A home cook for the family: how to define your needs and request one through a licensed provider

Do you need a cook or a domestic worker?

A general domestic worker handles the agreed housework, which may include simple cooking. A home cook focuses on cooking and what goes with it: planning meals, preparing them, and keeping the kitchen in order and clean. The difference shows in homes with many people, frequent guests or varied meals every day.

If you want both, be realistic: one worker can’t cook three meals for a large family, clean the whole house and look after the children in the same working hours. Think about the real need, and ask the licensed provider about the right option. A worker’s work must stay within what the contract sets.

Write your needs down clearly

Before requesting offers, write down the answers to these questions:

• How many people are in the house, and how many meals a day need cooking?
• Which cuisine does the family prefer: Saudi, Gulf, or a variety of dishes?
• Are there special diets: diabetes, young children, or food allergies?
• Does the family receive guests often, and is cooking for feasts and occasions expected?
• Does the work include shopping for the kitchen, or does the family do that?
• Do you want a live-in service, or set hours a day?

These answers help the licensed provider understand your needs and make a suitable offer, and avoid misunderstandings after the start.

The skills to ask about

Ask the licensed provider about skills related to the work itself: experience with the cuisine your family prefers, the ability to cook for large numbers, keeping to hygiene and food-safety rules, and organising the kitchen and storing food. These are the questions that really matter for a cook’s work.

Don’t ask about age, religion, appearance or marital status — these aren’t work skills and have nothing to do with the quality of the cooking. The licensed provider presents options based on your needs and work skills, as the rules require.

Recruitment or a monthly service

There are two main ways to get a home cook: recruitment through a licensed office with a contract between the family and the worker, or a monthly service through a licensed domestic labour company, where the worker stays employed by the company. A monthly service may suit those who want to start quickly or try the service; recruitment may suit those who want a long-term arrangement.

Each route has its own requirements, timing and obligations. Read comparing recruitment, monthly and hourly services and the official steps for recruitment.

The kitchen she works in

A cook spends most of her day in the kitchen, so make it a comfortable and safe workplace: working ventilation and a hood, AC or a fan in the summer heat, sound utensils, and a fire extinguisher within reach. In the first days, explain how to use the appliances, especially the oven and gas, and where things are kept.

Agree a clear routine: who writes the shopping list, when meals are prepared, and how she’ll know well in advance that guests are coming. Cooking for a feast needs preparation hours before, and asking for it at the last minute exhausts the worker and spoils the result.

Hygiene and food safety

Cooking for a whole family every day means responsibility for its health too. Agree clear kitchen rules with the cook: washing hands before preparing food, keeping raw meat apart from ready food, chilling leftovers quickly in closed containers, checking use-by dates, and cleaning surfaces and boards after each use.

In homes with young children, elderly people or special diets, write her a clear list of what is and isn’t allowed, in a language she understands, and put it up in the kitchen. The list protects her too — she can’t be blamed for a mistake she wasn’t told about. Provide the tools and storage containers she needs; keeping to the rules is easier when the equipment is there.

Getting started: the first week

Don’t expect the cook to know your family’s taste from day one. Sit with her, or ask a family member to cook with her in the first days, and explain the dishes the family likes and how they like them: how much salt and spice, how well cooked, what the children enjoy. Give your feedback kindly and clearly.

Remember that cooking is tiring work, especially in hot kitchens and for large meals. Respect the agreed working hours, rest and weekly rest day. Read the first week with a new domestic worker and rights and obligations.

Questions for the licensed provider

• Is the provider licensed to offer this service, and how can I check?
• What cooking skills and experience can be provided for my needs?
• What does the contract cover in duties, working hours and rest?
• What happens if the service doesn’t suit the family’s needs?
• What are the family’s obligations for accommodation, food and health care?

Request a home cook from licensed providers in your city, stating the household size, preferred cuisine and type of service. Read the guarantee and replacement period.