Cookbook Writer Food Experience Series

Cookbook Writer  Food Experience Series
Location: Remote
Employment Type: Freelance / Project-Based
Reports to: Managing Director, Otao Kitchen

About Otao Kitchen

Melbourne-based cooking school offering immersive, hands-on culinary experiences that celebrate global flavours and cultural connections. We host over 70,000 guests through our cooking classes, team-building events, and online programs.

We are developing a series of food experience cookbooks that capture the essence of our classes — blending recipes, stories, and cultural insights that bring people together through food.

About the Project

Book 1 – Experience Asia
* Intro (4 pages): Otao Kitchen story, flavour principles, pantry essentials
* Japan (6 pages): Tuna tataki, miso soup, sushi rice
* China (6 pages): Dumplings, stir-fried greens, mapo tofu
* Korea (6 pages): Bulgogi, kimchi pancake, gochujang sauce
* Vietnam (8 pages): Pho, rice paper rolls, dipping sauces
* Thailand (6 pages): Green curry, papaya salad, sticky rice
* Indonesia/Malaysia (6 pages): Nasi goreng, satay, peanut sauce
* Closing (6 pages): Cooking tips, conversion charts, QR links to videos

Book 2 – Experience the World
* Intro (4 pages): The global kitchen – spice, culture, connection
* Europe (10 pages): Pasta, risotto, French tart, Spanish tapas
* Middle East & India (10 pages): Falafel, butter chicken, biryani, mezze dips
* South America (10 pages): Empanadas, ceviche, chimichurri, feijoada
* Desserts & Drinks (6 pages): Flan, affogato, chai
* Closing (8 pages): Ingredient map, global pantry, travel reflections

Book 3 – Experience Australia
* Intro (4 pages): Native flavours and multicultural influences
* Native Ingredients (10 pages): Wattleseed damper, finger lime vinaigrette
* Modern Australian (10 pages): BBQ lamb, roast pumpkin salad, pavlova
* Seafood (10 pages): Barramundi, prawn skewers, oyster dressing
* Desserts (6 pages): Lemon myrtle shortbread, macadamia tart
* Closing (8 pages): Local suppliers, sustainability, cooking tips


Role Overview

We are seeking a cookbook writer or food content creator with strong storytelling and culinary knowledge to help us turn our existing recipes, class materials, and instructor notes into engaging, reader-friendly books.
The ideal candidate will:
* Develop content for 1–3 themed books (based on workload and expertise).
* Work closely with our managers and chefs to adapt class experiences into written narratives.
* Organize content flow (introductions, cultural notes, recipe layouts, chef tips).
* Write clear, accurate, and engaging recipe instructions.
* Maintain consistency in voice and tone aligned with the Otao Kitchen brand.

Key Responsibilities
* Review and refine existing recipes, class notes, and images.
* Write engaging introductions, cultural stories, and chef insights.
* Ensure recipes are clear, tested, and accessible to home cooks.
* Collaborate on book structure, design notes, and photo selection.
* Prepare manuscripts suitable for publishing or digital release.

Skills and Qualifications
* Proven experience writing or editing cookbooks, food blogs, or culinary content.
* Strong understanding of recipe writing and kitchen terminology.
* Excellent storytelling and copywriting skills.
* Ability to adapt existing material into structured, cohesive books.
* Collaborative communication and attention to detail.
* Interest or background in multicultural cuisines and food culture.

Preferred Attributes
* Experience in hospitality, culinary arts, or food journalism.
* Familiarity with Otao Kitchen’s style of hands-on food experiences.
* Ability to capture diverse cultural voices authentically.

Contract & Compensation
* Freelance / project-based contract (scope per book negotiable).
* Flexible work schedule, remote-based.
* Compensation: Based on experience and per-book agreement.