Cook III - Yamazato Kitchen

On the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, you will find the authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant. Here, more than fifty specialties from the traditional kaiseki ryori cuisine, the Japanese haute cuisine, are served. With the use of typically Japanese materials in the interior and the adjacent garden – which features beautiful cherry blossoms in spring – you will feel as though you are in Japan. The authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star since 2002. The standards that apply to the kaiseki cuisine differ greatly from those of modern Japanese cuisine. The Yamazato menu is composed according to the classic kaiseki structure. The kitchen distinguishes itself by focusing on the purity of seasonal, traditional Japanese ingredients. The style is minimalist, and all dishes are carefully balanced: from taste and texture to appearance and color. Japanese tradition is also reflected in the tableware and the kimonos worn by the waitresses.

What can you expect?

As a Cook III, you work according to fixed instructions regarding ingredients, recipes, working methods, and visual presentation. The role reports to a subject matter supervisor.

Your main tasks are:

• Prepare ingredients, tools and dishes according to established recipes and preparation methods;
• Work with fresh and seasonal ingredients and apply various, including specialized, Japanese cooking techniques;
• Prepare and plate dishes according to the required presentation standards;
• Check the quality, taste, texture and appearance of ingredients and prepared dishes;
• Make adjustments where necessary to ensure consistent quality;
• Maintain a clean, organized and safe working environment in the kitchen;
• Clean kitchen equipment and workstations and report any irregularities;
• Assist with receiving, checking and storing deliveries;
• Monitor the use of ingredients and equipment and contribute to efficient kitchen operations;
• Identify bottlenecks in kitchen processes and make suggestions for improvements to recipes, preparation methods and workflows;
• Attend shift briefings and departmental meetings when required.

You will work 5 days per week, 7.6 hours a day. You are also available to work on holidays.

What do we offer?

• Contract: 1 year with the possibility of extending. We want you to stay!
• Salary: Group 5. Click HERE for the salary scale;
• 8% holiday allowance (pro rata);
• 25 vacation days per year (pro rata);
• Compensation for National Holidays;
• We invest in your personal and professional development with a training and education budget of €1,000;
• Horeca CAO applies;
• General Pension Scheme of Hospitality and Catering;
• General Survivors pension;
• Fun and social staff events (such as the annual staff party, Sinterklaas celebration, team outings, and boot camps);
• Attractive family and friends rates on overnight stays at Hotel Okura Amsterdam;
• Once a year staff discount in one of the restaurants (50%);
• Staff discount in our restaurants (20%);
• Contribution to travel expenses from 10 km (one way);
• After obtaining the probationary period, you will receive an overnight stay with breakfast as a gift (2 people), so that you can experience the hotel as a guest!

What are we asking?

Of course, we are first and foremost interested in you and what we as an employer can do for you to provide a great workplace. Nevertheless, we expect from you that:

• You have an MBO level 3 work and thinking level;
• You have at least 1 year of experience in an authentic Japanese kitchen;
• Experience in a Michelin-starred or kaiseki kitchen is an advantage;
• You have knowledge of Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques;
• You work accurately and have an eye for detail and presentation;
• You are able to work calmly and efficiently under pressure;
• You are motivated to learn and develop your skills;
• You have a basic level of English;
• As part of the pre-employment screening, you will be asked for a minimum of two positive references.

Enthusiastic? That’s great, please apply!

Please apply via the button below, we will call you as soon as possible for a short introduction to get to know each other. A selection assessment is one component of our recruitment process.