Cooking
BBM, MECS to host cooking masterclass ahead of Hotel Asia 2018

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) together with Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services (MECS) has announced plans to host the sixth Masterclass and Barista workshop ahead of Hotel Asia 2o18.
The Masterclass and Barista workshop, which will be held on Thursday, will be conducted by Chef Garth Shnier, Complex Executive Chef of Sun International, and Chef Ronald Prasanto, Executive Chef of Arrack and Spice.
Throughout his career, Chef Garth Shnier has been involved in training chefs and uplifting standards in the industry, aligning South Africa to global culinary standards, both in the workplace with his staff and in training the members of South Africa’s National Culinary Team. He has always believed in a philosophy of skills transfer and knowledge-sharing, and has been fortunate to share the expertise he has gained by participating in international competitions over the years with many young chefs, the majority of whom have gone on to positions such as executive chefs.
During the Masterclass and Barista workshop, Chef Shnier will take the participants through the process of preparing for an international competition; from psychologically preparing oneself to how to plate your dish.
Chef Ronald Prasanto’s work has been acknowledged by many, including legendary molecular gastronomist Ferran Adria. The story began when he became a judge for a barista championship. The interest to spice up coffee art led him to learn about molecular gastronomy and how he could apply it to coffee specifically.
At the Masterclass and Barista workshop, Chef Ronald Prasanto will be introducing molecular gastronomy technique as another way of creating desserts. This technique uses scientific application to create fresh desserts made to order. One example of the application is called instant freezing, which uses liquid nitrogen. He will also share his experience on molecular gastronomy, which is still a new trend across Asia and one of the fastest growing culinary experiences in the world.
Chef Alan Palmer, Project Director and Chief Judge for the Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge, stressed the importance of hosting such special classes. He also expressed his desire to hold such cooking classes quite regularly for Maldivian chefs in order to dispense useful information and cooking techniques and trends.
Mohamed Mazloom, Director and CEO of BBM, said: “We at BBM truly believe that with the right training and knowledge, the chefs local to Maldives could reach the highest pinnacle of the Global Culinary Industry. Hence, we have introduced Masterclass, where we bring world-class chefs to educate and introduce the intricate innovations of the culinary world to the Maldivian Chefs. This is the 6th year of Masterclass and each year we see more and more talented chefs participating to learn and achieve the best in their respected fields.”
In the Masterclass, Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge 2018 will also be launched.
The annual challenge, which will take place September 9-12, consists of 23 individual and team competitions: Dress the Cake, Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Artistic Showpiece, Novelty Cake, Bread and Pastry Display, Desserts (Display), Tapas Finger Food, Hot Cooking Fish Fillet, Hot Cooking Beef, Hot Cooking Seafood, Hot Cooking Poultry, Hot Cooking Lamb, Desserts, Hot Pasta Appetiser, Creative Asian Dish, Creative Sandwich, Team Challenge, Maldivian Dish, The Perfect Steak and Omelette, Young Chef, Tea Challenge, Iced Mocktails and Barista Championship.
In addition, there will be five main awards: Most Outstanding Chef, Most Outstanding Pastry Chef, Top Maldivian Chef, Best Culinary Establishment – “Alan Palmer Challenge Trophy”, and Judges Special Awards.
MECS and BBM, which is the main sponsor of Hotel Asia, believe in infusing knowledge to the hospitality industry, especially in the F&B sector. Both joins hands time-to-time to conduct training programmes on various fields related to the hospitality industry in Maldives.
Apart from organising Masterclasses, BBM and MECS also sponsor chefs to travel abroad for training and to take part in competitions in order to enhance the industry to be in line with the best in the world. Past winners of Hotel Asia have been accommodated to take part in various competitions in Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong, and have emerged winners in those respective events.
This year, three Maldivian pastry will participate in the Asian Pastry Cup 2018, which is scheduled to be held on April 24 and 24 in Singapore.
Cooking
BBM partners with Dreidoppel to host Chef Frankie Robin for pastry demo tour

Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), a leading name in the distribution of premium food and non-food products in the Maldives, has announced the return of Master Pâtissier Frankie Robin for an exclusive Dreidoppel Demo Tour taking place from April 21 to 30, across 15+ luxury resorts in Raa Atoll and key HORECA venues in Malé.
Chef Frankie Robin, a classically trained French chef based in Malaysia, is known worldwide for his practical yet refined approach to modern pastry. This marks his second official tour in the Maldives with BBM and Dreidoppel, following a successful and widely praised round of pastry demonstrations in 2023.

This year’s hands-on sessions will focus on the smart use of Dreidoppel’s specialized product range – including Panettone, Caramel chocolate snacks, Dubai Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Muffins, Banana and Vanilla Mousse, Pineapple and Mango Custard, Fill and Gloss variations, Crème Brûlée, and bakery fillers – all tailored to help pastry kitchens save time, control costs, and elevate quality. Chef Frankie will highlight how chefs can gain both creative flexibility and operational efficiency using Dreidoppel’s trusted formulations.
“Our goal is to connect chefs with ideas and tools that drive excellence,” said AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM. “He speaks in speed, margin, and flavour. This is global pastry, made local.”

Founded in 1899 in Germany, Dreidoppel is a global pioneer in baking flavor innovation. A sister company to IREKS, both brands are renowned in the professional baking world for their technical reliability and premium-quality solutions. Dreidoppel serves pastry chefs in over 100 countries, offering ready-to-use components that maintain precision, taste, and consistency in high-pressure kitchen environments.
This Dreidoppel Demo Tour is part of BBM’s broader mission to continuously invest in the professional growth of Maldivian chefs and hospitality professionals. Through regular knowledge-sharing sessions, live product demos, and international collaborations, BBM provides local talent with access to global expertise.
As BBM celebrates its 35th anniversary, initiatives like these demonstrate why the company remains a trusted partner to the Maldives’ top resorts, hotels, and culinary institutions. BBM proudly represents over 70 international brands, including Unilever, IREKS, Ravifruit, San Benedetto, TWG, and Lamb Weston.

Founded in 1990, BBM is a leading distributor of food, beverage and non‑food products in the Maldives. Trusted by all operating resorts and over 70 global brands, BBM uses SAP Business One with HACCP‑certified warehouses island‑wide. With RAFEEQ, its AI agent, BBM now automates everything from requisitions to purchase orders. BBM remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering speed – safety – service without compromise.
For updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, and upcoming culinary events, subscribe to BBM’s newsletter – Coconet Wireless.
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Feast for senses: Evolving culinary canvas of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

At Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, dining is not merely a matter of sustenance; it’s a journey of discovery, artistry, and taste that unfolds with every meal. Nestled in the pristine seclusion of the Raa Atoll, this intimate island sanctuary invites long-stay guests to indulge in an ever-changing mosaic of flavours and atmospheres, ensuring no two days—or dining experiences—are ever alike.
Dining, Redefined for the Discerning Palate
Dining at Alila Kothaifaru isn’t defined by one restaurant or one menu. It’s an evolving narrative of taste. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape or an extended sabbatical, each day ushers a new opportunity to be surprised and delighted at the table.
Begin with a Floating Lunch in the privacy of your own pool villa. Picture this: the midday sun shimmering on the water as you recline poolside, savouring a beautifully curated spread. This unhurried pleasure is the perfect way to settle into your island retreat.
Then, head to Pibati Sul Mare, where tradition meets hands-on creativity. The Art of Pizza Making is More than a workshop—it’s a Joyful ritual. Roll the dough, fold your base, scatter fresh toppings, and watch as your creation ts fired to perfection. The reward? A slice of Italy savoured with the gentle breeze of the Indian Ocean.

Sunsets and Sensory Stories
As the sun dips below the horizon, The Shack Sundowner experience awaits. Champagne and caviar, set against a canvas of molten sky and encdless sea, is a ritual best shared, a memory effortlessly mace.
For something theatrically indulgent, Teppanyaki at Umami takes centre stage. Here, expert chefs turn dinner into a performance, grilling, searing, and plating with precision, all while guests soak in the sizzling sights and aromas.

Global Flavours, Local Soul
Each evening, the resort’s culinary offering shifts again. At Yakitori Bar, fragrant skewers sizzle over charcoal flames, echoing the vibrant streets of Tokyo. Mondays serve up the comfort of a rich Indian Thali, while Wednesdays and Sundays bring a quintessential island feast with a Boat to Table BBQ, where the clay’s freshest catch takes price of place.
This signature experience is part of Alila Kothaifaru’s boat-to-table sustainability initiative, which focuses on sourcing fresh seafood locally and responsibly. By collaborating directly with Maldivian fishermen, the resort ensures the shortest journey from ocean to plate. This partnership supports both marine conservation efforts and local livelihoods while providing guests with the freshest possible ingredients.
“Our culinary philosophy is grounded in a deep respect for nature and community,” says Thomas Weber, General Manager at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “With the boat-to-table initiative, we’re not only celebrating the incredible bounty of the Indian Ocean but also championing sustainability, transparency, and authentic island experiences that our guests truly value.”
Friday evenings unfold with The Art of Mezze, a Mediterranean medley of colour, spice, and texture. Meanwhile, Saturdays are reserved for indulgence with La Dolce Vita at Pibati Sul Mare, a flowing celebration of Italian favourites, designed to be lingered over, shared, and remembered.

Never the Same Plate Twice
For long-stay guests, the worry of repetition simply doesn’t exist. With rotating themes, diverse cuisines, and unique dining settings—from barefoot beachfronts to stylish al fresco lounges—each mealtime becomes a new chapter in their Maldivian story.
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is not just evolving its food and beverage programme; it’s redefining island dining. With every thoughtfully crafted experience, we invite guests to eat, explore, and engage their senses in the most delicious ways possible.
Cooking
Gourmet escape with Singaporean Chef Petrina Loh at Constance Moofushi

At Constance Moofushi, gastronomy is more than a signature offering—it is a pillar of the guest experience, where refined techniques, local inspiration, and respect for nature, come together to create timeless moments.
In this spirit of culinary excellence, Constance Moofushi hosted Chef Petrina Loh, renowned Singaporean chef and founder of the award-winning restaurant Morsels. Known for her passion for fermentation and bold flavour pairings rooted in Asian fusion, Chef Loh brought her distinctive creative flair to the Maldives for an exclusive collaboration with the resort’s culinary teams.
Throughout her stay, she worked hand-in-hand with the chefs, sharing her philosophy and collaborating on a series of inspired dishes that reflected the Constance Hotel’s culinary identity while introducing fresh perspectives. Her presence on the island was not only a gastronomic highlight for Moofushi’s guests, but also a moment of true enrichment for the teams—fostering creativity, technique, and a renewed sense of inspiration.
“It was a privilege to welcome Chef Petrina Loh to Constance Moofushi,” said Mevin Ramasamy, General Manager. “Her generous approach and alignment with our culinary values brought great energy to our teams and enriched the guest experience. Collaborations like these allow us to grow, while offering gastronomic experience that remains elegant, fresh, and rooted in authenticity.
At Constance Hotels & Resorts, culinary excellence is nurtured through meaningful encounters, and the transmission of savoir-faire. Talents from around the world are regularly invited to share their expertise with the teams. This spirit is embodied in the annual Constance Festival Culinaire-a flagship event celebrating creativity, gastronomy and cross-cultural culinary exchange- and echoed in exclusive culinary invitations such as Chef Petrina Loh’s at Constance Moofushi. Through a growing calendar of gastronomic events, Constance Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its promise: to offer cuisine that inspires, connects, and elevates every stay
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