Apply for the Saigon Rivonia Restaurant Cooking Assistant role in Johannesburg. Full-time, permanent job with growth, training and kitchen experience.
Saigon Rivonia Restaurant Cooking Assistant Job Opportunity in Johannesburg
Saigon Rivonia Restaurant is offering a full-time opportunity for a dedicated Cooking Assistant who wants to grow in the food industry. Since the hospitality industry continues to expand, this role offers a strong entry point for job seekers who want reliable work, hands-on experience and long-term career options. The position also allows new applicants to gain exposure in a real kitchen environment. Because of this, the job is ideal for South African candidates, as well as international job seekers who want to understand South African restaurant work standards.
Although the environment is fast-paced, the workplace culture remains supportive. Therefore, the Cooking Assistant role is suitable for hardworking people who want to join a team that values growth, discipline and good service. This job post explains everything you need, including duties, requirements, benefits, application steps and useful tips to help you stand out.
About Saigon Rivonia Restaurant
Saigon Rivonia Restaurant, located above Saigon Massage in Rivonia, Johannesburg, is known for its fresh Asian cuisine and quality customer service. Since the restaurant attracts a wide range of guests, the kitchen team works with great care and steady focus. As a Cooking Assistant, you will support this environment while learning key food industry skills.
Because the restaurant prepares meals from fresh ingredients each day, the Cooking Assistant plays a central role in the workflow. Every task you perform will contribute to the quality and speed of the kitchen. As a result, this position offers meaningful experience for anyone who wants to grow in restaurant operations or culinary work.
Job Title: Cooking Assistant (Kitchen Assistant & Cleaner)
Employer: Saigon Rivonia Restaurant
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: R4 000 for first 2 months (training), then from R5 000 per month
Application Link: (Insert your website link here)
Job Overview
The Saigon Rivonia Restaurant Cooking Assistant role focuses on supporting the kitchen team with basic food preparation, cleaning tasks, and maintaining high hygiene standards. Since a kitchen depends on smooth teamwork, the Cooking Assistant must be reliable, organised and able to follow instructions. Even though the tasks are simple, they help the chefs deliver meals on time.
Because this role does not require formal qualifications, many young job seekers use it as a first step into the hospitality sector. However, experience in a kitchen is an advantage, as it helps you adapt faster. Although the job can be physically demanding, it also offers consistent hours and stable income.
Key Responsibilities
The Cooking Assistant will work directly with senior kitchen staff. While duties often change during busy hours, core daily tasks include the following:
1. Basic Food Preparation
You will help prepare vegetables, ingredients, sauces and other items needed by the chefs. This task ensures the kitchen maintains good speed, while also giving you exposure to food handling techniques.
2. Keeping the Kitchen Clean
A clean workspace is essential in restaurants. Therefore, the Cooking Assistant will clean counters, floors, equipment and tools to ensure the kitchen remains safe. You will also wash dishes and maintain the cleaning schedule.
3. Maintaining Equipment
Even though you are not required to repair appliances, you will be responsible for wiping, organising and safely storing tools. Since equipment care reduces breakdowns, this task is important.
4. Following Hygiene Standards
Food must be prepared in a clean environment. Because of this, you must follow hygiene rules, wear the correct uniform and handle items safely. The restaurant will guide you on all procedures.
5. Assisting During Busy Hours
The Cooking Assistant role becomes critical when the restaurant is full. During these hours, you may support chefs, help with plating or clear work areas. Since teamwork is important, you must stay calm and work quickly.
Minimum Requirements
While the job is entry-level, the employer requires the following:
- Male applicant, 18 years or older
- Healthy, fit and able to work in a fast-paced kitchen
- South African ID (compulsory)
- Hardworking and disciplined attitude
- Able to follow instructions
- Experience is helpful but not required
Although these requirements are simple, they help the employer choose candidates who will perform well under pressure. Since kitchens operate at high speed, fitness and focus remain important.
Preferred Location
Johannesburg, Gauteng
(Residents in or near Rivonia will adapt faster and reduce transport costs.)
Benefits of Working at Saigon Rivonia Restaurant
Although the role is entry-level, you will still receive meaningful benefits:
1. Stable Income
You earn a training salary first, and then a higher salary after two months. This helps new applicants settle into the job.
2. Valuable Kitchen Experience
Because you work closely with chefs, you gain skills that many employers want. This includes cutting, prepping, cleaning and basic cooking tasks.
3. Real Restaurant Exposure
You gain real-world kitchen experience, which increases your hiring potential across South Africa, the USA, the UK and Canada.
4. Growth Opportunities
If you perform well, you may progress to:
- Prep cook
- Station cook
- Senior kitchen assistant
- Line cook
Restaurants prefer to promote from within, making this job a true career opportunity.
5. Supportive Team
The workplace culture encourages teamwork and learning. Since new staff receive guidance, you will not feel alone during training.
Career Growth Opportunities
Although this job starts at the assistant level, the experience you gain can lead to better roles. With consistency and skill, you may advance into:
- Food preparation specialist
- Kitchen supervisor
- Head prep assistant
- Restaurant supervisor
- Chef-in-training roles
Because global hospitality markets value experience more than certificates, the skills learned here can help you apply for jobs in other countries later.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected, follow these tips:
1. Prepare a Clear CV
Even if you have no experience, include your strengths, physical abilities, and willingness to learn.
2. Keep Your Phone Active
Restaurants respond quickly. Therefore, make sure you keep your phone on during the hiring period.
3. Dress Neatly for Interviews
A clean appearance shows professionalism and discipline.
4. Show a Positive Attitude
Because employers want reliable workers, show that you are motivated and ready to learn.
5. Highlight Any Experience
If you helped with cooking, cleaning or food preparation at home or elsewhere, mention it. Simple experience still counts.
How to Apply
Applying is easy. Use the link below to submit your application:
FAQs About the Cooking Assistant Role
1. Do I need experience?
No, experience is not required. However, it will help you adapt faster.
2. What are the working hours?
Hours follow standard restaurant schedules, including busy weekends.
3. Will training be provided?
Yes, the first two months allow you to learn and adjust.
4. Can I grow into a cooking role?
Yes, many Cooking Assistants become cooks after gaining experience.
5. Is the job physically demanding?
Yes, because kitchen work requires standing, lifting and moving quickly.
Cooking Assistant
Saigon Rivonia Restaurant
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Pay: From R5 000 per month
Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Job Description:
Assist chefs with food prep, clean the kitchen, maintain hygiene, and follow safety rules.
Requirements:
Male, 18+, South African ID, hardworking, able to work fast.
Salary: R4 000 (first 2 months) then from R5 000 per month.
Application Link: Replace with your website link here.
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