[GAKU – Akiko’s High-End Japanese Teppanyaki Restaurant] Teppanyaki Head Chef

We seek a highly experienced Japanese Teppanyaki Head Chef to lead and elevate the culinary vision for our luxury restaurant. This role honors Japanese cuisine’s traditions, history, and artistry while integrating modern innovation to deliver unique, storytelling dining experiences. A deep respect for Japanese culinary values and a commitment to excellence are essential to succeed in this culturally significant position.

As the restaurant is in a gaming environment, its clientele primarily consists of high-demand and discerning VIP gaming members who seek to be entertained, impressed, and uniquely satisfied. This is not your typical Japanese fine dining experience, where subtlety and understatement dominate. Instead, the role calls for crafting a dynamic and engaging dining journey that blends the precision of Japanese culinary traditions with bold, memorable moments tailored to this exclusive audience. In addition to culinary leadership, the Head Chef oversees menu sign-off, VIP customization, and ensures all BOH functions align with service readiness and brand standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Core Culinary Functions:

• Design an authentic Teppanyaki menu that honors traditional Japanese techniques, ingredients, and cultural stories while incorporating bold, innovative elements to captivate a VIP gaming audience.

• Showcase the beauty of Japanese cuisine through meticulous presentation and harmonious flavors, reflecting respect for the culinary arts.

• Elevate local Vietnamese ingredients into Japanese cuisine, maintaining authenticity and balance.

2. Operational Excellence:

• Lead by example to instill pride and adherence to the team’s Japanese values of discipline, cleanliness, and precision.

• Maintaining the highest hygiene, safety, and organization standards reflects the Japanese philosophy of respect for order and harmony.

• Source premium, sustainable ingredients aligned with the high standards of Japanese culinary tradition.

• Oversee and sign off on all purchasing requests for premium and specialty ingredients.

• Coordinate closely with the Sous Chef to ensure BOH readiness, food safety compliance, and staff task ownership.

• Validate service logistics, prep flow, and resource allocation for lunch and dinner shifts.

• Collaborate on cross-training programs to ensure floating chefs can support both Teppan and prep roles.

• Ensure all mise-en-place and station setup meet the standards required for high-performance teppanyaki execution.

3. Guest Experience Elevation:

• Deliver a Teppanyaki dining experience imbued with Japanese hospitality ("Omotenashi"), showcasing respect, attentiveness, and anticipation of guest needs.

• To captivate VIP gaming members, create a performance-driven atmosphere with live storytelling, interactive culinary displays, and visually striking presentations.

• Craft personalized experiences for guests, emphasizing attention to detail and artistic expression, ensuring each visit feels exclusive and unique.

4. Leadership and Mentorship:

• Inspire and mentor a multicultural kitchen team, promoting respect for Japanese culinary traditions and values.

• Conduct regular training sessions to ensure adherence to Japanese techniques and Michelin-level standards.

• Cultivate an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, consistent with Japanese business etiquette and cultural practices.

• Ensure all team members understand their role in prep, service, receiving, HACCP, and closing responsibilities.

• Empower CDPs and Teppan chefs to take ownership of daily inventory, kitchen closing, and support rotations.

• Reinforce a team-wide culture of precision, flexibility, and mutual accountability.

5. Creativity and Innovation:

• Balance the preservation of Japanese culinary identity with innovative menu enhancements that captivate and surprise guests.

• Incorporate seasonal and locally sourced elements, reflecting Japanese culinary philosophy's deep connection to nature and time.

6. Key Functional Responsibilities

• Access to premium ingredients and state-of-the-art facilities supporting the creation of world-class cuisine.

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, recognizing the significance of the role.

1. Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in high-end dining environments, with 3 years in Michelin-starred or globally recognized Japanese Teppanyaki restaurants.

• Strong background in authentic Japanese culinary techniques, traditions, and values.

2. Skills:

• Mastery of Japanese Teppanyaki cuisine, focusing on precision, balance, and artistry.

• Exceptional storytelling and interpersonal skills are essential for creating a cultural connection with guests.

3. Language Proficiency:

• Fluency in Japanese/English are mandatory, and preferred for team and guest communication.

• Vietnamese or other Asian language skills are a plus for engaging with a diverse clientele and team.

4. Attributes:

• Deep respect for Japanese culture, cuisine, and traditions.

• Attention to detail, patience, and dedication to perfection in every aspect of the role.

5. Preferred Qualities:

• Experience working with international HNW guests, appreciating cultural sensitivities and preferences.

• Familiarity with Vietnamese ingredients and their integration into Japanese cuisine while maintaining authenticity.

• HACCP Certfification

6. Cultural and Guest Experience Touchpoints

• Omotenashi (Hospitality): Embody the spirit of selfless hospitality, anticipating guest needs and creating a welcoming, respectful environment.

• Culinary Storytelling: Share Japanese cuisine’s rich history and artistry with guests, highlighting the significance of each ingredient and technique.

• Personalization: Engage with guests to tailor experiences that reflect their preferences while celebrating Japanese culinary traditions.

• Dynamic Atmosphere: Incorporate bold, performance-driven elements into the dining experience, showcasing live Teppanyaki artistry and interactive engagement.

• Memorable Moments: Craft dining experiences that feel exclusive, exciting, and tailored to the high expectations of VIP gaming clientele.