Job Description: Head Ustad (Dosa Specialist)

Company: Sundaram Cafe

Location: Yashwant Smartcity, Vasai East.

Job Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: 5+ Years (Proven experience as a Head Ustad in South Indian cuisine)

Reporting To: Cafe Manager / Manager

About Sundaram Cafe:-

Sundaram Cafe is an upcoming authentic South Indian culinary destination launching this Diwali! We are dedicated to serving delicious, high-quality, hygiene-focused, and traditional South Indian tiffin items, filter coffee, and specialty dosas to our guests. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Ustad to lead our kitchen team and bring authentic South Indian flavors to life.

Role Overview

As the Head Ustad, you will be the backbone of our kitchen operations. You will be responsible for preparing high-quality batter, mastering live dosa counters, crafting traditional tiffin items (idlis, vadas, uttapams, etc.), maintaining recipe consistency, and managing kitchen inventory and hygiene.

Key Responsibilities1. Food Preparation & Cooking

- Prepare standard, high-quality fermented batter for Dosas, Idlis, and Vadas.
- Craft a wide variety of Dosas (Crispy Plain/Masala, Mysuru Masala, Rava Dosa, Ghee Roast, Specialty Dosas) with consistent texture and speed.
- Prepare fresh authentic chutneys (Coconut, Tomato/Kara, Mint/Coriander), Sambar, and Podi daily.
- Maintain strict consistency in taste, freshness, presentation, and portion sizes.

2. Kitchen Management & Operations





- Manage live cooking counters during peak breakfast, lunch, and dinner rush hours.
- Supervise assistant cooks, kitchen helpers, and dishwashers.
- Plan daily prep quantities based on footfall to ensure minimal food wastage.
- Oversee inventory stock levels for raw materials (pulses, rice, spices, oils) and inform management in advance for replenishment.

3. Quality, Hygiene & Safety

- Ensure 100% compliance with food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (FSSAI guidelines).
- Keep the kitchen area, cooking griddles (tavas), and utensils clean and operational at all times.
- Inspect all ingredients daily for freshness and proper storage.

Required Skills & Qualifications

- Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of experience as a Dosa Ustad/Head South Indian Chef in a reputed restaurant,cafe, or QSR chain.
- Speed & Expertise: Ability to manage heavy volume and make multiple dosas simultaneously on a large tava without compromising quality.
- Authentic Knowledge: In-depth understanding of fermentation techniques, spice blends, and South Indian tiffin items.
- Leadership: Ability to lead a team, work under pressure, and train junior kitchen staff.
- Punctuality & Reliability: Strong commitment to kitchen opening/closing schedules.

Perks & Perks

- Free duty meals.
- Growth opportunities; as Sundaram Cafe expands.

Pay: ₹20,000.00 - ₹30,000.00 per month

Benefits:

- Food provided

Work Location: In person

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