Cook

La Popular Taqueria is a thriving, community-focused Mexican restaurant dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional Mexican culinary heritage. We take pride in crafting every dish from scratch, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques like nixtamal and handmade masa, to deliver an authentic and memorable dining experience. We are currently looking for a passionate Cook to join our team and help us continue this mission.

The successful applicant must be committed to long-term employment and available for weekends and day/evening shifts. Working alongside the Head Chef, the Cook will assist with planning and be responsible for:

1. Receiving, inspecting and organising food supplies, ensuring quality control of fresh produce, meats, dried chilies, spices and maize-based ingredients, and maintaining stock rotation in accordance with food safety standards.
2. Preparing ingredients for service including washing, cutting, portioning, marinating and pre-cooking components required for a variety of dishes, ensuring consistency and efficiency during service periods.
3. Operating and monitoring kitchen equipment such as grills, stovetops, ovens and flat-top surfaces, controlling temperatures and cooking times to ensure consistent food quality and adherence to kitchen standards.
4. Preparing and cooking menu items following established recipes and kitchen procedures, including grilled proteins, slow-cooked preparations, sauces and other dishes requiring controlled cooking techniques and timing.
5. Preparing and adjusting flavour profiles during cooking using house-made sauces, marinades and seasoning bases, ensuring consistency across all dishes served.
6. Assisting in the preparation of fresh dough and handmade tortillas from nixtamalized maize, including pressing and cooking, ensuring product consistency and adherence to traditional preparation methods.
7. Portioning and plating dishes according to service standards, ensuring consistency in presentation, portion control and inclusion of appropriate accompaniments.
8. Maintaining food storage in temperature-controlled environments, ensuring proper labelling, dating and handling of all food items in compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
9. Maintaining cleanliness of kitchen work areas, equipment and utensils, ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety (WHS) and food safety standards.
10. Assisting with stock control, including monitoring inventory levels, minimising waste, reporting shortages and supporting ordering processes.
11. Preparing food items to accommodate dietary requirements and customer requests, ensuring adjustments are made without compromising food quality or kitchen efficiency.
12. Assisting in daily kitchen operations during service, including coordinating preparation tasks to meet service demands in a fast-paced environment.
13. Supporting and guiding junior kitchen staff and kitchen hands by demonstrating correct food preparation techniques, safe equipment use and standard kitchen procedures.

The Cook must be a team player and have:

1. Certificate III (or equivalent)
2. Minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience as a Cook in a similar restaurant setting
3. Strong knowledge of traditional Mexican cuisine (nixtamal, fresh masa, from-scratch cooking)
4. Fast, organised, and calm under pressure
5. Team player with a great attitude
6. Flexible availability (weekends & public holidays)
7. Reliable, punctual, and keen to learn
8. Passion for food and hospitality

What we offer:

1. Competitive salary of $79,000 plus superannuation.
2. 38-hour work week to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
3. To be part of a dedicated team shaping an exceptional, from-scratch Mexican dining experience.

If this sounds like you, please send us your resume to *****************************