Arabic Cuisine - Specialty Chef

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and creative Arabic Cuisine Chef to design, prepare and deliver authentic Arabic dishes across private residences and bespoke events. The role requires a deep knowledge of regional flavours and techniques, excellent presentation skills, and the ability to work discreetly within high-end households. The successful candidate will be proactive in menu development, maintain rigorous food hygiene standards, and provide polished, personalised culinary service.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu development: Plan and develop seasonal menus rooted in Arabic culinary traditions (Levantine, Gulf, Maghrebi and other regional styles), accommodating dietary preferences and bespoke requests.

• Food preparation & cooking: Prepare, cook and plate starters, mains, mezze, breads, desserts and accompaniments to professional standards, ensuring consistency, flavour balance and visual appeal.

• Ingredient sourcing: Identify, procure and maintain high-quality ingredients and specialty items, build relationships with suppliers and manage deliveries to ensure freshness and authenticity.

• Service delivery: Coordinate with household staff to deliver meals in a variety of settings (formal dining, casual family meals, private events), and assist with service when required.

• Event catering support: Plan and execute private dinners, receptions and small events including menu scaling, timing, plating, and liaising with external suppliers or catering teams as needed.

• Food safety & hygiene: Maintain impeccable kitchen hygiene, follow HACCP and food safety procedures, manage stock rotation, temperature control and cleaning schedules.

• Inventory & cost control: Maintain kitchen inventories, manage provisions, monitor food costs, record usage and assist with ordering to budgetary guidelines.

• Kitchen management: Supervise junior kitchen staff or contractors when present, delegate tasks, train on recipes and standards, and ensure an organised, efficient working environment.

• Presentation & standards: Ensure high standards of plating, garnishing and food presentation consistent with the household’s expectations and guest requirements.

• Flexibility & discretion: Provide flexible working hours to accommodate household needs, travel occasionally with the employer when required, and maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a professional cook or chef specialising in Arabic cuisine within private households, restaurants, boutique hotels or catering environments.

• Strong practical knowledge of regional dishes, traditional techniques (slow-cooking, grilling, flatbreads, spice blends) and contemporary interpretations of Arabic food.

• Formal culinary training or recognised vocational qualifications are desirable.

• Understanding of food allergen management, special diets (halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) and the ability to adapt menus accordingly.

• Experience managing kitchen inventories, supplier relationships and basic food cost control.

• Full, valid driving licence desirable for procurement and deliveries.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent palate and strong attention to flavour balance, seasoning and ingredient quality.

• High standards of presentation, organisation and cleanliness in the kitchen.

• Good communication skills, ability to work calmly under pressure and collaborate with household teams.

• Discreet, professional manner with respect for privacy and household protocols.

• Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt recipes and accept feedback to meet household preferences.

Additional Information

• Working hours will be aligned with household requirements and may include early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends.

• Opportunities for occasional travel with the employer may be required; flexibility is essential.

• Proof of right to work in the UK and compliance with food safety certification checks will be required prior to employment.