Careers
Cook (Chaiyo)
Job Title: Cook
Reporting to: Kora Trotman
NOC Code: 63200
# of Openings: 1
Type of Position: Permanent; Full-time
No. of positions: 1
Term: Permanent
Salary: $36.00 per hour CAD to $40.00 per hour CAD depending on experience
Benefits: Two weeks of paid vacation
Hours: 30 hours per week
Employer: PAI RESTAURANT INC (operating as Chaiyo Toronto)
Business Address: 18 Duncan Street, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3G8
Work Location: 81 Bay Street 4th Floor, Toronto ON M5J 3B2
Website address: www.chaiyotoronto.com
Contact email: linecooktoronto@gmail.com
About Us:
Founded in 2012, PAI Restaurant Inc. brings the vibrant and authentic flavours of Northern Thailand to Toronto’s culinary scene. Our flagship location, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, is dedicated to crafting traditional Thai dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients combined with time-honored cooking techniques.
Expanding on this vision, we also operate Chaiyo by PAI, a fast-casual Thai street-food concept offering market-style favourites such as Khao Mun Gai, Khao Kha Moo, Pad Thai, Khao Soi, curries, and rotating daily specials. The “by PAI” branding highlights that Chaiyo shares the same passion for authentic Thai flavours and culinary excellence as PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, while providing a casual, vibrant dining experience inspired by Thailand’s bustling street markets.
Led by Chef Nuit Regular and her team, our kitchens celebrate the art of Thai cooking, from Northern classics to street-food favourites. We provide a hands-on environment for cooks to master traditional techniques, sauces, pastes, and spice blends, while experimenting with menu innovations inspired by Thailand’s regional cuisines.
Since our incorporation on December 12, 2012, we have built a reputation for exceptional dining experiences in a welcoming atmosphere. Our team values creativity, authenticity, and hospitality, fostering a collaborative and supportive kitchen culture. We pride ourselves on delivering memorable dining experiences that transport our guests to the streets and kitchens of Thailand.
Job Summary:
PAI Toronto is seeking a dedicated and skilled Cook with proven experience in Thai cuisine and a passion for creating high-quality, authentic Thai dishes in a fast-paced restaurant environment. As a Cook, you will play a central role in preparing traditional Northern Thai and Thai street-food dishes that consistently meet our standards for flavor, presentation, and food safety.
Key Responsibilities:
Prepare and cook authentic Northern Thai dishes and Thai street food according to established recipes and restaurant standards.
Demonstrate advanced culinary skills, including knife techniques, wok cooking, and preparation of traditional Thai sauces, pastes, and spice blends.
Skillfully use aromatic herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, magrud lime, chilli, and Thai basil.
Balance flavours by emphasizing fresh ingredients and focusing on aromatic and spicy dishes.
Prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or dietary restrictions, ensuring proper labeling and preventing cross-contamination.
Ensure consistent presentation, portioning, and flavour quality according to PAI/Chaiyo standards.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations, utensils, and equipment.
Ensure all food preparation and storage complies with food safety regulations and hygiene guidelines.
Inspect kitchen and food service areas to maintain compliance with health standards.
Monitor cooking times, temperatures, and ingredient quality to maintain consistency and excellence.
Assist in managing inventory of food supplies and ingredients to minimize waste.
Participate in menu planning and development, including determining portion sizes, estimating food requirements, and controlling costs.
Supervise and train kitchen staff or assistants as needed, ensuring smooth operations during peak hours.
Collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house staff to ensure timely service and accuracy of orders.
Foster a positive, efficient kitchen environment, promoting teamwork and strong operational systems.
Stay updated on Northern Thai culinary techniques, new recipes, and street-food trends to support menu innovation.
Qualifications and Skills Required:
Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
Valid Food Handler Certification
Specialized training in traditional Thai cooking methods, including Northern Thai cuisine and royal Thai techniques.
Expertise in using aromatic herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, magrud lime, chilli, and Thai basil.
Advanced knowledge of traditional Thai dishes, recipes, techniques, and the cultural heritage of Thai cuisine, including Thai street-food specialties.
Previous experience working in the Thai food industry or a similar restaurant environment.
Solid understanding of food handling, meal preparation, and cooking techniques.
Strong knowledge of food safety practices, health regulations, and allergen management.
Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
Skilled in maintaining consistent presentation, portioning, and flavor quality.
Ability to supervise and train kitchen staff, ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with a willingness to support colleagues.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high food quality standards.
Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Willingness to participate in menu innovation and seasonal Thai dish development.
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume via email to linecooktoronto@gmail.com, with “Cook” in the subject line, to be considered for this position. Applications sent through any other method will not be accepted.
We appreciate all interest in this opportunity; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.