How to impress in a trade test at a luxury restaurant in the Middle East
Trade tests are the gateway to some of the most sought-after kitchen roles in the Gulf. In Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, luxury restaurants don’t hire on CVs alone: they want to see you in action.
Whether you’re applying as a chef de partie or a head chef, your trade test is your audition. You’ll be assessed not only on your technical skill but also on how you work, communicate and carry yourself as a professional.
At Radiant Hospitality, we’ve supported chefs through trade tests across the region. This guide brings together insights from head chefs, hiring teams and our own experience placing talent in luxury venues. If you want to stand out, here’s your playbook.
What to expect from a trade test
Trade tests vary depending on the role and the restaurant, but most follow a common pattern. You may be asked to prepare one or more signature dishes, complete mise en place and basic prep tasks, join a live service shift or submit an ingredients list and sample menu in advance.
The goal is to evaluate your technical abilities, time management, cleanliness and behavior under pressure. Expect to be watched closely by senior chefs and, in some cases, the restaurant owner or concept manager. They’re not just judging your food—they’re judging how you operate.
Before the test: how to prepare
Do your research
Study the restaurant: its cuisine, menu, plating style and chef backgrounds. Tailor your approach to reflect the venue’s identity. A modern Mediterranean concept in DIFC will expect something very different to a Japanese fine dining room in Riyadh.
Refine your dish selection
If asked to prepare your own dish, choose one that reflects your strengths, aligns with the restaurant, and demonstrates technique, balance and clean plating. Keep it achievable within the time and tools available. Practice it under timed conditions until you’re confident.
Ingredients list and sample menu: presentation matters
For mid- to senior-level roles, you’ll likely be asked to submit an ingredients list and possibly a sample menu. This is often your first impression, so treat it professionally. Spell-check everything, use consistent formatting and avoid casual language. Present it in a way that matches the brand’s tone and standard. Attention to detail here can win or lose confidence before you even step into the kitchen.
Presentation: what the chef notices before you cook
Assessment begins the moment you walk in. Arrive early, in a clean and pressed uniform, with polished shoes and tidy grooming. Set up your station neatly and introduce yourself to the team with confidence and respect. Kitchens in luxury dining expect discipline before a single knife is lifted.
During the test: what luxury kitchens assess
Chefs will be looking at knife skills, technical execution, timing, plating, cleanliness, organization and communication. They want to see consistency, awareness of hygiene and a professional attitude. Many candidates fail not on food quality, but on messy stations, poor time management or defensiveness during feedback.
Signature dishes: how to select and present yours
Your signature dish is your calling card. Choose something you know inside out, balance creativity with restraint and explain it with clarity. A simple but flawless risotto is better than an over-complicated dish that misses the mark.
Common mistakes that sink a trade test
Overcomplicating, underseasoning, disorganized prep, poor hygiene and arrogance during feedback are the fastest ways to lose a role. Chefs are looking for reliability, not just flair.
After the test: follow-up matters
Thank the team, clean your station thoroughly and follow up politely if you haven’t heard back in a few days. Reflect honestly on your performance, because every trade test is also a chance to grow.
Radiant Hospitality’s insider tips
Practice plating your dish under real time limits, bring your own sharp tools if permitted, and prepare both a hard copy and digital version of your ingredients list. Don’t assume you can wing it—chefs respect preparation and clarity.
Trade tests are your moment to stand out
A trade test is more than a technical trial. It’s where you prove you belong in a luxury kitchen, show that your mindset matches the standard, and begin building trust with the team.
At Radiant Hospitality, we prepare candidates for every stage of this process, from ingredients lists to post-test feedback. If you’re aiming to succeed in the Gulf’s luxury dining sector, we’re here to help you get there.
