About Us

Nine Eighty Eight & Co Pty Ltd operates The Whistling Kettle Café & Restaurant, an established hospitality business located in the heart of Hampton, Victoria.

Currently offering breakfast, brunch and lunch, we are preparing to expand our operations to include evening dining six nights per week, introducing an exciting Mauritian fusion culinary experience.

Our vision is to bring together authentic Mauritian flavours and contemporary Australian dining, celebrating the rich culinary influences of Mauritian Creole, Indian, French and Chinese cuisines.

As part of this expansion, we are seeking a skilled, passionate and experienced Cook to join our team and contribute to the development of our evening dining experience.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and cooking high-quality meals, supporting menu development where able and maintaining consistent kitchen operations.

This is a hands-on position requiring strong cooking skills, a sound understanding of commercial kitchen procedures and an appreciation for authentic Mauritian flavours and cooking techniques.

Key Responsibilities

- Prepare, season and cook a variety of dishes in accordance with established recipes, menu specifications and quality standards.

- Prepare authentic Mauritian-inspired dishes using traditional spices, ingredients and cooking techniques.

- Assist Chef with the development, testing and refinement of Mauritian fusion menu items where able.

- Monitor food preparation, cooking temperatures, presentation and portion consistency in their dishes prepared.

- Prepare ingredients and undertake daily kitchen mise en place.

- Operate commercial cooking equipment safely and efficiently.





- Maintain food safety, hygiene, cleaning and sanitation standards in accordance with Australian regulations.

- Follow allergen management procedures and accommodate dietary requirements.

- Monitor ingredient freshness, stock rotation and food storage practices to provide reports to Chef and/or Management as needed.

- Assist Chef with inventory control, stock ordering and reducing food wastage as needed.

- Work collaboratively with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure timely and efficient meal service.

- Support kitchen preparation and service during busy periods, including evening and weekend trading.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential Requirements

- Relevant commercial cookery qualification, such as Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, or an equivalent qualification and/or substantial relevant qualified experience.

- Demonstrated experience preparing and cooking meals in a commercial kitchen environment.

- Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene practices and safe food handling.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a busy kitchen.

- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and time management.

- Ability to maintain consistent food quality and presentation.

- Availability to work a flexible roster, including evenings and weekends.

Highly Regarded





- Demonstrated knowledge of Mauritian cuisine, including traditional recipes, spices, cooking techniques and flavour combinations.

- Experience preparing Creole, Indian, French or Chinese-inspired dishes.

- Experience working within Australian cafés, restaurants or commercial kitchens.

- Experience contributing to menu development and recipe standardisation.

- Knowledge of food costing, portion control and waste reduction.

What We Offer

- Full-time employment within an established hospitality business.

- An opportunity to contribute to the introduction of a distinctive Mauritian fusion dining concept.

- A collaborative and supportive working environment.

- Opportunities for professional development and creative input into menu preparation.

- Remuneration in accordance with applicable Australian employment laws, the relevant market salary rate and agreed employment conditions.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit:

- An updated résumé outlining relevant qualifications and employment history.

- A brief cover letter outlining their cooking experience and suitability for the position.

- Details of relevant experience preparing Mauritian or comparable international cuisines.

- Contact details for professional referees.

Applications will be assessed on relevant qualifications, skills, experience and suitability for the role.

Nine Eighty Eight & Co Pty Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates regardless of nationality or background.

All applicants must meet the applicable legal requirements for employment in Australia.

📌 Cook (Hampton)
🏢 Nine Eighty Eight
📍 Hampton