Chhena Poda & Odia Dessert Specialist Chef

Job Description

We are a newly established restaurant in Singapore specialising in authentic regional Indian cuisine, with a particular focus on traditional culinary specialities from Odisha and eastern India.

As part of the introduction of our specialised Odia dessert menu, we are seeking an experienced Chhena Poda & Odia Dessert Specialist Chef with strong expertise in traditional Odia sweet-making techniques, particularly the preparation of Chhena Poda, Rasabali and other regional desserts.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing authentic handmade Odia desserts using traditional ingredients, recipes and preparation methods while maintaining consistent quality, presentation and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare authentic Chhena Poda using traditional Odia recipes, fresh chhena (Indian cottage cheese), sugar, cardamom and other essential ingredients.

• Demonstrate expertise in preparing fresh chhena through traditional milk curdling, draining, kneading and moisture-control techniques.

• Apply specialised slow-baking and caramelisation techniques to achieve the characteristic golden-brown exterior, soft interior and distinctive flavour of Chhena Poda.

• Prepare traditional Odia desserts, including Rasabali, Chhena Jhili, Chhena Gaja, Khira Sagara and other regional milk-based sweets.

• Prepare Rasabali using traditional chhena preparation, shaping, frying and thickened flavoured milk techniques.

• Demonstrate knowledge of traditional Odia sweet-making methods, including milk reduction, sugar syrup preparation, frying, steaming, baking and controlled caramelisation.

• Maintain accurate ingredient measurements, cooking temperatures, preparation times and consistency across dessert batches.

• Develop and standardise authentic Odia dessert recipes for the restaurant's specialised menu.

• Assist in introducing seasonal desserts, traditional festival sweets and regional Indian dessert platters.

• Ensure consistent taste, texture, sweetness, portion sizes and presentation for all desserts.

• Monitor the freshness and quality of dairy products, milk, chhena, nuts, spices and other dessert ingredients.

• Maintain proper food storage, temperature control and hygiene procedures, particularly for perishable dairy-based desserts.

• Train and guide junior kitchen staff in traditional Odia dessert preparation, chhena handling, baking and sweet-making techniques.

• Manage dessert ingredient inventory, production schedules, stock rotation, portion control and food wastage.

• Coordinate with kitchen management to ensure sufficient dessert preparation for daily restaurant operations.

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and comply with Singapore Food Agency (SFA) food safety and hygiene requirements.