Back to Dashboard

Cook Guidelines

Everything you need to run a great session — from arrival to cleanup, kitchen standards, and how to handle tricky client situations.

Review before every session. These steps protect you, the customer, and your rating on the platform. Incomplete sessions or poor kitchen cleanup are the top reasons for low reviews.

Before You Arrive

  • Review the booking details: date, address, time slot, household size, meal type (veg/non-veg/both), and any dietary restrictions or allergies.
  • Check if extra dishes have been ordered — know what you're cooking before you show up.
  • Review the customer's trust badge in the app. If they are flagged, read the notes before proceeding.
  • If the grocery list is unclear or something is missing, contact the customer through the platform at least 2 hours before the session — not at the door.
  • Pack your session kit: your personal sharp knife, apron, gloves, a food thermometer, and any specialty spice blends you use.
  • Plan your commute to arrive 5–10 minutes early. If you're running late, message the customer via the platform immediately.

When You Arrive

  • Greet the customer professionally and confirm the menu and any changes to dietary needs.
  • Do a quick kitchen walkthrough: locate the stove, oven, sink, cutting boards, pots, and storage containers.
  • Check that you have all required groceries. If an ingredient is missing, inform the customer immediately and agree on a substitution — don't start without clarity.
  • Wash hands thoroughly before touching any food or utensils.
  • Put on your apron and food-safe gloves for raw meat handling.
  • Start your session timer in the Bhijams app.

During the Session

  • Cook all items in order of required time — dal or lentils first, then curries, then dry dishes last.
  • Maintain safe food temperatures: cook all meat to a minimum internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Use your thermometer.
  • Keep the kitchen clean as you cook — wipe spills immediately, clear unused bowls, and keep the sink clear.
  • Never leave the stove unattended while on high heat.
  • If a customer asks for a dish that wasn't part of the original booking, do not agree on the spot. Politely let them know extra dishes must go through the app (see Client Scenarios).
  • If you encounter any unsafe situation — gas leak, broken appliances, aggressive pets, inappropriate behaviour — stop the session and contact Bhijams admin immediately.
  • Store cooked food in clean containers as you finish each dish. Label if requested.

Wrapping Up

  • All food should be cooked, cooled slightly, and stored in appropriate containers in the fridge or on the counter as the customer prefers.
  • Clean the stovetop, all burners, countertops, cutting boards, and sink area.
  • Wash all pots, pans, bowls, and utensils you used — or load them into the dishwasher and run it.
  • Wipe down any splatter on the backsplash or oven door.
  • Take your personal belongings (knife, apron, spice kit) before leaving.
  • Do a final walkthrough — ensure nothing is left on the stove and no taps are running.
  • Check out with the customer. Ask if they have any questions about the food, storage, or reheating.
  • Mark the session as Complete in the Bhijams app. This triggers your payout.