I know that this infamous scene has been discussed in a couple of episodes. But, after watching "The Hunt for Red October" with the commentary track on, I found Mctiernan's opinion of it to be very ironic.
I think it is universally held that the introduction of the soviet cook, along with the subsequent 4 second long "hold" on him at the scene's conclusion, epitomizes a director "showing his hand."

The DiF crew has mentioned other "giveaways" which escape me, but here's John Mctiernan's take: I paraphrase

" I admit the (involvement) of the cook strikes me as a little frail. I think maybe i should have intercut to him a few more times, to, you know, highten the suspicion."

Pretty hilarious, that the director thought he underplayed it. Given how so many of us view it as a dead giveaway.