Kantesh chowdhury
Dundee,Angus
Summary
Results-focused Chef with 16+ years of experience in fast-paced kitchen settings. Well-developed strengths in team leadership, problem-solving and communication. Demonstrated success building high-performance teams. Quality-focused kitchen professional with strengths in kitchen management, team leadership and menu planning.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
Raj Mahal
Dundee
05.2025 - Current
- Collaborated in menu redevelopment, enhancing culinary offerings.
- Aided initiatives to increase sales through menu optimisation.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
- Developed and introduced new dishes to diversify menu selections.
- Organised and led staff training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.
Head Chef
Wagamama
Dundee
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Completed training to uphold Wagamama quality standards.
- Participated in management training programmes.
- Assisted in recruiting team members to build a strong kitchen team.
- Supported new openings in Clarks Village.
- Underwent training for high health and safety standards as per company demand.
- Provided training to junior chefs on kitchen procedures and menu items.
- Managed stock control processes to ensure optimal inventory levels.
Head Chef
Jahangir Restaurant
Dundee, Angus
07.2023 - 02.2024
- Reviewed and enhanced dishes before delivery to uphold signature reputation.
- Implemented hygienic storage methods, minimising food loss and ensuring quality standards.
- Conducted stock takes of food items to ensure adequate supplies at all times.
- Managed spending to maintain expenses within allocated budget, optimising resource allocation.
- Collaborated with restaurant manager to create or modify menus and item selections.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations including safety and sanitary guidelines.
Head Chef
The Market
Dundee, Angus
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Directed quality and presentation of plated food, ensuring consistency and proper portioning during line activities.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff, ensuring safety compliance and adherence to food handling standards.
- Incorporated customer recommendations and feedback to modify and update menu.
- Supported restaurant ownership in pricing strategy by analysing ingredient costs and recommending portion sizes.
Head Chef
Taza Indian buffet restaurant
Dundee, Angus
01.2014 - 08.2022
- Taught kitchen staff about proper nutrition, food allergies and dietary issues.
- Supervised staff of ten, providing direction in preparing speciality items, including desserts and mains.
- Catered for large corporate and special events with 100+ guests.
- Supervised preparation of specialities and customer requests to verify accuracy in production.
- Prepared rotas to optimise coverage while balancing payroll costs.
Head Chef
Bombay Joes Restaurant
Dundee, Angus
03.2006 - 12.2013
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to ensure overall safety and use of proper food handling techniques.
- Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
- Supervised preparation of specialities and customer requests to verify accuracy in production.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure high-quality and excellent value produce.
- Controlled and directed food preparation and service in high volume kitchen.
Education
Degree in Hotel Management - Hotel Management
DSMS Hotel management College
India2002
Skills
- Food science
- Heat control
- Inventory rotation
- Inventory control
- Food hygiene enforcement
- Culinary expertise
- Budgeting and cost control
- Banquets and catering
- Recipes and menu planning
Languages
English
First Language
Bengali
Advanced
C1
Hindi
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Head Chef
Raj Mahal
05.2025 - Current
Head Chef
Wagamama
03.2024 - 03.2025
Head Chef
Jahangir Restaurant
07.2023 - 02.2024
Head Chef
The Market
09.2022 - 07.2023
Head Chef
Taza Indian buffet restaurant
01.2014 - 08.2022
Head Chef
Bombay Joes Restaurant
03.2006 - 12.2013
Degree in Hotel Management - Hotel Management
DSMS Hotel management College