At a Glance
- Tasks: Create delicious dishes using a wok in a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Plaza Khao Gaeng, an award-winning restaurant known for its exceptional food.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £17ph and a full-time schedule.
- Other info: Ideal for friendly and personable food lovers ready to make an impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team and showcase your culinary skills in a celebrated venue.
- Qualifications: Previous experience as a Wok Chef in a quality restaurant is essential.
Experience - Previous experience as a Wok Chef within a quality restaurant
JKS Restaurants and Plaza Khao Gaeng are seeking a Wok Chef to join their Kitchen in Borough Yards. We're looking for an experienced Wok Chef who shares our enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for great Thai food, vibrant hospitality, and delivering a unique culinary experience.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Wok 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
We're looking for an experienced Wok Chef to join our kitchen team, creating exceptional dishes and delivering an all-encapsulating experience to our guests. You'll have experience working in a quality kitchen, adhering to standard operating and Health and Safety procedures. More importantly we are looking for people for as passionate about food and hospitality as we are!
If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:
- Prior experience as a Wok Chef within a fast-paced, quality restaurant;
- Eagerness to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in;
- A creative approach with impeccable attention to detail;
- Passion for about food and hospitality, along with the eagerness to continually learn;
- The desire to develop your career within an ambitious and trend-setting restaurant group;
At Chaiyo, we believe in a culture that truly backs our people. Hospitality is a people industry, and we're committed to rewarding the hard work and loyalty that makes us who we are.
Award-Winning Workplace
- Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026
Dining & Hospitality
- 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
- 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
Entertainment
- 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
Special Occasions & Recognition
- 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
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 8 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 2026.
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.
Wok Chef employer: Plaza Khao Gaeng
Plaza Khao Gaeng is an exceptional employer that values creativity and passion in the culinary arts, offering a vibrant work culture where team members are encouraged to express their love for food. Located in a bustling area, employees benefit from competitive pay, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be part of an award-winning restaurant known for its innovative dishes and commitment to quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wok Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your passion for food and drink during any interviews. Share your experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen, as this will resonate well with the team at Plaza Khao Gaeng.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's menu and cooking style before your interview. Being able to discuss specific dishes and how you would prepare them can demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge as a Wok Chef.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other chefs or culinary professionals who may have insights about working at Plaza Khao Gaeng. They might provide valuable tips or even refer you directly, which can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in detail, especially any challenges you've faced in a busy kitchen environment. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure will show that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Wok Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your previous experience as a Wok Chef. Include specific details about the restaurants you've worked in, the types of dishes you've prepared, and any awards or recognitions you've received.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and drink. Mention why you want to work at Plaza Khao Gaeng specifically and how your skills align with their values and standards.
Showcase Your Personality:Since they are looking for someone friendly and personable, make sure your application reflects your personality. Use a warm tone in your writing and share anecdotes that demonstrate your enthusiasm for cooking and teamwork.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Plaza Khao Gaeng
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for cooking and food during the interview. Share your experiences with different cuisines and how they inspire your wok cooking. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience as a Wok Chef in detail. Talk about specific dishes you've mastered, techniques you've learned, and any challenges you've overcome in a busy kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role requires being part of a team, emphasise your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past to create a positive and efficient kitchen atmosphere.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the restaurant's menu, culture, or future plans. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
