You know your tandoor. The glow, the heat, the char. If you are ready to put that craft on a bigger London stage, Mint Leaf is hiring a Tandoor Chef right now. This is a full-time, permanent role with a competitive salary of £32,000 to £34,000 a year and the chance to cook authentic Indian dishes at a leading London restaurant.
At Mint Leaf, you will work with traditional tandoor ovens to produce perfectly blistered naan and roti, succulent kebabs, and deeply marinated tandoori meats. You will join a supportive, creative kitchen team, improve your skills, and help shape a menu that celebrates India’s culinary heritage. If you want a serious kitchen with room to grow, this is your moment.
Why this role is in demand in 2026
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London’s dining scene keeps raising the bar, and Indian cuisine sits at the heart of that growth. Guests want real flavor and real technique. That is why tandoor specialists are in demand across the city. A great Tandoor Chef can balance high heat with precision, deliver consistent quality at speed, and bring tradition to life on every plate. Mint Leaf is investing in that talent, offering stability, career development, and a platform in a respected restaurant.
Job overview
Item
Details
Role
Tandoor Chef
Employer
Mint Leaf
Location
London, EC2R 7HB, United Kingdom
Workplace Type
On-site, busy London kitchen
Contract Type
Permanent, Full-time
Salary
£32,000–£34,000 per year
Schedule
Shifts with weekend and holiday availability
Core Cuisine
Authentic Indian, traditional tandoor cookery
Visa Sponsorship
Not stated by employer
Right to Work
Must have legal right to work in the UK
Application Method
CV + brief cover letter via the employer’s official channel
Hiring in 2026. Visit the official website for the current deadline.
What you will do
Prepare and cook classic tandoori items to order, including naan, roti, kebabs, and tandoori chicken, ensuring consistent flavor and presentation.
Manage the tandoor oven throughout service, controlling heat, fuel, and timing for perfect char and tenderness.
Coordinate with the broader kitchen team to deliver smooth, on-time service during busy periods.
Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards, keeping your station spotless and organized.
Contribute to menu development by proposing new ideas grounded in traditional Indian techniques.
Monitor stock levels for the tandoor section and support timely ordering of ingredients.
Salary and benefits
This is a competitive chef role in central London with a clear growth path.
Annual salary: £32,000–£34,000 depending on experience and performance.
Career progression: Real opportunities to upskill and advance in a reputable London restaurant.
Authentic craft: Daily hands-on work with traditional tandoors and premium ingredients.
Creative input: Space to test ideas and influence specials and menu updates.
Supportive culture: A collaborative team that values mentorship, precision, and pride in plating.
Dynamic schedule: Full-time with weekend and holiday shifts, supporting work-life balance in a modern kitchen environment.
Professional recognition: Build your profile at a well-known London brand known for quality and authenticity.
Requirements and eligibility
Proven tandoor experience: Prior work as a Tandoor Chef or in a closely related role in an Indian kitchen is essential.
Technical mastery: Confident with classic tandoori techniques, spice profiling, marination, skewering, and oven control.
Speed and consistency: Calm under pressure with strong timing and multitasking during peak service.
Teamwork and communication: Clear, respectful coordination with chefs, pass, and service teams.
Flexibility: Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the rota.
Right to work: You must already have the legal right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not stated.
Visa sponsorship and right to work
Mint Leaf’s advert does not state visa sponsorship. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK to be considered. If you require sponsorship, review the guidance below to plan your route.
Check the sponsor list: Only employers licensed by the UK Home Office can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for the Skilled Worker visa. Search the official Register of Licensed Sponsors to see if Mint Leaf or its parent company is listed.
Role suitability: Skilled Worker roles must meet minimum skill and salary thresholds. Chef positions can be eligible if they meet the required occupation code and salary benchmarks.
No promise of sponsorship: Even if an employer is on the register, sponsorship is at the employer’s discretion and subject to role needs.
Already in the UK? If you hold a visa that permits work, confirm that your conditions cover full-time employment in hospitality. If not, speak to a qualified adviser about switching to a suitable route.
If you need sponsorship, contact the employer professionally to ask whether they can consider sponsoring for this role in 2026. Keep your CV and portfolio ready to demonstrate immediate value.
How to apply
Prepare your CV: Highlight tandoor experience, key dishes, service volumes, and any awards or kitchen trials. Keep it concise and results focused.
Write a short cover letter: Explain your tandoor background, signature items, and how you maintain quality and speed during service. Mention your availability and right to work status.
Apply via the official channel: Submit your CV and cover letter directly to Mint Leaf using the contact or careers details in the live job advert or on the website: https://www.mintleaflondon.com.
Ensure documents are current: Update references, certificates, and contact details. Use a professional email and phone number.
Be ready for a trial: Many chef roles include a kitchen trial. Practice key tandoor items and mise en place routines.
Follow up: If you have not heard back after a reasonable time, send a polite follow-up. Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted.
Visit the official website for the current deadline.
FAQ
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Is visa sponsorship available for this role?
The advert does not mention sponsorship. You must have the legal right to work in the UK. If you need a visa, check whether the employer is a licensed sponsor and ask if sponsorship is possible for this vacancy. There is no guarantee.
What is the salary for the Tandoor Chef at Mint Leaf?
The advertised salary is £32,000 to £34,000 per year, depending on experience and performance.
Do I need prior experience as a Tandoor Chef?
Yes. Proven experience in a tandoor section or a closely related role in an Indian restaurant is required. You should be confident with traditional techniques and oven management.
Will Mint Leaf train new chefs on the tandoor?
While the role requires prior experience, the team supports ongoing skill development, quality standards, and consistent execution during service.
What hours will I work?
This is a full-time, on-site role with shift patterns that include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Exact rota details are shared during hiring.
About Mint Leaf
Mint Leaf is a well-known London restaurant recognized for serving authentic Indian cuisine in a modern setting. The kitchen focuses on premium ingredients, time-tested recipes, and refined presentation, creating a dining experience that balances tradition and innovation. If you want to build your name in a respected London venue, this team offers the platform and mentorship to do it right.
If you live for the heat of the tandoor and want your work to speak for itself, Mint Leaf is hiring now. Send your CV and a focused cover letter, show what you can do in the trial, and claim your spot in a trusted London kitchen. Apply now.
