We are currently recruiting a Turkish Mezze and Kebab Chef to join our team in a newly opened Turkish Cafe in Manawatu/Wanganui. The ideal candidate must have worked in fast-paced venues and have a strong knowledge of Turkish cuisine. A genuine passion for the industry is a must, as well as a career-driven attitude and desire to learn more and contribute to a high-functioning kitchen environment.

Core Responsibilities
  • Mezze & Salad Preparation: Hand-preparing traditional Turkish starters such as hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, and shakshuka. This includes washing, peeling, and chopping fresh vegetables to maintain high presentation standards.
  • Kebab & Grill Management: Mastering the charcoal or open-flame grill to cook various meats, including Adana, Urfa, shish kebab, and lamb chops, to precise temperatures.
  • Meat Processing: Marinating, skewering, and portioning meats according to established recipes. For some roles, this includes shaving meat from vertical rotisseries (doner).
  • Dough & Bakery: Preparing traditional breads like Pide or other Turkish flatbreads as required by the menu.
  • Menu Development: Collaborating with management to design authentic menus that balance traditional flavours with modern trends and seasonal ingredients.
  • Quality Control: Inspecting all ingredients for freshness and ensuring every plate meets the restaurant's standards for taste and visual appeal.
  • Kitchen Operations: Maintaining a hygienic station, performing temperature checks on storage units, and managing stock levels through FIFO (First-In, First-Out) procedures. 
     
  • Requirements & Qualifications
    • Experience: Typically requires 2–3 years of experience in a Turkish or Level 4 certificate in the relevant field.
    • Technical Skills: Expertise in charcoal grilling, precision knife skills, and authentic Turkish marination techniques.
    • Certifications: Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
    • Soft Skills: Ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and lead or train junior kitchen staff.

 

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