Main Chef

Job Title: Main Chef
Department: Kitchen
Location: Ca Phin Coffee House – JLT, Dubai
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Ca Phin

Ca Phin Coffee House is the UAE's first Vietnamese specialty coffee house, serving authentic Vietnamese-inspired food alongside specialty coffee. We are looking for a passionate and experienced Main Chef to lead our kitchen, maintain consistency, and continue developing an exceptional food experience rooted in Vietnamese cuisine.

Role Overview

The Main Chef is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, managing inventory, training kitchen staff, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness.

The ideal candidate should have experience preparing Vietnamese cuisine, particularly Bánh Mì, or possess a strong understanding of Vietnamese flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques with the willingness to further develop these skills.

Key ResponsibilitiesKitchen Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared consistently according to recipes and presentation standards.
• Manage kitchen workflow during service while maintaining efficiency and quality.
• Maintain food quality, portion control, and minimise waste.

Vietnamese Cuisine

• Prepare authentic Vietnamese menu items, including Bánh Mì, sauces, marinades, fillings, and traditional accompaniments.
• Maintain consistency across all Vietnamese food offerings.
• Continuously improve recipes while preserving authenticity.
• Train kitchen staff on Vietnamese preparation methods and standards.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Delegate tasks effectively and monitor performance.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Support the professional development of junior chefs and kitchen helpers.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor stock levels daily and forecast ordering requirements.
• Place kitchen orders on time to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Reduce food waste through proper stock rotation (FIFO) and portion control.
• Conduct regular stock counts and report variances.

Hygiene & Food Safety

• Ensure full compliance with Dubai Municipality food safety regulations.
• Maintain HACCP standards and kitchen hygiene.
• Ensure all food is correctly labelled, dated, and stored.
• Lead daily, weekly, and deep-cleaning schedules.

Menu Development

• Work with management to develop seasonal menus and limited-time offerings.
• Suggest new Vietnamese-inspired dishes and improvements.
• Participate in recipe testing and product development.

Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a professional kitchen.
• Previous experience as a Main Chef, Sous Chef, or Senior Chef preferred.
• Experience preparing Vietnamese cuisine is highly preferred.
• Must know how to prepare Bánh Mì or demonstrate a strong understanding of Vietnamese food preparation and flavours.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and kitchen operations.
• Experience managing inventory, food costing, and kitchen ordering.
• Leadership experience managing kitchen teams.
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Skills & Qualities

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• High attention to detail and consistency.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Passion for Vietnamese cuisine and hospitality.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to teach and mentor others.

Performance Expectations

• Deliver consistent, high-quality food every service.
• Maintain excellent hygiene and municipality compliance standards.
• Ensure kitchen stock is managed efficiently with minimal waste.
• Lead and develop the kitchen team through training and support.
• Contribute ideas for menu innovation while preserving the authenticity of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Take ownership of kitchen operations and continuously improve efficiency, quality, and guest satisfaction.

At Ca Phin Coffee House, we believe great food tells a story. We're looking for a Head Chef who shares our passion for authentic Vietnamese flavours, values teamwork, and is excited to grow with a young and ambitious brand.

Pay: AED3,500.00 - AED3,800.00 per month

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person