Good sushi is a craft, and Sushi Art is looking for a Sushi Chef who takes that craft seriously. If you have spent time behind a sushi counter and you enjoy turning fresh ingredients into clean, beautiful plates, this vacancy could be the next step in your career.
The UAE has one of the most competitive Japanese food scenes in the region, and experienced sushi chefs are always in demand. Joining a dedicated sushi brand lets you focus on your speciality instead of juggling a giant menu.
About the Role
The Sushi Chef prepares and presents sushi, sashimi, nigiri and rolls to a consistently high standard. You will work closely with the kitchen team, keep your station spotless, and make sure every plate leaving the counter looks and tastes the way it should.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki and specialty rolls following the restaurant’s recipes
- Cook and season sushi rice properly, batch after batch
- Slice fish and other ingredients with clean, precise knife skills
- Plate each dish neatly with the correct garnishes and presentation
- Manage mise en place so your station is ready before service begins
- Check freshness, storage temperatures and expiry dates
- Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards at your station
- Communicate with the kitchen and service team and help with stock orders
Requirements
- Proven experience as a sushi chef or senior sushi commis in a Japanese restaurant
- Good knowledge of Japanese ingredients, rice preparation and fish handling
- Strong knife skills and a good eye for presentation
- Speed and accuracy during busy services
- A food safety or hygiene certificate is usually an advantage
- Team spirit, discipline and a willingness to take feedback
- Flexibility for shifts, weekends and holidays, plus eligibility to work in the UAE
What You Can Expect
Sushi chef packages in the UAE depend on your experience and the venue, and may include salary, meals on duty, uniform and medical cover. The advert may not list everything, so ask clearly about salary, working hours, days off and accommodation at your interview. A practical trade test is also common, where you may be asked to prepare a few rolls or nigiri, so practise beforehand.
What Employers Look For in a Sushi Chef
Beyond the technical skills, restaurants hiring a sushi chef look for discipline. Rice that is cooked and seasoned the same way every day, fish that is stored and handled correctly, and a station that is always clean are the things head chefs notice first. Speed matters, but consistency matters more. Guests at a sushi counter can often see you work, so a calm attitude and tidy habits make a strong impression. If you take pride in your knives, your plating and your hygiene, say so clearly in your application and back it up with real examples from your past kitchens.
Tips for Applying
- Bring photos of your best plating if you have them, as they speak louder than words
- Mention the kinds of Japanese restaurants and kitchens you have worked in
- Be ready for a practical test and arrive with your own confidence and calm
- Keep your certificates and experience letters handy
