South Indian Chef

Job Title: South Indian Chef (Full-Time Sponsorship Available)

Location: Punjabi Palace Cairns, QLD

Owned By: Smart Resources Qld Pty Ltd

Primary Base: Punjabi Palace Brisbane, South Bank

Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager

About Us:

Punjabi Palace, a leading restaurant brand based in South Bank, Brisbane, is expanding its culinary horizons to regional Queensland through its Cairns outlet. Operated under Smart Resources Qld, our mission is to bring authentic, regional Indian flavours to multicultural Australian communities.

With strong roots in Punjabi cuisine, we are now hiring a South Indian Chef to lead our regional kitchen and introduce vibrant, traditional dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, Telangana, and Karnataka.

Position Overview:

The South Indian Chef will be responsible for crafting, preparing, and presenting a range of authentic dishes such as Dosa, Idli, Vada, Sambar, Kerala-style Fish Curry, Chicken Chettinad, Andhra Prawn Fry, Rasam, and regional chutneys. The chef will maintain food quality, oversee kitchen operations, and train junior staff while adhering to Australian food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive South Indian menu (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including vegetarian, seafood, and meat-based options.
• Prepare and cook authentic dishes using traditional methods (e.g. stone grinding, tempering, slow-simmering, banana leaf plating).
• Monitor and manage kitchen inventory, ordering regional spices and ingredients in line with budget.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking processes, and ensure consistency in portioning, presentation, and flavour.
• Maintain food safety standards in accordance with Queensland Health regulations and HACCP.
• Coordinate with management for special menus (festivals like Onam, Pongal, Navaratri, etc.)
• Train and supervise cooks, kitchen assistants, and cleaning staff.
• Minimise wastage and manage food cost margins effectively.
• Work collaboratively with Punjabi Palace Brisbane HQ on recipe trials and menu standardisation.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on experience as a South Indian Chef in a commercial kitchen
• Proven expertise in one or more regional cuisines of South India (e.g. Kerala Sadya, Chettinad, Andhra spicy curries, etc.)
• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (preferred but not essential)
• Knowledge of spice combinations, coconut-based gravies, traditional pickling, rice/dosa batter fermentation
• Sound understanding of food hygiene, allergens, OH&S, and commercial kitchen compliance
• Strong leadership and team coordination skills
• English proficiency (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent if sponsored)
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and public holidays

Employment Terms (As per Australian Law):

This position is governed under the Hospitality Industry General Award [MA000009] and Fair Work Act 2009.

• Work Type: Full-Time Minimum 38 hours per week
• Salary Range: AUD $65,000 – $75,000 per year (negotiable based on skillset)
• Superannuation: 12% paid by employer

• Leave Entitlements:

• 4 weeks paid annual leave

• 10 days personal/carer's leave

• Paid public holidays or alternate days off

• Visa Sponsorship: Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)

• Penalty Rates & Overtime: Paid as per award for weekends, overtime, and public holidays

Staff Benefits:

Sponsored work visa with PR pathway (ENS 186 support available after eligibility)

Relocation support and initial accommodation assistance

Complimentary meals while on shift

Professional kitchen environment with high-quality commercial equipment

Opportunity to grow into Head Chef / Regional Training Chef

Inclusion in branding and special event design at Punjabi Palace Brisbane HQ

Family-inclusive support for schooling, community, and integration