Gastronomy
Germany’s youngest Michelin star chef at Coco Bodu Hithi

Maldives.net.mv – This August, Coco Bodu Hithi will welcome Philipp Stein, the youngest Michelin starred chef in Germany. He received his first ever Michelin star at only 24 years in 2014 and a year later, Gault & Millau awarded him with 16 points and 2 toques. Young and exceptionally talented, Philipp is the Chef de Cuisine at Favorite Restaurant in Mainz.
The delightful opportunity to indulge in Philipp’s creations awaits the guests of Coco Bodu Hithi. Bringing a fresh approach to fine dining, his cooking style is simple and straight to the basics without fuss or frills. His family has owned a popular restaurant for five generations and coming from such a gastronomic family, Philipp is dedicated to his roots. The result is the fusion of classical bases laced with aromatic sauces. The influence of world renowned chefs that he has worked with, including Dieter Müller and Helmut Thieltges, is reflected in his dishes. His approach to cooking however is very much his own individual style.
Aqua at Coco Bodu Hithi, the fine dining seafood specialty restaurant set over the lagoon, will be the backdrop for Philipp’s original creations. During his stay, guests can join in a master class where Philipp lends some of his tips and techniques and shares how to create a course or two from the dinner menu. A teaser to an exceptional dinner, this is a rare opportunity to interact with a personality that is leading a new generation of young and ambitious cooks in Germany. Afterwards, guests can dive into a five course menu designed to tantalize even the most curious of gourmets, in two dedicated dinners by Philipp Stein at Aqua.
“Coco Bodu Hithi is truly a gourmet’s paradise! Once again, we are pleased to offer an exceptional experience for our guests as we prepare to welcome Chef Philipp Stein. The team is looking forward to the energetic approach that Philipp will bring to our kitchen and most importantly, the original creations he has planned for our guests. August will be a very special period for us here on the island!” comments Georgios Papazoglou, General Manager at Coco Bodu Hithi.
With four eclectic restaurants, two welcoming bars, an intimate wine loft and a variety of private dining experiences, Coco Bodu Hithi is a culinary hotspot in Maldives. Adding to the on-island venues are the many world class chefs such as Philipp Stein that make guests appearances every year.
Business
Dubai Chocolate Brownies in Maldives: BBM, Dreidoppel conclude pastry tour

BBM’s exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour, led by Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin, concluded successfully on Apr 30th, after a 10-day pastry training series across 15 leading Maldivian resorts that requested the training. Two city bakeries were also trained on the 30th. The initiative brought together global expertise and a strong commitment to raising pastry standards in the local hospitality industry.
This year’s sessions focused on practical pastry solutions using Dreidoppel’s premium ingredient range to create Panettone, Dubai chocolate brownies, Mousses, Crème Brûlée, Fill & Gloss applications, and Caramel Chocolate Snacks.

A standout feature of the tour was the passion shown by young chefs across the islands.
Chef Frankie Robin remarked, “What truly impressed me was how prepared and passionate the young chefs were. Their eagerness to learn, experiment, and take their skills to world-class standards made every session an absolute joy.”

Grounded in real kitchen challenges—speed, flavour, and efficiency—Chef Frankie’s demos showcased how smart ingredient choices can drive both creativity and performance.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added, “At BBM, we believe in more than just supplying ingredients—we are committed to the professional growth of the industry. Collaborations like this empower culinary teams with global techniques and greater confidence.”
The tour reflects BBM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Maldivian foodservice industry through knowledge-sharing and access to world-class products.
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.
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