen team.
If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:
- Previous experience as a Head Chef in a high quality restaurant;
- A passion for Thai cuisine;
- Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
- A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
- Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a kitchen brigade;
- Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
- Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing;
- A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;
This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.
Benefits:
- Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants;
- Lunch for 2 after probation;
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants;
- CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants;
- Self care salary - £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care;
- Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK;
- 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare;
- 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing;
- Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it;
- Health, legal, money and debt support services available;
- Up to 55% off cinema tickets;
- Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more);
- Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK;
- Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it;
- Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning;
- Company donations for your involvement with charities;
- Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions;
- Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment;
- Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral;
- Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days).
The Group JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World's 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
Head Chef - Thai Cuisine in London employer: Plaza Khao Gaeng
Contact Detail:
Plaza Khao Gaeng Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Thai Cuisine in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts. Attend industry events or local food festivals to meet people who can help you land that Head Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your Thai cuisine expertise. This not only demonstrates your passion but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about reaching out directly! If you’ve got your eye on a specific restaurant, drop them a message or give them a call. Express your interest in the Head Chef position and share your vision for their menu.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for openings! We often post job listings there, and applying through our site can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Thai Cuisine in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Thai Cuisine: When you're writing your application, let your love for Thai food shine through! Share any experiences you've had with Thai cooking or dining, and how it inspires your culinary creativity.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your management experience. Talk about how you've motivated and trained kitchen staff in the past, and any successful projects you've led.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don't just say you have experience; give us the details! Mention the types of restaurants you've worked in, the cuisines you've mastered, and any special achievements that set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We want to hear from you directly! Make sure to submit your application through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It's the easiest way for us to keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plaza Khao Gaeng
✨Know Your Thai Cuisine
Even if you don't have extensive experience with Thai cuisine, it's crucial to show your passion and willingness to learn. Research popular dishes, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of Thai food. This will not only impress the interviewers but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be managing a kitchen team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading a brigade, training staff, and handling conflicts. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team and improved kitchen operations in past roles.
✨Be Ready for Menu Development Discussions
Since you'll play a key role in menu development, think about innovative ideas you could bring to Plaza Khao Gaeng. Prepare to discuss trends in Thai cuisine and how you can incorporate seasonal produce into your dishes. This shows that you're forward-thinking and aligned with the restaurant's vision.
✨Understand Financial Management
The role requires strong financial acumen, so brush up on your knowledge of menu costing, purchasing, and managing staff costs. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and how you plan to ensure profitability while maintaining high-quality standards.