Specialty Chef: Indian Cuisine

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Specialty Chef will prepare authentic Indian dishes, maintain consistent taste and presentation, develop menus, control food costs, and ensure high standards of hygiene and food safety. Candidates should have professional experience in Indian cuisine, preferably in a luxury hotel, resort, or quality restaurant. Strong knowledge of regional Indian cooking, spices, cooking techniques, buffet and à la carte service is expected. The role also requires leadership, teamwork, creativity, good communication, and the ability to train junior kitchen colleagues. Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays is essential. A culinary qualification and experience working with multicultural teams would be advantageous.

About the employer

Shangri-La is a major luxury hospitality group founded in Asia and recognised for its high-service standards, resorts, city hotels, and distinctive Asian-inspired hospitality. The group operates properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other international destinations. Shangri-La hotels typically offer extensive dining facilities, banqueting, wellness services, and leisure experiences, creating opportunities for culinary professionals to work in busy, multicultural environments. The company places strong emphasis on guest satisfaction, service excellence, teamwork, employee development, and responsible business practices. Depending on the specific Malaysian property, employees may work in a city hotel or an island and beach resort, serving both international travellers and local guests. Benefits may include staff meals, uniform, accommodation or allowances, medical coverage, training, and career progression, although the exact package depends on the property and employment contract.

Working in Malaysia

Malaysia offers hospitality opportunities in destinations such as Penang, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, and nearby resort islands. Jobs are available in hotels, restaurants, resorts, events, tourism, and wellness, with experienced chefs often in demand. The culture is multicultural, combining Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indigenous, and international influences; English is widely used in tourism, while Malay is the national language. Island life is generally warm, relaxed, and outdoors-oriented, with beaches, markets, water activities, and strong local food traditions. Living costs vary, with resort areas sometimes more expensive than mainland cities. Foreign employees normally need an employer-sponsored Employment Pass or other approved work authorisation before starting work. The employer usually handles the application, while candidates must provide passports, qualifications, medical documents, and relevant experience. Relocation planning should include accommodation, transport, insurance, and rainy-season conditions.