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4.3

Excellent rating - 4.3/5 (10900+ reviews)

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Recent Cooking reviews

Job completed as requested 😀

Regular home cooked meals 2- 3 a week

$100

Shyam was fantastic. All of the kids really enjoyed getting their faces painted, even some of the adults 😀 I would very highly recommend her and would definitely use her again.

Face painting for my son’s 1st birthday

$150

Amazing food, great company and pleasure to have around.

Home cooking

$40

Lyndsey-Fay was great! Was fantastic with all the children and her face painting was wonderful! Highly recommended. Thanks again!

Face painter for 6th Birthday Party - Glebe 9th Nov 10am

$150

Robyn’s cooking is amazing. She was punctual, clear with her communication and very efficient with her cooking. The food she cooked for us was amazing! Highly recommend.

Home cooking 1-2 a week

$80

Thank you so much! Great service and speedy delivery

Private Meal Prep

$300

What's the average cost of a cook

$80 - $220

low

$80

median

$150

high

$220

Low, median and high bar chart distribuiton

Average reviews for Cooking Services

based on 481 reviews

4.91

455
16
4
4
2

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Hire trusted Cooks with Airtasker

Cooking is one of those skills that takes a moment to learn but a lifetime to master. Those who choose to master it over a lifetime are generally highly sought after, and for good reason.

Whether you’re a catering company who needs a chef to help serve up food at a gala event, a restaurant who requires the short term assistance of a chef while they search for a long term staffer, or perhaps even a hopeless romantic who wants to engage the services of a private chef to make an anniversary particularly special, you can now gain access to a huge amount of talent, and all at the click of a button.

Simply tell us about the job that you’d like the chef to do and suggest what you’d be willing to pay, and you’ll soon begin to receive offers from available chefs. Each chef comes with ratings and detailed reviews of their previous work, so you can be confident that your chosen hire will be able to produce the sort of quality food that you require.

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Top Cooking related questions

Professional cooks usually have previous kitchen experience or qualifications. They’re paid to prepare food, either in a commercial environment, in people’s homes as a personal cook, or they may work from their own kitchen at home.

Yes. Most cooks specialise in a particular type of cooking, like baking, seafood, gluten-free, vegan, steaming, frying, or even a particular cuisine.

A professional cook doesn’t necessarily need any set qualifications, but it’s common for professional chefs to hold a certificate or have some work experience in a professional kitchen.

Professional cooks can give you a restaurant quality meal but in the comfort (and convenience) of your own home. If you’re hosting a dinner party, it means you can spend more time with your guests and minimise the clean up afterwards.

This will depend on whether your cook is assembling the meal at your place or at theirs. Generally, private catering chefs will bring all the ingredients, along with any specific appliances they need. However, they may use your basic utensils and servingware.

The price for a professional or personal cook is usually between $70-$200 when you hire through Airtasker. It could be more or less than this, depending on how many people they need to cater for, the cost of ingredients, and the time it’ll take them to prepare the meal.


Suggested reads about Cooking

What do cooking services include?

You can hire a cook to provide food for a range of meals and occasions, from home cooking and meal prep to specialty cooking and even dinner party catering. You can arrange cooking services to happen in your own kitchen or your cook can bring the food ready-prepared. Your chef will take care of everything from buying ingredients to cleaning up. Here’s what you can expect depending on your cooking service:

Home cooking
Want fresh meals in your home? Your home chef can either offer regular home cooking services where they cook multiple nights per week, or provide a one-off meal if you just need occasional help. Your private chef will ask if you have any food preferences or intolerances, how many people they need to cook for, and what appliances and equipment they can use. They’ll usually plan the meals ahead of time, purchase the ingredients, and freshly cook the meals in your kitchen, and then clean up before they go.

Baking
Want to impress your best friend with an amazing cake for her birthday party? Or perhaps it’s your turn to bring some baking to work for morning tea? Hire a pastry chef or professional baker to create a cake, biscuits, muffins, or something else tasty. They’ll ask you how many people you’re baking for, any flavour preferences, and any special decorations you’d like. Your baker will bake at their place and deliver the finished product to your home or office once it’s ready.

Dinner party chef
If you’re planning a dinner party with friends, why not hire a dinner party chef to help take all the stress out of hosting? Your professional cook will contact you to confirm the number of guests, what courses/canapes you’d like, and whether the event is formal or informal. They’ll usually prepare most of the food where the event is being held (whether at your home or at a venue) and clean up the kitchen after they’re done.

Specialty cooking
Cooking paleo, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be a challenge, whether it’s for yourself, a family member, or for an event you’re catering. Fortunately, many cooks are experienced with a range of different food requirements, including food intolerances, special diets, and allergies. When you hire a cook, they’ll choose recipes and ingredients that are suitable, confirming any dietary requirements before they get started. They’ll be careful to avoid cross-contamination if they’re preparing alternative meals for certain members of your family or party.

Meal preparation & planning
If you struggle to come up with meal ideas and always find yourself short of time throughout the week, why not hire a cook to prep your meals for the week? Your personal cook will confirm how many meals you’d like, the number of people, and if you have any preferences. They’ll choose meals that keep well and are easy to store, and taste great fresh or reheated. They’ll either prepare the food in your kitchen (cleaning up afterwards) or drop your freshly prepared meals off when they’re done, packaged and ready for the fridge or freezer.

Recent Cooking tasks

Wedding Cake

$1,000

Marrickville NSW, Australia

9th Oct 2025

Hi there, I can provide all the equipment and ingredients to construct a wedding cake. Just need someone that’s works well with fondant.

Custom cake made

$500

Edmondson Park, New South Wales

9th Oct 2025

Custom made head style cake made

Birthday decoration

$200

Balwyn North VIC, Australia

9th Oct 2025

I would like to have a balloon decoration similar to the one in the attached photo.

Magician daughters first birthday

$100

Concord NSW, Australia

8th Oct 2025

Magician for daughters first birthday

Meal Preparation Services

$200

Glenelg East SA, Australia

8th Oct 2025

I would like someone to shop, and prepare 4-5 healthy dinners per week with leftovers for 4-5 lunches. Ideally, consisting of whole foods and containing around 30 grams of protein. They don't have to be complicated meals... simple, clean and tasty is all I am wanting :)

Meal preparation

$200

Mount Waverley VIC, Australia

8th Oct 2025

I’m looking to have someone help me with healthy meal preparation for a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 kids. I need the meals to be freezer friendly as I’m preparing to welcome a newborn and have run out of steam. I’ll shop for all ingredients needed and will require the meals to be prepared in my home. I’ll be available for hands on help on the day.

Birthday decorations

$150

Coomera QLD, Australia

8th Oct 2025

I need someone to create the same set up for a birthday party

Make a custom sculptural cake

$250

Surry Hills NSW, Australia

8th Oct 2025

Looking for someone to make a cake as close to the pictured cake as possible State of a woman Very sculptural and complicated! Delivery to Surry Hills on the 25th Please send examples of previous work.

Weekly Meal Prep Cook Needed

$200

Docklands VIC 3008, Australia

4th Oct 2025

Weekly Meal Prep Cook Needed – High-Protein, Nutritious Meals (2x per week) Description: I’m looking for someone who can cook high-quality, high-protein meals for me every week. I eat 2 big meals per day, and I’m after food that’s nutritious, clean, and filling — mainly steak, chicken, fish, rice, veggies, and other healthy options. I run a business full-time and don’t have time to cook, so I’m after someone reliable who can handle the shopping, cooking, and meal prep side of things — ideally using fresh ingredients from the Vic Market or similar. You don’t need to be a private chef, but you should enjoy cooking and know how to make food that tastes amazing while being balanced and nutrient-dense. What’s Involved Cook twice per week (for example, Sunday & Wednesday) Prepare 10–12 meals total (2 large meals per day) Focus on protein-rich, nutrient-balanced meals Handle the shopping (budget provided) Portion and store meals (containers provided if needed) Keep the kitchen clean and tidy after prep Example Meal Types Rib-eye steak + buttered greens + roasted potatoes Grilled chicken + rice + seasonal vegetables Teriyaki salmon + stir-fried veg Lean beef mince bowls or wraps Protein pasta with lean meat and fresh herbs Budget Labour: $150 per week Ingredients: separate $150 - $200 food budget (paid by me) Looking for someone consistent who can work with me long-term. Ideal Candidate Enjoys cooking and meal prepping Understands high-protein / nutritious meals Clean, reliable, and efficient Ideally near Melbourne CBD or Docklands area Experience with gym-style meal prep or family cooking a plus To apply, please include: A short intro about you and your cooking experience Example meals or photos if available Your availability generally speaking.

Attentive, focused, professional…are just a few words to describe Christine! She is a fantastic caterer & cook, who saves me a lot of time and keeps me well nourished. 11/10!

Chiffon cake for a birthday

$5

Prahran VIC 3181, Australia

28th Sep 2025

Looking for someone who can make a nice chiffon cake for my partner’s birthday. Nothing over the top, just light, fluffy and tasty. Something that can feed about 4 people I think maybe 6". Happy with classic flavours (vanilla, orange, earl gray, pandan, etc.) but open to ideas. Bonus points if it looks simple and elegant – not too fancy. Need it by 3rd october.

Absolutely fantastic! The chiffon cake was light, fluffy and delicious!!! you can tell it was made with care. Everything was smooth from start to finish: punctual, great communication and a genuinely lovely person to deal with. Highly recommend!

Cleaning, tidying, linen changes, laundry, meal prep & household task

$160

Balmain, New South Wales

19th Sep 2025

Cleaner / Housekeeper – General Help Needed (Rozelle) Looking for a friendly, reliable person to help us give our home a spring clean, so it's super tidy and organised and keep things running smoothly. Job Details: General clean and tidy of a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home Straightening up and making the house look organised and things away. Folding clean laundry, putting clothes on hangers and away in cupboards Meal prep for kids’ lunches and/or dinners Changing towels and bed sheets Wiping down surfaces, cupboard doors, mirrors, shower screens, and bathrooms We’re after someone who is thorough, takes pride in their work, and enjoys leaving a space feeling fresh and organised. Location: Rozelle, Sydney Timing: Ideally Friday mornings or afternoons (approx. 3–4 hours).

She was a great help, and found other things to tackle.

Cake making and decorating - RABBITOHS THEMED

$300

Willoughby, New South Wales

13th Sep 2025

Hey there, wanting to get a 40th themed Rabbitohs birthday cake made. Happy to pick up from Sydney area. Photos are for inspiration. Would love to see the types of cakes you’ve made.

I am so impressed and will definitely be using Adrianna again. Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🙏🙏

Kitchen tidy up and meal prep

$100

Holmview QLD, Australia

4th Sep 2025

Heya! Just moved in, Looking for someone to come help me set up the kitchen, put all the groceries away, meal prep for an entire week and then come weekly onwards for a general tidy up (I’m the only occupier so it doesn’t get too messy) meal prep for the entire week from then onwards No meal preference: Just looking for calorie controlled high protein meals. Will supply all ingredients.

Gede turned up on time and cooked the most amazing food for my meal prep. He is an expert in multiple cuisines Japanese, Balinese and western . Will be using him for upcoming cooking jobs surely.

Weekly Meal Prep – 14 Meals (Weight-Gain Focus)

$150

Upper Coomera QLD, Australia

29th Aug 2025

TL;DR: Batch-cook 1 lunch + 1 dinner x 7 days in one session. Menu is locked: Sweet Soy Chicken + Steamed Rice and Spaghetti Bolognese. Portions generous. I’ll freeze/reheat. Goal: Total meals: 14 (7× lunches, 7× dinners) Cook frequency: Once per week (single prep/block) Style: Simple, tasty, repeatable. Ideally follow my usual recipes (I’ll share them), keep it consistent week to week. The menu (locked) Lunch (7x): Simple Sweet Soy Chicken + Steamed Jasmine Rice Target portion (guide): ~220–250g cooked chicken + ~300g cooked rice per meal Notes: classic sweet soy, mild/neutral (no heat), clean oil (olive/neutral) Dinner (7x): Simple Spaghetti Bolognese Target portion (guide): ~180–220g cooked beef bolognese + ~300g cooked pasta per meal Notes: onion/garlic/herbs/tomato base, nothing fancy; consistent texture Packaging & labelling Containers: 750–1000ml, microwave-safe, leakproof (you supply or I can) Labels: dish name, cook date Packed for freezer; rice and pasta not overcooked (so they survive reheat) Shopping & kitchen Groceries: You can shop with receipt (I reimburse) or I’ll pre-buy a list you provide Where to cook:Open to drop-off if you have a safe, clean setup Hygiene & reliability Current Food Safety/Food Handler cert preferred (let me know if you have one) Consistent results matter: same taste, same portions, same labelling each week Timing Aim for a consistent weekly slot (e.g., Mon or Tue mornings/afternoons) Budget Labour: Open to offers; as a guide $150–$220 for the cook session (negotiable based on experience) Groceries: reimbursed with receipt

Will be a recurring client, thank you very much Nicole and family!

Family Meal Plan

$10

Bassendean WA, Australia

27th Aug 2025

Meal Planning needed for Family of 5 in Bassendean.

Aime is AMAZING to work with. She made the whole task of meal planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, a breeze for our family of 5. Will 💯 work with her again! Thanks Aime!

House maid - Doing laundry and meal prep weekly

$200

Eastlakes NSW, Australia

27th Aug 2025

Hi We had a house maid who has now retired. We had them weekly. We DO NOT need cleaning just 1. Washing and folding of clothes ( no ironing ) 2. Meal prep weekly- we buy everything and you just need to cook and pack it. All can de done within a work day and at our place on Tuesdays Thursday or Fridays Open to discussion. Thank you

The best you can possibly ask for and very reliable. Efficient and will definitely be using again. Thank you Luna

Weekly Meal prep

$200

Newstead QLD, Australia

25th Aug 2025

10 basic meals chicken rice, mince sweet potato veg protein

Ahhhhmazing thankyou so much Georgia amazing job good looks fabulous and I can have my nights back not having to worry about what’s for dinner

Meal prep for the week

$150

Berrinba QLD, Australia

19th Aug 2025

3 dinners for 5 ppl the week.

Nicole has been nothing short of helpful. Meals are delicious. Very prompt with time & so easy To get along with.

Weekly chef for meal prep

$150

Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia

15th Aug 2025

Looking for a reliable cook to prepare healthy meals for the week every Sunday. I have a specific meal plan I need to follow — cooking for 1 person. I’ll give the meal plan to you. Preferably have it all done by Sunday night & packed up. Open to either: - You doing the grocery shopping (happy to pay extra for your time), or - I can supply all ingredients in advance Happy for you to cook in my kitchen or yours (and bring the meals over). I have a busy schedule and can’t cook every Sunday, so consistency is key.

Amazing work!! Amazing communication and food looks amazing

Meal Preparation

$80

Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

11th Aug 2025

Prepare some simple meals / snacks for our freezer. This will help our family get through our busy schedules. Cooked & Frozen - egg & vegetable breakfast tarts x 6 - egg & bacon & veg breakfast tarts x 6 - capsicum & onion sauce x 6 portions - wilted greens x 4 serves - chicken & veg soup - 6 serves Frozen Uncooked - Chicken & veg burgers x 6 We will supply the recipes. You supply the ingredients, cook and deliver to us in Richmond on Friday, or Blairgowrie on Weekend. But needs to be organic vegetables, high quality free range eggs and meat - we can reimburse the value of your receipts. The choice of ingredients is important to us. This suits someone with attention to detail, food hygiene, and timeliness. If it goes well, this will be a fortnightly repeat job. Price excludes ingredients, will reimburse you for the cost of these on top of the task price.

Connie was awesome. Clear communication, punctual, clean and asked questions when the details of the task weren't clear. Best of all our meals tasted great. 100% would hire again!