Connect with us

Cooking

Local culinary talents battle in first Adaaran Dhivehi Rahathah Challenge, Adaaran Club Rannalhi takes trophy

Published

on

Four teams from all Adaaran resorts engaged in a tough battle Saturday to win the first ever Adaaran Dhivehi Rahathah Challenge trophy.

Associates from all five resorts run by Adaaran competed in resort level competitions held at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu on November 4 and Adaaran Club Rannalhi on November 8. The winners and runner-ups were selected to form four two-member teams that competed at the day-long grand finale held at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi on Saturday.

The local chefs and culinary enthusiasts prepared authentic Maldivian dishes using locally available ingredients such as tuna, coconut, papaya, bilimbi and noni fruit.

After two intense sessions of cooking and plating, the second team from Adaaran Club Rannalhi emerged victorious, with its members Yousuf Ali and Abdulla Zaheen taking the first ever Adaaran Dhivehi Rahathah Challenge trophy. The two teams from Adaaran Select Meedhupparu were named the second and first runner-up.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Badhiya Gunatilake, the Chief Operating Officer at Adaaran Resorts, said the annual competition was introduced in order to explore traditional Maldivian cuisine and to bring them to the tables of guests who visit Adaaran resorts. It will in turn develop the talents of young Maldivian chefs and those who wish to pursue a career in food and beverage, he added.

“I’m so proud to be here. We’re strong believers in developing people. We really concentrate on making our raw cut diamonds into best cut diamonds,” Gunatilake said.

“We’re very proud of Maldivian culture and the tastes of Maldives. During this competition, I’ve seen our young associates passionately share stories about how their mothers cooked food and the different dishes they used to eat.”

Bjorn van der Horst, the Corporate Director of Food and Beverage at Aitken Spence Hotels and Resorts, hailed the participants’ talent and creativity as phenomenal. He noted the fusion of local ingredients and western plating techniques by the participants to give a modern look and feel to traditional Maldivian cuisine.

“An interesting aspect of Maldivian cuisine that we can explore in the future is the regional cuisine. There are subtle differences in the way traditional dishes are prepared across the atolls. Travellers can just come and explore the cuisine, let’s say in Baa atoll, Raa atoll or the southernmost Addu atoll,” the Michelin starred chef said.

 

Hemantha Ratnayake, a Consultant for the Rooms Division and Learning and Development Department of Adaaran Resorts, also highlighted the importance of promoting Maldivian cuisine to the guests.

“Many countries promote their cuisine. In countries like India and Thailand, their cuisine is more famous than the country itself,” he said.

Adaaran, a subsidiary of Sri Lankan blue chip conglomerate Aitken Spence, runs five resorts in the Maldives, including Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo and Adaaran Prestige Water Villas.

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a fabulous four-star property located in the northern Raa atoll. Surrounded by powder soft beaches and sublime turquoise lagoons, the award-winning resort invites guests to surrender to their senses and bask in the majesty of the tropical island surroundings. Guests can relax in the sumptuous Mandara Spa and try their hand at a number of exciting water sport activities, including scuba diving, windsurfing and water-skiing.

The island of Meedhupparu is also home to Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, a five-star resort with 20 luxury water villas.

Set in the South Male Atoll, Adaaran Club Rannalhi has 100 standard bungalows, which are tastefully adorned with tropically themed furnishings and bedding, and 30 water bungalows that offer a luxurious experience comprising of a private sun deck overlooking the stunning aquamarine ocean. The resort features three spectacular dining venues and a host of recreational activities, including diving, snorkelling and water-skiing.

Located in North Male Atoll, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is blessed with thriving vegetation and pristine waters, and offers 165 land villas and 37 ocean villas. Set in 83 acres of lush tropical beach on Lhohifushi island, the resort’s design enables it to blend into its surroundings.

Accessible by a short 15-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo offers 50 water villas with private spas, plunge pools and a glass-bottomed bathroom lounge with a view of marine life. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or spa pool or go for an in-room spa treatment.

Cooking

Women at heart of kitchen: Milaidhoo Maldives marks International Women’s Day through gastronomy

Published

on

At Milaidhoo Maldives, International Women’s Day is observed as more than a calendar occasion; it is recognised as a meaningful celebration of the women whose talent and dedication shape the character of the resort’s intimate island experience.

This year, Milaidhoo highlights not only the women across its wider team, but also the five female chefs who play an integral role within its kitchen brigade. Culinary artistry remains central to the Milaidhoo experience, reflecting both heritage and creativity. Across the resort’s collection of dining venues, from island-inspired fine dining to relaxed beachfront cuisine, food is presented as a narrative of place and people. Menus are conceived as inspiration rather than prescription, with chefs tailoring each dish and dining moment to the individual tastes and curiosities of guests.

On 8 March from 19.00, the resort’s female culinary team will take over the open kitchen at Shoreline Grill, hosting a specially curated International Women’s Day dinner. Designed and executed by five chefs, the evening brings together flavours drawn from their individual traditions and culinary perspectives. More than a dining event, the experience is intended as a moment of connection and shared celebration, reflecting the intimate gastronomic gatherings for which Milaidhoo is known.

International Women’s Day Menu (Available at Shoreline Grill – Sunday 8 March from 19.00):

  1. Sate Lilit: Balinese seafood satay, gently spiced and grilled over charcoal, served with warm peanut sauce – Chef Bintang, Indonesia
  2. Pumpkin & Coconut Velouté: Roasted pumpkin soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, curry leaf oil and crisp garlic croutons – Chef Saaha, Maldives
  3. Curry-Poached Maldivian Coral Lobster: Locally sourced lobster with drumstick mashuni and coconut–passionfruit dressing – Chef Michelle, Maldives
  4. Thai A5 Wagyu Striploin: A5 Wagyu with confit lotus root, green papaya salad and Thai coconut red curry reduction – Chef Prew, Thailand
  5. Baobab & Chocolate Harmony: Baobab mousse, dark chocolate crémeux, peanut crumble, caramelised pineapple and mango gel – Chef Yemuria, Zimbabwe

Each dish reflects a personal culinary story, drawing inspiration from the charcoal grills of Indonesia and the spice markets of Thailand to the flavours of Zimbabwe and the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives. Together, the menu celebrates diversity and the shared pleasure of dining.

At Milaidhoo, meaningful luxury is defined through connection to place, tradition and people. This International Women’s Day, guests are invited to mark the occasion through an evening of exceptional gastronomy that honours the women at the heart of the Milaidhoo experience.

For reservations or further details on Milaidhoo’s culinary offerings, guests may visit the resort’s Culinary Experiences page or contact the reservations team at welcome@milaidhoo.com.

Continue Reading

Cooking

From shoreline to hotpot: New dining experiences at Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Published

on

Sun Siyam Iru Veli has unveiled two new dining experiences this February: the beachfront Sunk in Sand Dining Experience and the interactive Hotpot Lunch and Dinner. Designed to enhance the island’s Privé collection offering, the new concepts centre on intimacy, shared moments, and flavour-led exploration, launching alongside the resort’s Valentine’s and Lunar New Year celebrations.

The newly introduced Sunk in Sand Dining Experience was officially unveiled during the Valentine’s celebrations, beginning with a beachfront breakfast concept. Guests can begin their day with a curated breakfast served directly on the shoreline, seated within the sand itself with uninterrupted views of the horizon. Complemented by a bottle of sparkling wine, the experience offers an intimate setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Maldivian coastline. Priced at USD 250 per couple for breakfast, the concept extends beyond morning dining, allowing guests to reserve the experience at any time of day, including specially curated sunset and evening moments.

The new Hotpot Lunch and Dinner further expands the resort’s culinary offerings, with a selection of premium ingredients, aromatic broths, fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. This dining experience centres on shared dining and interactive enjoyment. Guests may choose between a Vegetarian Hotpot at USD 99 or a Meat & Seafood Hotpot at USD 155. Launched alongside the island’s Lunar New Year celebrations, the offering provides visitors with an opportunity to experience flavours traditionally associated with the festive season, aligning the dining concept with the cultural highlights observed at the resort.

Together, these new dining experiences reflect Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s continued focus on diversifying guest experiences through thoughtful culinary innovation. By pairing immersive settings with flavour-led concepts, the resort continues to evolve its dining landscape while creating moments that complement both seasonal celebrations and everyday island stays.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar

Published

on

Maagiri Hotel has announced the availability of a daily Iftar experience throughout the holy month of Ramadan, inviting families, friends and corporate groups to gather and break their fast in a welcoming setting.

The Iftar buffet will be available every day during Ramadan and will feature a selection of traditional Ramadan dishes alongside international cuisine. Prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, the buffet will include local specialities, Middle Eastern favourites and a range of global offerings designed to cater to diverse preferences.

In addition to its daily Iftar service, Maagiri Hotel has introduced early booking benefits for corporate groups. Groups of 1 to 49 guests will be eligible for a 10 per cent discount, while groups of 50 guests and above will receive a 15 per cent discount. These corporate rates are available for bookings confirmed on or before 18 February.

The Ramadan Iftar programme reflects Maagiri Hotel’s focus on providing shared dining experiences centred on tradition, hospitality and togetherness during the holy month.

Guests and corporate organisers may make reservations or seek further information by calling 331 8484 or 722 8484, contacting the hotel via Viber on 722 8484, or emailing events@maagirihotel.com.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.