The Restaurant

Plaza Khao Gaeng is a celebration of Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cooking, serving Khao gaeng dishes, which translates broadly as “curry over rice”. A kaleidoscope of curries rich with fresh coconut milk, aromatic curry pastes, and fermented fish for depth, alongside searingly hot stir-fries lifted with cooling herbs - all designed to be mixed, matched and spooned over rice.

In Thailand, the most popular khao gaeng spots expand to fill whatever space they can. Plaza takes inspiration from one such restaurant in Bangkok, now spread through an old cinema - curries laid out in gleaming trays beneath a faded façade, climbing the stairs to the former box office. It’s anytime comfort food, offering pause and shade from the heat and noise of the street outside.

Our second Plaza Khao Gaeng opened in Borough Yards in November 2025, flanking the bustle of Borough Market, much as it would in Southern Thailand. Here, we take cues from electric markets, roadside stalls and family kitchens of the South - introducing new dishes alongside favourites from Thailand’s deepest southern provinces.

The Position

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of consistent, high quality and innovative dishes throughout the whole operation; you will play a key role in menu development, working closely with the Directors. You will manage the overall kitchen operation as well as the day to day management of the kitchen team.

If you have the following, then we want to hear from you:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef in a high quality restaurant;
• A passion for Thai cuisine
• Strong awareness of trends and seasonality of produce;
• A highly creative approach to your work with excellent attention to detail;
• Proven ability to manage, train and motivate a kitchen brigade;
• Experience in managing staff costs, scheduling and reviewing staff rotas;
• Strengths in finances, purchasing and menu costing;
• A working knowledge of health and safety, compliance and procedures;

This is a very exciting opportunity not to be missed for a talented Head Chef eager to join a restaurant group with ambitious plans.

Benefits

Dining & Hospitality

• Dine Out Allowance - Quarterly peer to peer at competitor restaurants
• Lunch for 2 after probation
• Up to 50% off dining across JKS restaurants
• CODE App membership - Discount at some of the UK's best restaurants

Health & Wellness

• Self care salary - £1,200 additional salary to spend on your self care.
• Discounted gym membership with up to 25% off at 4,000+ venues across the UK
• 24/7 Doctor & prescription services for peace of mind healthcare
• 8 free counselling sessions to support your mental wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support when you need it
• Health, legal, money and debt support services available

Entertainment

• Up to 55% off cinema tickets
• Up to 25% off UK attractions (London Eye, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE, and more)
• Up to 15% cashback at 70+ major retailers across the UK

Financial Support

• Wagestream - stream a portion of your pay earlier when you need it
• Access to financial advice to help with your financial planning
• Company donations for your involvement with charities

Special Occasions & Recognition

• Wedding gift & newborn care package - celebrating your big occasions
• Staff parties & long service awards recognising your commitment
• Employee referral scheme - earn up to £600 per referral
• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)

The Group

JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, and a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2024.

The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, Legado and Ambassadors Clubhouse; along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, and Bibi.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.