👨‍🍳 Kitchen Staff Guide

Learn how to use the Kitchen Display System (KDS) to prepare orders efficiently.

🎯 Your Main Responsibilities

As kitchen staff, you will:

• View incoming orders on the Kitchen Display System
• Update order status as you prepare items
• Communicate with front-of-house staff
• Mark items as ready for serving
• Handle special requests and modifications

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📺 Kitchen Display System (KDS)

What is KDS?

The Kitchen Display System shows all orders that need to be prepared. It's like a digital order board that updates in real-time.

KDS Stations

Your kitchen may have different stations:

• 🔥 Kitchen - Main cooking station (hot food)
• 🍹 Bar - Alcoholic beverages
• ☕ Barista - Coffee and non-alcoholic drinks

You'll only see orders for your station.

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🚀 Getting Started

Logging In

1. Open the KDS terminal/tablet
2. Enter your username and password
3. Select your station (Kitchen/Bar/Barista)
4. Click Login
5. Orders will appear on your screen

Understanding the KDS Screen

The screen shows:

• Order Number - Unique ID for each order
• Order Type - Dine-in (table number), Takeaway, or Delivery
• Order Time - When order was placed
• Items to Prepare - List of food/drinks
• Special Instructions - Customer requests (allergies, preferences)
• Timer - How long order has been waiting

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📋 Reading Orders

Order Information

Each order shows:

Order #1234                    🕐 5 minutes ago
Table 5 - Dine-In             Status: NEW

Items:
1x Pad Thai                    
   - No peanuts 🔴
   
2x Green Curry                 
   - Extra spicy 🌶️
   
1x Tom Yum Soup               

                        [START COOKING]

Understanding Icons & Colors

Order Priority:

• 🟢 Green = New order (just arrived)
• 🟡 Yellow = In progress (you started it)
• 🔴 Red = Urgent (waiting too long)
• ⚫ Black = Overdue (immediate attention!)

Special Markers:

• 🔴 Red flag = Important instruction (allergy, modification)
• 🌶️ Spicy = Extra spicy request
• ❄️ Ice = Extra cold/with ice
• 🔥 Fire = Extra hot temperature

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👨‍🍳 Preparing Orders

Step 1: Accept the Order

1. Read the order carefully
2. Check all items and special instructions
3. Click START COOKING button
4. Order color changes to yellow (in progress)
5. Timer starts counting

Step 2: Prepare the Food

1. Gather all ingredients
2. Follow recipes and special instructions
3. Pay attention to:
   • Allergies (🔴 marked)
   • Spice level
   • Temperature preferences
   • Modifications (no onions, extra sauce, etc.)

Step 3: Mark Items as Complete

For Individual Items:

• When an item is ready, click the checkbox next to it
• Item is marked with ✅
• Continue with remaining items

For Complete Order:

• When ALL items are ready
• Click ORDER READY button
• Order moves to completed section
• Front-of-house is notified

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🍽️ Order Types & Priority

Dine-In Orders

• Shows table number
• Multiple items per table
• Customers waiting at table
• Normal priority unless urgent

Takeaway Orders

• Shows queue number
• Customer waiting at counter
• HIGH PRIORITY - prepare quickly
• Packaging required

Delivery Orders

• Shows delivery address
• Customer waiting at home
• Moderate priority
• Special packaging for transport

Rush Orders

• Marked with 🔴 or ⚫
• Customer specifically requested fast service
• Manager approved
• HIGHEST PRIORITY

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⏱️ Managing Your Workflow

First In, First Out (FIFO)

Always follow this rule:

1. Oldest orders first (top of screen)
2. Work from top to bottom
3. Check timer - prioritize red/black orders

Batching Similar Items

Smart cooking:

• If you see 3 orders with rice dishes, cook rice together
• Group similar items to save time
• But don't delay other orders too much

Kitchen Timer Guidelines

Order Age	Status	Action
0-5 min	🟢 Normal	Prepare at regular pace
5-10 min	🟡 Active	Should be in progress
10-15 min	🟠 Attention	Speed up if possible
15+ min	🔴 Urgent	Prioritize immediately

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📝 Handling Special Requests

Common Modifications

Spice Level:

• "Mild" / "Not spicy" - Reduce or remove chili
• "Medium" - Normal Thai spice
• "Extra spicy" / "Thai hot" - Add more chili

Allergies & Restrictions:

• 🔴 ALWAYS read red-flagged items
• Common allergies: peanuts, seafood, dairy, gluten
• If unsure, ask supervisor immediately
• Never guess with allergies!

Ingredient Changes:

• "No onions" - Remove onions
• "Extra vegetables" - Add more veggies
• "No MSG" - Use MSG-free seasoning
• "Add tofu instead of chicken" - Substitute protein

Portion Adjustments:

• "Less rice" - Reduce portion
• "Extra sauce" - Add more sauce on side
• "Side order" - Prepare in small container

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🚨 Problem Situations

Out of Stock Item (86 Items)

When you run out of ingredients:

1. Click 86 Item button on KDS
2. Select the item that's out of stock
3. Item is marked unavailable
4. Front-of-house is immediately notified
5. They'll contact customers with that order
6. Inform supervisor to restock

Incorrect Order

If order looks wrong:

1. DON'T start preparing yet
2. Click Query Order button
3. Call front-of-house staff
4. Verify the order
5. Wait for confirmation before cooking

Equipment Breakdown

If stove/oven/equipment fails:

1. Stop accepting new orders for that station
2. Click Station Offline button
3. Inform manager immediately
4. Redirect pending orders to backup station if available
5. Update estimated time for customers

Dropped/Damaged Food

If you drop food or it's not acceptable:

1. Don't serve it!
2. Click on the item
3. Click Remake button
4. Prepare fresh item
5. Inform supervisor (for inventory tracking)

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🔄 Order Modifications

Adding Items to Existing Order

Customer orders more items:

1. New items appear on the same order
2. You'll see "+2 items added" notification
3. Prepare additional items
4. Send all items together if possible

Canceling Items

Customer changed mind:

1. You'll see item with ❌ mark
2. Stop preparing that item
3. Remove from your prep area
4. Focus on remaining items
5. No need to click anything - system updated automatically

Urgent Rush Request

Manager marks order as rush:

1. Order flashes 🔴 RED
2. You'll hear a beep/alert
3. Move this order to front of queue
4. Prepare immediately
5. Communicate with team if needed

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📱 KDS Features

Filtering Orders

Show/hide specific orders:

• Click Active - Shows only in-progress orders
• Click New - Shows only new orders
• Click All - Shows everything
• Click My Station - Your assigned station only

Viewing Order Details

Need more information:

1. Click on the order card
2. Expanded view shows:
   • Full customer name
   • Phone number
   • Complete special instructions
   • Order history (if repeat customer)
3. Click X to close details

Communication

Talk to front-of-house:

1. Click Message button on order
2. Type your message
   • "Need clarification on spice level"
   • "5 minutes to completion"
   • "Out of basil, can we substitute?"
3. Front-of-house receives notification
4. They'll respond or come to kitchen

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📊 Performance Tracking

Your Statistics

The KDS tracks:

• Orders completed - Total orders you finished
• Average prep time - How fast you cook
• Items made - Total items prepared
• Error rate - Mistakes or remakes

Your supervisor reviews these to:

• Recognize good performance
• Identify training needs
• Schedule shifts efficiently

Tips to Improve Stats

• ⚡ Prep ingredients in advance (mise en place)
• ⚡ Keep work station organized
• ⚡ Read full order before starting
• ⚡ Communicate with team
• ⚡ Follow recipes consistently

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✅ Daily Checklist

Start of Shift

• Log in to KDS system
• Check your station assignment
• Verify all equipment is working
• Check ingredient stock levels
• Report any shortages to supervisor
• Review any special menus/promotions for the day

During Shift

• Check KDS screen regularly
• Follow FIFO (first in, first out)
• Mark items completed promptly
• Communicate issues immediately
• Keep work area clean and organized
• Update 86 items when needed

End of Shift

• Complete all pending orders
• Clean your station
• Report remaining stock levels
• Log any equipment issues
• Log out from KDS
• Hand over to next shift (if applicable)

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🎓 Pro Tips for Kitchen Staff

Speed & Efficiency

• 🔥 Prep ahead: Cut vegetables, measure spices during slow times
• 🔥 Multi-task: While one dish cooks, start another
• 🔥 Organize: Keep tools and ingredients within reach
• 🔥 Clean as you go: Don't let mess slow you down

Quality Control

• ✅ Taste test: Ensure seasoning is correct
• ✅ Temperature check: Food should be properly hot/cold
• ✅ Presentation: Even on KDS, make it look good
• ✅ Portion control: Use measuring tools for consistency

Communication

• 📢 Call out orders: "Pad Thai, table 5, coming up!"
• 📢 Alert delays: If order will be late, inform immediately
• 📢 Ask questions: Better to clarify than guess
• 📢 Team support: Help colleagues during rush hours

Stress Management

• 😌 Stay calm: Rush hours are temporary
• 😌 Prioritize: Focus on one order at a time
• 😌 Breathe: Take deep breaths if overwhelmed
• 😌 Ask for help: Team is there to support you

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🍳 Recipe Standards

Following Recipes

Always:

• ✅ Use standard recipe cards
• ✅ Measure ingredients accurately
• ✅ Follow cooking times and temperatures
• ✅ Maintain consistency

Never:

• ❌ Guess measurements
• ❌ Skip steps
• ❌ Change recipes without approval
• ❌ Serve undercooked food

Food Safety

Critical Rules:

• 🌡️ Check food temperatures
• 🧊 Keep cold foods cold (below 4°C)
• 🔥 Keep hot foods hot (above 60°C)
• 🧼 Wash hands frequently
• 🧤 Use gloves when appropriate
• ♻️ Follow FIFO for ingredients
• 🗑️ Discard expired items

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⚠️ Common Issues & Solutions

Problem: Orders Not Appearing

Solution:

• Check internet connection
• Refresh KDS screen (F5)
• Verify you're logged in to correct station
• Call supervisor if issue persists

Problem: Can't Mark Order as Complete

Solution:

• Ensure all items have checkmarks
• Click directly on "ORDER READY" button
• If frozen, refresh browser
• Report technical issue

Problem: Too Many Orders at Once

Solution:

• Stay calm and prioritize
• Check order times - do oldest first
• Call for backup from other stations
• Communicate delays to front-of-house
• Ask supervisor for help if overwhelmed

Problem: Unclear Special Instructions

Solution:

• DON'T guess!
• Click "Query Order" or "Message"
• Ask cashier/server for clarification
• Wait for confirmation
• Better to delay 30 seconds than remake the dish

Problem: Customer Complaint About Food

Solution:

• Listen to feedback from server
• Check if you followed recipe correctly
• If mistake was made, acknowledge and remake
• If followed correctly, explain to supervisor
• Learn from feedback to improve

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📞 Need Help?

For KDS Technical Issues:

• Contact: IT Support
• Phone: [Your IT number]
• In emergency: Use backup paper tickets

For Kitchen Operations:

• Contact: Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
• Ask senior kitchen staff
• Refer to recipe manual

For Ingredients/Stock:

• Contact: Store Supervisor
• Check inventory system
• Report to manager for ordering

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🔑 Quick Reference Card

Essential Actions

Button	What It Does
Start Cooking	Accept order and begin preparation
Order Ready	Mark entire order as complete
86 Item	Mark item as out of stock
Query Order	Ask question about order
Message	Send note to front-of-house
Remake	Notify that item needs to be made again

Priority Guide

1. 🔴 RED/BLACK - Urgent/Overdue (15+ min)
2. 🟠 ORANGE - Takeaway orders (customers waiting)
3. 🟡 YELLOW - In-progress orders
4. 🟢 GREEN - New orders

Food Safety Temperatures

• Hot food: Above 60°C (140°F)
• Cold food: Below 4°C (40°F)
• Danger zone: 4-60°C (40-140°F) - Don't leave food here!

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Remember: You're the heart of the restaurant! Your skills and attention to detail create delicious food that keeps customers coming back. Take pride in every dish you prepare! 🌟👨‍🍳