Job description

Ethnic Food Cook

Company name: Employer details: Cafe Malabar Restaurant & Bar

Website: https://www.cafemalabar.ca/

Job location:  407 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2

Salary: $21.50/ Hour

Vacancy: 1

Job category: Restaurant/Cook/Ethnic Foods

Terms of employment: Permanent employment, Full time-32 / Week

Start date: As soon as possible.

Employment Conditions: Day, Evening, Morning, Weekend, Shift

Job reference number:

Job Bank #3687567

Company Information: 

Cafe Malabar celebrates Kerala’s vibrant coastal cuisine, reimagined on Canada’s West Coast. Founded by chefs Kiran Kolathodan and Karma Tenpa, both raised in Southern India, the restaurant combines over 30 years of luxury kitchen experience. Its concept is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and hospitality. 

Opened in June 2023 as a stall in the Victoria Public Market, Cafe Malabar’s bold, spice-driven dishes and warm hospitality quickly drew attention, ranking #5 on the Canada Top 10 list of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024. In March 2025, the restaurant expanded to a standalone space at 100-407 Swift Street, Victoria, BC, along the sparkling Inner Harbour. 

At its heart, Cafe Malabar is about connection — between people, cultures, and ingredients. It’s not just a South Indian restaurant; it’s a seafood restaurant that highlights the ocean’s bounty alongside Kerala’s soulful, spice-rich traditions. Guests are welcomed into a warm, intimate space that feels modern yet deeply rooted in the spirit of Kerala. 

“Malabar” refers to Kerala’s southwestern coastline, once a thriving hub of the global spice trade. Over centuries, this region absorbed influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and Persian traders, creating a rich and diverse culinary tradition. Cafe Malabar honours that history, blending authentic Keralan recipes with the finest seasonal and sustainable ingredients from Vancouver Island. The philosophy is simple: cook from the heart, source with care, and make every guest feel like family.

Overview

Languages required

English

English is mandatory and Hindi or Malayalam speaking preferred.

Education- No degree, certificate or diploma

Experience- 3 years to less than 5 years

Anyone without Specific South Indian Food Cooking experience will not be considered for the Job. 

On site- Work must be completed at the physical location. There is no option to work remotely.

Work setting

• Restaurant
• Staff accommodation available
• Room and board provided
• Urban area
• Cafeteria
• Willing to relocate
• Relocation costs covered by employer
• Catering firm
• Fast food outlet or concession
• Bar
• Bistro
• Café
• Coffee shop

Responsibilities

Tasks to be taken care of.

• Co-ordinate special events
• Determine the size of food portions and costs
• Plan menus and estimate food requirements for their realization
• Prepare and cook complete meals or individual dishes and foods
• Prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances
• Inspect kitchens and food service areas
• Train staff in preparation, cooking and handling of food
• Order supplies and equipment
• Supervise kitchen staff and helpers
• Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and equipment
• Clean kitchen and work areas
• Organize buffets and banquets
• Manage kitchen operations

Experience and specialization

Cuisine specialties : We are specialized in South Indian Food and if you do not have 

enough experience in South Indian Food Cooking, please do not apply to this posting. Other experience required in :

• South Indian
• East Indian
• West Indian
• Vegetarian
• Vegan

Additional information

Transportation/travel information

• Own transportation
• Own vehicle
• Public transportation is available
• Transportation supplied to and from work

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Attention to detail
• Fast-paced environment
• Overtime required
• Physically demanding
• Standing for extended periods
• Work under pressure

Personal suitability

• Client focus
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Team player
• Time management

Benefits

• Free parking available
• Learning/training paid by employer
• Other benefits
• Team building opportunities
• Transportation provided by employer
• Parking available
• Relocation allowance.

Company does not provide accommodation for family, but for Single workers, accommodation can be arranged with existing staff near the job location. 

Employment groups 

Employer promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those self-identifying as a member of these groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Veterans, Youth (with Indian Cuisine Experience)

Who can apply for this job?

Only apply to this job if:

• You are a Canadian citizen, a permanent or a temporary resident of Canada.
• You have a valid Canadian work permit.

If you are not authorized to work in Canada, do not apply. The employer will not respond to your application.

Note: Candidates with Hindi or Punjabi Languages, Banquet and Party Experience will be given preference in selection. Employer will provide Relocation benefits for out of province applicants if they pass the interview and practical tests.

How to apply

Direct Apply

By Direct Apply in Job Bank

Search for Job ID #687567

By email

cafemalabrjobs@gmail.com

By mail

407 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2

In person

407 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S2

Between 02:00 PM and 05:00 PM

This advertisement is cross posted in various job sites, so when you apply, please specify where you saw this advertisement. Please do not apply again and again from different job sites.

What you must include in your application:

• Job reference number CM-COOK-LW-2026-1
• Cover letter
• Answers to the following screening questions:
• Are you authorized to work in Canada?
• Are you available for shift or on-call work?
• Are you available to start on the date listed in the job posting?
• Are you currently a student?
• Are you willing to relocate for this position?
• Do you have experience working in this field?
• Do you have the required certifications listed in the job posting?
• Do you live near the job location?
• Do you meet the language requirements listed in the job posting?

What might be required by the employer later in the hiring process:

• Highest level of education and name of institution where it was completed
• References attesting experience
• Letter of recommendation