Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Indian Cook – 2026

Are you applying for a job as an Indian cook? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your cooking skills, experience in Indian cuisine and knowledge of traditional Indian cooking techniques. Whether you're applying for a role as a home cook, restaurant cook, or personal chef, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. What inspired you to become an Indian cook?
  

  I grew up in a household where cooking was a big part of our culture and traditions. Seeing my mother and grandmother cook delicious and authentic Indian meals inspired me to pursue a career in cooking.

• 2. How would you describe your cooking style?
  

  I would say my cooking style is traditional and authentic. I believe in using fresh ingredients and following traditional Indian cooking techniques to create flavorful dishes.

• 3. What is your favorite Indian dish to cook and why?
  

  I have many favorite Indian dishes, but if I had to pick one, I would say it is biryani. It's a challenging dish to make, but I love the process of making it and the way it brings people together over a delicious meal.

• 4. How do you stay updated with new trends and techniques in Indian cooking?
  

  I am constantly trying out new recipes and attending cooking workshops and classes to learn about new trends and techniques in Indian cooking. I also follow influential chefs and food bloggers on social media to stay updated.

• 5. How do you handle special dietary restrictions or food allergies?
  

  I always take special dietary restrictions and food allergies into consideration when creating a menu. I am well-versed in substituting ingredients and modifying recipes to accommodate for these restrictions.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What ingredients do you consider essential in Indian cooking?
  

  In my opinion, some essential ingredients in Indian cooking are spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, ghee, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.

• 7. How do you handle high volume and busy kitchen environments?
  

  I am used to working in busy kitchen environments and am skilled at multitasking and prioritizing tasks. I also communicate well with my team to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

• 8. Can you tell us about a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue in the kitchen?
  

  One time, we had a power outage in the middle of a busy lunch rush. I quickly came up with a plan to adapt our menu and use alternative cooking methods to ensure our customers were still served hot, delicious meals on time.

• 9. How do you ensure food safety and hygiene in the kitchen?
  

  I always follow proper food safety and hygiene practices, such as washing my hands frequently, sanitizing work surfaces, and properly storing and labeling food. I also make sure to check and maintain the temperature of cooked dishes to prevent foodborne illnesses.

• 10. How do you handle and resolve customer complaints?
  

  I am always attentive to customer feedback and strive to provide excellent service. If a customer has a complaint, I listen attentively, apologize sincerely, and offer a solution or compensation to ensure their satisfaction.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to work under pressure?
  

  I remember a hectic event where we had a lot of orders and a short time to complete them. I stayed calm and organized, prioritized tasks, and delegated responsibilities effectively to ensure all orders were completed on time and to high standards of quality.

• 12. How do you handle conflicts or differences of opinion within a team?
  

  I believe in open communication and addressing conflicts directly and respectfully. I also understand the importance of compromise and finding common ground to ensure the success of the team and the quality of our work.

• 13. Can you describe a time when you had to learn a new cooking technique or dish?
  

  I recently attended a workshop where I learned how to make a new regional Indian dish. I practiced and perfected the technique, and it has now become one of my signature dishes.

• 14. How do you handle unexpected situations or changes in the kitchen?
  

  I am always prepared for unexpected situations or changes in the kitchen by thinking on my feet and being adaptable. I understand that things can change quickly in a busy kitchen, and I am always ready to adjust my plans to ensure the smooth running of the kitchen.

• 15. How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism?
  

  I welcome feedback and constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn and improve. I take it in stride and use it to better myself and my cooking skills.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if a customer complained about the quality of their food?
  

  I would apologize and offer to replace the dish or offer a different dish as compensation. I would also make a note of the complaint and bring it to the attention of the chef to ensure it doesn't happen again.

• 17. How would you handle a situation where a menu item is out of stock?
  

  I would inform the customer and offer a similar dish as an alternative. If the customer still wants the out-of-stock item, I would make a note to replenish the stock and offer a discount for a future visit.

• 18. What would you do if you noticed a coworker not following proper hygiene practices?
  

  I would politely remind them of the importance of proper hygiene practices in a kitchen and offer to demonstrate or assist them in proper technique to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers.

• 19. How would you handle a difficult customer who is not satisfied with their meal?
  

  I would remain calm and listen carefully to their concerns. I would apologize and offer to replace their dish or offer a discount on the bill. If necessary, I would involve the manager to come to a satisfactory resolution.

• 20. How would you handle a situation where a recipe goes wrong?
  

  I would try to troubleshoot the issue and see if I can salvage the dish. If not, I would start over and take it as a learning experience to double-check and properly measure ingredients in the future.