For opportunities under Second That - IHCL's Career Returnship Program, kindly select ‘Yes’ under the Second Careers dropdown in Search Options.

Title:  Guest Service Associate

17 Nov 2025
Business Unit:  Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions
Department:  Food Production
Description: 

About IHCL

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is a part of the Tata Group and is one of South Asia's largest and most iconic hospitality companies. With a legacy of over 120 years, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests through our diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and palaces.

Careers at IHCL

At IHCL, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Join us in creating memorable experiences and shaping the future of hospitality. Explore exciting career opportunities with us and be a part of a vibrant team that values passion, excellence, and diversity.�

Job Objective

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated South Indian Commi Chef to join our culinary team. The role involves assisting senior chefs in preparing authentic South Indian dishes, maintaining kitchen standards, and ensuring consistency in taste and presentation. This is an entry-level position ideal for individuals looking to build a career in South Indian cuisine.

 

Essential Job Tasks

  • Assist in the preparation and cooking of South Indian dishes (dosa, idli, vada, sambar, rasam, chutneys, biryani, curries).

  • Follow recipes and portion guidelines to maintain consistency.

  • Ensure kitchen hygiene and comply with food safety standards.

  • Monitor and manage inventory of South Indian ingredients (rice, lentils, spices, coconut, tamarind, etc.).

  • Support menu planning and contribute ideas for new dishes.

  • Work closely with senior chefs to learn traditional cooking techniques.

  • Maintain cleanliness of workstations and equipment.

  • Assist in training and guiding junior staff when required.

 

Areas of Responsibility

  • Menu Execution: Prepare and serve authentic South Indian breakfast items such as idli, dosa, vada, pongal, upma, appam, puttu, sambar, rasam, and chutneys.

  • Consistency & Quality: Ensure taste, texture, and presentation meet traditional standards and customer expectations.

  • Recipe Adherence: Follow standardized recipes and portion sizes to maintain uniformity across service.

  • Ingredient Management: Handle key breakfast ingredients (rice, lentils, urad dal, rava, coconut, tamarind, spices) with proper storage and rotation.

  • Hygiene & Safety: Maintain cleanliness of workstations, utensils, and cooking equipment; comply with food safety regulations.

  • Time Management: Ensure all breakfast items are ready for service on time, especially during peak hours.

  • Customer Focus: Adapt dishes to dietary preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free) while retaining authenticity.

  • Team Collaboration: Coordinate with commis chefs, stewards, and service staff to ensure smooth breakfast operations.

Required Qualifications

Qualifications

  • Education:

    • Diploma or Certificate in Culinary Arts / Hotel Management (preferred but not mandatory).

    • Basic food safety and hygiene certification is an added advantage.

  • Technical Skills:

    • Knowledge of South Indian breakfast preparation (idli, dosa, vada, pongal, upma, appam, chutneys, sambar, rasam).

    • Familiarity with traditional cooking techniques (fermentation, tempering, steaming, tawa cooking).

    • Ability to handle kitchen equipment such as grinders, steamers, dosa tawa, and idli stand.

  • Soft Skills:

    • Strong teamwork and communication skills.

    • Ability to work under pressure during peak breakfast service hours.

    • Attention to detail in taste, presentation, and hygiene.

    • Willingness to learn and adapt under senior chef guidance.

  • Other Requirements:

    • Flexibility to work early morning shifts.

    • Commitment to maintaining authentic flavors while meeting modern service standards.

 

Work Experience

  • Experience:

    • 1–2 years of prior experience in a professional kitchen, preferably with exposure to South Indian cuisine.

    • Freshers with strong passion for cooking South Indian dishes may also be considered.

Languages Needed in Position

Key Interfaces- External

Key Interfaces- Internal

Behavioural Competencies

Effective Communication
Resilience
Accountability
Teamwork
Judgement & Analysis
Learning Agility

Equal Opportunities Employment at IHCL

At IHCL, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and join our team, where every voice is valued and respected.