At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our kitchen team and master southern Thai cooking techniques.
- Company: Kolae, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Borough Market.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, staff discounts, flexible rotas, and 28+ days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and exciting supplier trips to Thailand.
- Why this job: Explore unique Thai cuisine while developing your culinary skills in a fun environment.
- Qualifications: Experience at CDP level and a passion for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 23850 - 29150 £ per year.
Kolae is a Thai grill and bar in Borough Market, from the team behind som saa. Our cooking is inspired by southern Thailand, with charcoal grilling, traditional techniques and great British and Asian produce at its heart. We've received five-star reviews from Time Out and the Evening Standard, and were awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025. We also featured in the National Restaurant Awards' Top 50 in both 2024 and 2025.
We're looking for an experienced Chef de Partie to join our kitchen team. You'll ideally have experience working at CDP level in a busy, quality restaurant kitchen, a real love of cooking, and the ambition to keep learning and developing. Previous experience with Thai food is welcome but not essential. What matters most is that you're excited by the cuisine, keen to learn and have strong fundamental cooking skills.
You'll work across different sections of the kitchen, developing your knowledge of southern Thai food and learning techniques and preparations that you may not come across in many other London restaurants.
Our name comes from kolae, a southern Thai cooking style in which ingredients are repeatedly basted with coconut curry marinades as they cook over fire. It's central to our menu, alongside southern Thai curries, salads and relishes. At Kolae, you'll get hands-on experience with:
- Charcoal cooking and kolae-style grilling
- Fresh coconut cream, pressed in-house
- Stone-ground Thai curry pastes, made from scratch
- Wok cookery, Thai salads and relishes
- Specialist Thai ingredients, alongside great British seafood, meat and seasonal produce
We want our chefs to develop, take on more responsibility and progress through the kitchen.
What we offer:
- Competitive pay
- Staff discounts at Kolae and our sister restaurant som saa
- Supplier trips and opportunities for key staff to join food and research trips to Thailand
- 28 days' holiday, increasing by one day for each year worked, up to 33 days
- Twice-yearly staff parties and regular team get-togethers
- Flexible rotas and a genuine focus on work-life balance
- Great staff meals every shift
- Opportunities to learn, develop and progress within the business
We're a small independent business, with the owners still working in the restaurants as part of the management team. We work hard to listen to our staff and support their development. We take the food seriously and work hard, but we also want the kitchen to be somewhere people enjoy coming to work, support each other and have fun along the way. We're an open and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you love cooking, want to explore southern Thai food and are looking for a kitchen where you can develop, we'd love to hear from you.
Chef de Partie - Kolae, Borough Market employer: som saa
At som saa, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration in the heart of Spitalfields. Our team enjoys opportunities for professional growth, with access to training and development in authentic Thai cuisine, all while working in a restaurant renowned for its culinary excellence. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values quality, innovation, and the joy of serving delicious food to our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef de Partie - Kolae, Borough Market
✨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 som saa. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to som saa
Don't be shy about reaching out to som saa 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 Chef de Partie - Kolae, Borough Market
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 som saa 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 som saa
✨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!
