If you’ve ever dreamed of working in the heart of a bustling kitchen in Europe, Poland is calling. Cook assistant roles here offer an attractive salary on average, around PLN 51,895 per year or PLN 25 per hour with opportunities to grow as you gain experience.
These positions are hands-on and physical, perfect for those who love being active and working directly with food. They aren’t remote; the magic happens in kitchens across hotels, restaurants, cafes, and catering companies. You’ll be joining a vibrant, in-demand job sector where your skills truly matter and every day brings new challenges and rewards.
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Duties:
Cook assistants will perform the following duties:
- Assist the Chef in Food Preparation
- Assist chefs with measuring, chopping, peeling, and combining items.
- Observe basic cooking directions and recipes.
- Clean and Wash Utensils
- Make sure that every piece of cookware, dishware, and kitchen utensil is cleaned and stored correctly.
- Cook Meals and Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness
- Under supervision, assist with cooking.
- Cooking surfaces and stations should be kept spotless and well organised.
- Clean Coolers and Refrigerators
- Clean storage spaces and look for products that have expired.
- Keep things clean to adhere to food safety regulations.
- Remove Trash and Sanitize Trash Cans
- Keep garbage cans odour-free and dispose of rubbish on a regular basis.
- Stock Storerooms and Supplies
- Keep an eye on stock levels and make sure that supplies and ingredients are restocked.
- Notify managers when there is a shortage of stock.
- Clean Food Storage Areas
- Keep cold and dry storage rooms hygienic.
- Arrange the materials and ingredients for convenient access.
- Unpack and Organize Food Deliveries
- Accept and examine shipments.
- Organise supplies and food in the appropriate areas as soon as possible.
Requirements:
Age Requirement
- Applicants should be between 23 and 50 years old.
- This age range ensures that candidates are considered physically fit and within the typical working age group for labour and service roles.
Work Experience
a minimum of two years of relevant experience working in the food service industry, as a culinary assistant, or in a kitchen.
Experience should include:
- helping to prepare food for cooks.
- preserving hygienic conditions in the kitchen.
- utilising fundamental cooking techniques and kitchen equipment.
It can be necessary to obtain reference or experience letters from previous employment.
Language Skills
- A basic understanding of Polish is required.
- Candidates should be able to convey basic demands (e.g., ingredients, safety words) and comprehend basic culinary instructions.
- To confirm this, some firms can ask for a quick interview or language test.
Job Offer from a Polish Employer
- A Polish business that is prepared to sponsor a work visa must extend an offer of employment to you.
- The company must demonstrate that no local or EU applicant can fill the position.
Benefits:
- Job Openings: There are many positions available for cook assistants and kitchen helpers in cafes, hotels, restaurants, and catering companies as the hospitality and food businesses in Poland grow.
- Good salary: These jobs usually pay well based on the cost of living in Poland, and there are opportunities for growth based on how well you perform and your experience.
- Everything included: Benefits: Many companies provide health insurance, paid time off (like sick days, vacation days, and maternity/paternity leave), and sometimes additional perks like meals or food savings at work.
- Being a chef assistant or kitchen assistant helps you gain practical practice in food preparation, running the kitchen, and maintaining cleanliness—all important skills for working in cooking.
Visa Requirements
1. Age Requirement
- Candidates must be between the ages of 23 and 50.
2. Work Experience
- It is necessary to have at least two years of relevant experience in positions like food preparation, kitchen assistance, or chef assistant.
3. Language Skills
- To effectively communicate and comprehend cooking instructions, a basic level of Polish language ability is required.
4. Educational Background
- Although a high school degree is usually enough, having culinary certificates can improve your application.
5. Physical Fitness
- Because the job requires handling kitchen equipment and standing for extended periods of time, physical stamina is required.
Working Conditions in Polish Kitchens:
Working conditions in Polish kitchens can be fast-paced and demanding, especially in hotels, restaurants, and catering services. Shifts often include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays. While hours can be long, professional kitchens provide structured environments, training, and safety protocols. Many employers offer staff meals, uniforms, and regulated breaks to support employee well-being.
Career Growth Opportunities in Hospitality:
The hospitality sector in Poland offers excellent career growth opportunities. Entry-level positions such as kitchen assistants or front-of-house staff can advance to senior chef roles, restaurant management, or hotel operations. Continuous training, language skills, and certifications in culinary arts or hotel management enhance prospects for long-term professional growth.
Recruitment Agencies for Hospitality Jobs Poland:
Recruitment agencies for hospitality jobs in Poland help match skilled candidates with hotels, restaurants, and catering companies. These agencies assist with job placement, work contracts, and sometimes relocation support for expats. Working through a reputable agency increases access to multiple employers and ensures compliance with labor regulations.
Expat Jobs in Poland Hospitality Sector:
The hospitality industry also offers numerous expat jobs in Poland, particularly in major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, and Gdansk. International staff are often valued for multilingual skills and customer service experience. Many expat positions include training programs, competitive salaries, and opportunities to transition into managerial roles.
HOW TO APPLY?
Conclusion:
Cook assistant jobs in Poland offer hands-on experience, good pay, and strong career growth in a thriving hospitality sector. With the right experience, basic Polish skills, and visa sponsorship, foreign workers can join kitchens across the country. It’s a rewarding opportunity to build skills, earn well, and advance your culinary career abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the duties of an assistant cook?
The Assistant Cook is responsible for providing support to the Head Cook in the preparation and service of meals. This includes prepping ingredients, cooking items, plating meals, and cleaning up the kitchen throughout the day.
How much do kitchen helpers make in Poland?
The average pay for a Kitchen Assistant is PLN 51,895 a year and PLN 25 an hour in Poland. The average salary range for a Kitchen Assistant is between PLN 40,478 and PLN 59,213. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Kitchen Assistant.
What is the role of a kitchen assistant?
Kitchen Assistants make sure that Cooks have everything they need before the meal preparation starts. They shop for food items, bring ingredients into the kitchen, peel and chop vegetables and fruit, cut steak, gut fish and pluck feathers from poultry.
