Kopitiam Kitchen Assistant

As a Kopitiam Kitchen Assistant you will help build reliable kitchen routines and practical systems that keep food quality steady across shifts. This role focuses on creating repeatable prep flows, standardising portioning, and improving service timing so our stall handles peak mornings with calm and speed. You will work hands-on while helping shape small process changes that make daily service smoother for the whole team. You will be side-by-side with cooks and front-of-house on tasks like brewing kopi, toasting bread, portioning noodles, receiving deliveries, and tracking basic stock counts. The role asks for early starts and a steady pace, and we give on-the-job guidance so you can grow real kitchen skills. If you care about consistency, cleanliness, and friendly service, this position offers clear steps to develop your craft and move into more senior shifts. Your Growth & Impact - Sharpen practical cooking and prep skills through daily service with kopi, eggs, toast, simple noodles, and sauces so your technique improves every week. - Build reliable stock rotation and portion control habits that reduce waste and keep supplies fresher, helping the business run leaner. - Expand operational know-how by coordinating timing with cooks and front staff, which improves ticket flow and customer wait times. - Gain exposure to basic inventory tracking and receiving procedures so you can handle deliveries and support monthly counts confidently. - Position yourself for shift lead or senior kitchen roles by showing consistency, attention to presentation, and helpful teamwork during busy periods. Responsibilities Kitchen Prep & Cooking - Prepare and portion ingredients for kopi, toast, simple noodle dishes, and sides according to standard recipes. - Assist cooks with stove work and assembly during peak service to maintain steady ticket times. - Plate and send orders promptly while checking for presentation and portion consistency. - Support daily short prep tasks like boiling eggs, brewing coffee, and toasting bread. Hygiene & Safety - Maintain a clean work station and follow food safety rules, including proper storage temperatures and cross-contamination prevention. - Perform routine cleaning of equipment, utensils, and prep surfaces at scheduled times. - Report any maintenance or hygiene issues to supervisors and help ensure compliance with local food regulations. - Handle waste disposal and recycling according to site procedures. Operations & Stock - Receive deliveries, check quantities, and store supplies to preserve freshness and first-in-first-out rotation. - Monitor ingredient levels and raise orders or shortages to the shift supervisor in time for reordering. - Help track simple stock records and assist with monthly counts when requested. - Support front-of-house during rushes by running food and clearing plates when needed. Requirements Qualifications & Experience - Minimum 2 years working experience in a kopitiam, hawker stall, cafe, or similar F&B kitchen role. - Basic understanding of breakfast and simple lunch menu preparation common to Malaysian kopitiams. - Available to work early mornings, weekday shifts, weekends, and public holidays as rosters require. - Valid food handler certificate is advantageous but not mandatory if experience is strong. Hard Skills & Knowledge - Food preparation and simple cooking techniques for kopi, eggs, toast, noodles, and sauces. - Knowledge of basic kitchen tools, coffee equipment, and safe knife handling. - Stock rotation, portion control, and simple inventory tracking skills. - Familiarity with cleaning chemicals, sanitisation procedures, and temperature controls. Soft Skills & Qualities - Work reliably under pressure with steady pace during morning and lunch peaks. - Communicate clearly with teammates in English and Bahasa Malaysia, and follow instructions from supervisors. - Show attention to detail, cleanliness, and a practical approach to problem solving. - Be a cooperative team member who can help across prep, service, and basic front tasks when needed.