About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Introduction
Calling all culinary artists with a love for Arabic cuisine—have you ever wished to shape a kitchen where tradition meets creativity? We’re searching for a Chef skilled in classic Arabic dishes and beloved appetizers, ready to join a welcoming team in the heart of Al Ain’s Al Muwaiji District. This isn’t just any chef job; it’s a chance to channel your mastery of time-honored flavors into meals that bring people together, all while working in a supportive, well-organized setting.
About the Company
Nestled in one of Al Ain’s most vibrant neighborhoods, our restaurant celebrates the spirit of homemade Arabic cooking. We are a close-knit crew who take pride in every plate we serve. Fridays are reserved for trying out new recipes as a team, and birthdays always mean a surprise dessert (chef’s choice, of course). Our founder started as a home cook and believes in nurturing talent—whether you learned from a culinary school or your grandmother’s kitchen.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Masterfully preparing classic Arabic and regional appetizers – think grape leaves, stuffed vegetables, kibbeh, falafel, hommus, mutabbal, and more.
- Creating and presenting an array of fresh salads and “pancakes” (sweet, savory, every kind you can imagine).
- Crafting daily homemade specialties, keeping authenticity and taste at the forefront.
- Ensuring both flavor and presentation make every dish memorable.
- Keeping a well-structured, hygienic workstation and following our kitchen’s systems to a T.
- Occasionally collaborating with the team to explore new twists on beloved recipes—your input matters here.
- Helping out with menu planning and sourcing fresh ingredients from trusted local suppliers.
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
- Proven experience as a chef with a focus on Arabic cuisine and classic appetizers.
- Hand-on expertise with dishes like grape leaves, kibbeh, falafel, hommus, mutabbal, koshari, and a full salad spread.
- A real sense of pride in homemade cooking and an eye for beautiful, appetizing presentation.
- Comfort and skill in a structured kitchen environment—cleanliness and organization are non-negotiable.
- The ability to work smoothly with teammates and keep the kitchen atmosphere positive for everyone.
Nice-to-Haves:
- Experience designing new dishes or adding creative touches to traditional favorites.
- Comfortable offering footnotes or tips for serving staff—details matter here.
- Some spoken Arabic (even basics) can help, but it isn’t a dealbreaker.
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Comfortable, supportive work environment—think well-equipped kitchen, organized workflow, and helpful teammates.
- Regular team meals, plus freedom to introduce your own dishes to the menu.
- Predictable working hours—so you don’t miss out on life outside the kitchen.
- Strong sense of team spirit; birthdays, milestones, or “just because” celebrations are never overlooked.
- A workplace that values stability and genuinely cares about every staff member’s growth.
Here, your culinary talents won’t just feed customers—they’ll help grow a community built on great food and authentic connections. If you’re ready to bring your passion (and your signature dish) to the table, you’ll feel right at home with us.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Can you walk us through your process for preparing two of your signature Arabic appetizers, highlighting how you ensure both authenticity and exceptional presentation?
- Describe a time you introduced a creative twist to a classic dish. What inspired your approach, and how did your team or guests react?
- How do you prioritize cleanliness and organization during busy service periods, and what systems or strategies have you found most effective in maintaining a hygienic kitchen workspace?
- When sourcing ingredients for daily specials or staple dishes, what factors guide your selections, especially when working with local suppliers?
- Have you ever participated in collaborative menu planning? Share how you contributed and how you handled differing opinions within the team.
- Tell us about your experience training newer staff on the finer points of preparing and presenting traditional Arabic dishes.
- Give an example of how you maintained a positive and supportive atmosphere in the kitchen during a challenging or stressful shift.
- Friday team “recipe exploration” is a big part of our culture. How do you feel about regular group experimentation, and what would you bring to sessions like these?
- How do you handle feedback—both positive and critical—about your food, whether from teammates, serving staff, or customers?
- Can you recall a situation where you went above and beyond to make a customer’s experience memorable with a special dish or presentation?
- Our kitchen values both tradition and open-mindedness. How do you balance respecting culinary roots while staying open to new ideas?
- What motivates you most in a close-knit environment where everyone contributes beyond their core role?
- In your view, what makes a restaurant “feel like home” for both staff and guests?