Head Chef – Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

Job Description

Laddu Gopal is looking for an experienced and dependable Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in Truganina.

We serve a broad Indian vegetarian menu featuring chaats, tandoor dishes, curries, biryanis, Indo-Chinese favourites, breads, desserts and No Onion No Garlic options. We also cater for functions, birthdays and off-site events.

This role would suit a hands-on chef who can lead from the front, maintain consistency during busy services and take genuine ownership of the kitchen.

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior chef in a busy commercial kitchen
• Strong knowledge of Indian cuisine, particularly vegetarian dishes
• Experience with North Indian, tandoor, chaat and Indo-Chinese cooking will be highly regarded
• Confidence in managing a team and allocating duties
• Strong understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene and stock control
• Ability to maintain consistency across every service
• Good communication, organisation and time-management skills
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required
• Experience with catering or function service would be an advantage
• Relevant commercial cookery qualifications are preferred

• A senior role with genuine responsibility and ownership
• A supportive, family-oriented workplace
• Competitive salary based on skills and experience
• Stable hours and long-term employment for the right person
• The opportunity to contribute to menu development and kitchen systems
• A growing restaurant with dine-in, takeaway, catering and private-function opportunities

Located in Truganina, Laddu Gopal is known for Indian vegetarian food, a welcoming atmosphere and options for customers with different dietary preferences, including No Onion No Garlic dishes. Alongside regular restaurant service, we host intimate celebrations and provide catering for events across Melbourne.

Please apply through SEEK with your résumé and a short introduction covering:

• Your experience with Indian vegetarian cooking
• Your previous kitchen leadership experience
• Your current availability
• Your expected salary
• Your Australian working rights

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend an interview and complete a paid trial shift.

Applicants must have valid Australian working rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading daily kitchen operations and coordinating the kitchen team
• Maintaining consistent taste, presentation, portion sizes and food quality
• Preparing and supervising a wide range of Indian vegetarian dishes
• Managing dine-in, takeaway, delivery, function and catering orders
• Planning prep schedules and ensuring the kitchen is ready before each service
• Training, supervising and supporting chefs and kitchen hands
• Managing stock, ordering, storage and supplier requirements
• Monitoring food costs, wastage and portion control
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness and food-safety standards
• Helping develop seasonal dishes, specials and catering menus
• Working closely with management to improve kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction
• Managing multiple orders calmly during busy periods

Skill & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or senior chef in a busy commercial kitchen
• Strong knowledge of Indian cuisine, particularly vegetarian dishes
• Experience with North Indian, tandoor, chaat and Indo-Chinese cooking will be highly regarded
• Confidence in managing a team and allocating duties
• Strong understanding of food safety, kitchen hygiene and stock control
• Ability to maintain consistency across every service
• Good communication, organisation and time-management skills
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required
• Experience with catering or function service would be an advantage
• Relevant commercial cookery qualifications are preferred