Food
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island extends their world-class dining experience with Ufaa By Jereme Leung

Maldives.net.mv – Dining at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an unparalleled dining experience unlike any other, with the opening of the island nation’s first authentic Chinese restaurant. Ufaa by Jereme Leung, which opened on September 27, is the resort’s 12th restaurant at the resort. The restaurant is a blend of provincial Chinese with western influences in all aspects of menu, décor and wine and tea selection.
Defined as happiness in the Maldivian language, Dhivehi, Ufaa is an innovative culinary concept, featuring multi-functional spaces, with settings for every mood. The informal ground floor Tea House boasts a purpose-built Yum Cha (Chinese tea) and dumpling counter, offering visitors all sorts of delicacies including succulent Xiao Long Bao dumplings, hand-made spring rolls and freshly baked pancakes stuffed with minced pork and preserved vegetables, and Leung’s signature handmade pulled noodles. In the evening under the starlit sky on the beach, guests can enjoy the iconic reunion hot pot featuring locally-caught seafood and the highest grade imported meats from Japan and Australia.
The Chinese restaurant on the first floor is a playful, modern twist on the traditional Chinese restaurant. Strong Chinese accents offer a sense of heritage, while homage is also paid to the idyllic island location. Ingredients such as caviar, goose oil and avocado are melded with traditional Chinese staples to create the perfect marriage of cultures and tastes. Each of the dishes is influenced by renowned culinary provinces of China including Liaoning, Shannxi, Changsha, Guandong and Zhejiang. The evening tasting menu is a constantly changing menu that updates each month to evolve with the island’s settings.
Beyond food, Ufaa presents various experiential options for guests to enjoy. The ground floor tea house features a number of communal and private spaces where guests can catch up and mingle over a game of Mahjong or a spot of karaoke in one of the restaurant’s custom-designed karaoke and Mahjong rooms.
The creative mastermind behind Ufaa’s cuisine and dining concept is the pioneer of contemporary Chinese cooking, Jereme Leung, a hugely successful chef-restaurateur. Renowned in China and honoured by twice The American Academy of Hospitality Science, to rank among one of the world’s best chefs. Citing his inspiration as traditional Asian recipes and home-grown cuisine, Jereme creates an exciting combination of classic Chinese cooking technique and innovative presentation. Leung’s cooking career spans decades, starting at the age of thirteen in Hong Kong, his expertise covers all four schools of Chinese cooking from barbecue, to dim sum, and wok cooking to knife-work with further inspiration drawn from his many years of cooking and developing restaurant concepts around the world.
Conrad Maldives is a one-of-a-kind dining destination in the Indian Ocean, offering guests a blend of cultures and entrancing marriage of tastes, providing an unforgettable gourmet experience for guests.
Nightly rates at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island start from US$1,240, based on two sharing a Beach Villa on a Room Only basis. Rates are subject to change. Prevailing taxes and service charge apply.
Featured
Savour flavours of Asia at Inguru, Kuramathi’s lagoon-side gem

Nestled on the serene lagoon side of Kuramathi and overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Inguru offers more than just a dining experience—it provides a sensory escape. The restaurant’s contemporary design, featuring elegant wooden accents, open-air seating, and soothing tones, harmonises with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Whether serving a casual lunch or hosting a romantic evening meal, Inguru creates a stylish yet relaxed ambiance that enhances every moment. Between 11:00 and 17:00 hrs, guests can enjoy light and flavourful Asian dishes with a Western twist—ideal for a leisurely midday break by the water.
As the sun sets, Inguru transforms into a refined dinner venue, offering a curated Asian Fusion menu from 19:00 to 22:30 hrs, open to guests aged six and above. The newly introduced dishes celebrate bold, fresh flavours, including Coconut & Pineapple Cooked Shrimp Ceviche, Tarragon-Flavoured Octopus Tartare, and Soy Marinated Salmon Bruschetta. Main courses feature richly spiced Indonesian Beef Rendang, aromatic Mas Kirugarudiya reef fish curry, and Kukulhu Musanmaa presented with a modern twist on traditional recipes.
With its picturesque setting and flavourful cuisine, Inguru delivers a truly memorable island dining experience, whether by day or night.
Featured
JEN Maldives celebrates Earth Day with debut of eco-friendly culinary experience

On Tuesday, 22nd April—International Mother Earth Day—JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La hosted an exclusive luncheon for its corporate and media partners to mark the launch of its new ‘Rooted in Nature’ menu.
The event underscored the hotel’s ongoing dedication to sustainability and community engagement through the Rooted in Nature culinary program, a global initiative by Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. This program promotes the use of fresh, locally sourced, and ethically produced ingredients. By collaborating with local farmers and fishermen, JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La fosters a strong link between the community and the cuisine featured on its menus.
The newly introduced menu showcases sustainable ingredients procured from local markets, line-caught seafood, and organic produce—including fruits and vegetables grown on the hotel’s own grounds. These efforts reflect the hotel’s commitment to supporting the local community, minimising environmental impact, and delivering an authentic Maldivian dining experience.
Juan Carlos Diago, General Manager of JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La, commented, “We are proud to introduce the new Rooted in Nature menu to our guests and partners. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to promoting sustainable dining while celebrating the rich bounty of our local environment.”
Guests at the luncheon were treated to an exclusive preview of the menu, further reinforcing JEN Maldives Malé’s position as a leader in sustainable and innovative cuisine. The ‘Rooted in Nature’ menu is now available at Azur Restaurant and can also be enjoyed at private events hosted in the hotel’s ballroom.
Cooking
Zeen’s Cuisine takes over Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s Vista restaurant

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has announced a special culinary collaboration with Zeen’s Cuisine, bringing an exclusive dining experience to the island’s signature Italian restaurant, Vista. Set to take place on 23rd May 2025, this one-night-only takeover event will feature the bold and inventive creations of celebrated Maldivian chef, Zeen.
Renowned for her innovative take on fusion sushi, Zeen has carved a name for herself by blending traditional Japanese techniques with Maldivian flavors, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Her unique culinary style celebrates her roots while pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine.
In the lead-up to the event, Zeen will collaborate closely with the resort’s culinary team through a series of hands-on training sessions. These workshops are designed to share knowledge, introduce new techniques, and inspire creative experimentation, ultimately enriching the skills and perspectives of the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo kitchen team. As part of this collaboration, Zeen will also work with the team to introduce an exclusive new roll to the resort’s culinary offerings: the Kooddoo Kiss. Inspired by the resort’s adults-only concept, this roll features exquisite flavors with a subtle kick. While the ingredients and taste profile remain a closely guarded secret, guests can look forward to its much-anticipated reveal on the day of the event.
Guests at Vista Restaurant will be treated to a thoughtfully curated menu that reflects Zeen’s signature flair, incorporating fresh island ingredients and unexpected pairings. The event will serve as a celebration of creativity, cultural expression, and gourmet artistry, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
This takeover not only highlights Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s commitment to showcasing local talent and culture through its “Discover Local” initiative but also reaffirms its position as a hub for culinary innovation in the Maldives.
Limited seats are available for this exclusive evening. Guests are encouraged to reserve in advance to experience this rare gastronomic encounter with one of the Maldives’ most exciting and underrated chefs.
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