Cooking
Soneva launches Tastemakers film series on culinary team

Renowned for its one-of-a-kind dining experiences, Soneva is inviting guests to meet the Tastemakers – the dedicated, international line-up of skilled chefs and sommeliers who create culinary magic every day at Soneva’s world-leading luxury resorts in Maldives.
Premiering on July 16 and running until early December, the new Tastemakers film series will introduce members of the talented food and beverage teams across Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani as well as Soneva Kiri in Thailand. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into everyday life in Soneva’s bustling kitchens, as well as a fascinating insight into each Tastemakers’ personal journey, cooking style and gastronomic philosophy.
What makes a Soneva dinner an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime? It is a combination of the passion of some of the world’s best chefs and sommeliers working hand-in-hand with expert gardeners, fishermen and suppliers who provide the finest and freshest ingredients available.
Meet the Tastemakers – the individuals who together create a unique and unexpected dining experience that will take your breath away.
Chef Benz is the Thai chef named after her father’s favourite brand of car. Discovered by Soneva founders Sonu and Eva, Chef Benz’s unmatched ability to craft exquisite Thai dishes from even the humblest local ingredients has earned her a reputation as one of the country’s most innovative cooking talents.
Discover the intricate craftsmanship of guest chef Kenji Gyoten, scheduled to grace the kitchens of Soneva Fushi throughout 2019 and 2020. Renowned for mastering the ancient hontaegashi hand-flipping technique, he is the youngest Michelin-starred sushi chef in Japan, and one of only four Japanese chefs to be awarded a coveted three Michelin stars. Watching Chef Gyoten prepare sushi is comparable to a choreographed dance. The result is sushi that is so complex and so sophisticated it is a truly rare culinary experience.
From Soneva Fushi, find out more about one of the resort’s most-loved characters. Wearing a smile brighter than the morning sun, Sira has been serving up breakfast at Mihiree Mitha for more than two decades, and is famed for his mouth-watering hoppers, a breakfast treat from his Sri Lankan homeland.
Chef Sobah is proud of his Maldivian heritage. He is known for putting his own contemporary twist on Maldivian recipes handed down by his mother and grandmother. His original restaurant, Sobah’s, located on a deserted island near Soneva Fushi was the first resort restaurant in the Maldives to exclusively offer Maldivian delicacies. Chef Sobah now delights diners at Out of the Blue by Sobah with modern Japanese fare using fish caught fresh from the ocean that day.
Chef David knew the first time that he walked through the doors of a professional kitchen that he had found his place. From an early age he set his sights on working in the best kitchens in the world. To this day, he claims to have never worked a day in his life – his kitchen is his home and cooking is his passion.
Chef Priyantha is head chef at The Crab Shack at Soneva Jani, possibly the most romantic restaurant in the world. He grew up on a diet of lagoon crabs in Sri Lanka and now serves a menu inspired by the family recipes of Soneva chefs.
“Tell me who you are and I’ll tell you what you drink.”
Take a voyage of wine discovery with Soneva sommeliers whose expertise covers the globe and the rich history of wine.
Join Chef Ansari and his team as they take you on a gastronomical journey around the world. The menu provides a guide but the real magic happens when the chefs and guests meet, allowing the chefs to use their creativity and passion to produce a meal that will be remembered forever.
Chef Jenefer grew up foraging around her rural home in the Philippines. Her sense of adventure has never left her and now she uses her knowledge of botany and her skills as a chef to present plant-based dishes that look like works of art.
From humble beginnings, Chef Ravi used his wits and his charm to persuade those around him to teach him to cook. He has since worked in some of the best restaurants in the world. Visiting his restaurant Down to Earth is like walking into a family home where you will be greeted with a smile, a warm welcome and exquisite food cooked from the heart.
Chef Kichii Okabe blends Japanese tradition with an informality and playfulness that charms his guests. A Japanese grand master chef with a Michelin star heritage, he is on a mission to make people happy, and he knows good food makes people happy.
World-leading luxury resort operator Soneva runs two resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani.
In 1995, the award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury.
Sixty-two private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers.
Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing.
If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
Opened in December 2016, Soneva Jani is Soneva’s newest property and the world-leading luxury hotel group’s second resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6 kilometre lagoon in the Noonu atoll, and has uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi.
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and one island villa, with additional villas to be built in phase two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives. The overwater villas are spaced across the expansive lagoon, offering privacy and extensive views over the Maldives’ turquoise waters. The island villas will be tucked into the lush greenery, providing the ultimate privacy, and all within steps of the beach.
Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, the heart of the overwater villas. This dramatic three story structure is home to the main dining outlets, in addition to the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and wine cellar. It is located next to the Maldives’ first overwater Observatory.
Facilities on the island include the overwater Cinema Paradiso, the Eco Centro Waste-to-Wealth centre, organic gardens, tennis courts, water sports champa and Zuhair’s Beach on a desert island in the lagoon.
To discover more about these chefs and to watch the rest of Soneva’s Tastemaker series, visit https://www.soneva.com/the-tastemakers/
Cooking
Flavours of Japan light up Maldives: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s International Chefs Day experience

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi will mark International Chefs Day with a week-long celebration of Japanese artistry and flavour from 20th to 25th October 2025. The resort will host acclaimed Japanese Chef Junichi “JT” Tanaka, owner of Binchō Tanaka, and Sake Sommelier Yasuyuki “Sakeyasu” Suzuki for an exclusive series of culinary experiences.
Originating from Japan’s Izu Peninsula, Binchō Tanaka reflects the quiet philosophy of Sumibi Kappo—a charcoal-inspired cuisine that embodies harmony with nature. At Iru Fushi, Chef JT and Sommelier Sakeyasu will present an immersive omakase experience where Japanese sake and tea converge with fire and fermentation beneath the Maldivian sky.
Chef JT, whose career spans Japan, Jamaica, New York, and Australia, is recognised for his soulful omakase creations that blend tradition, wellness, and artistry. Joining him, Sommelier Sakeyasu—America’s first certified sake sommelier and a prominent figure in New York’s dining scene—will curate refined pairings showcasing precision, balance, and craftsmanship.
Guests will enjoy two signature events: an Artisanal Sake and Craft Brew Tea Pairing Dinner at Islander’s Grill, and an intimate beachside dinner under the stars. Each will celebrate the essence of Japanese culinary mastery in a Maldivian island setting.
The collaboration will feature Binchō Tanaka’s refined dishes paired with the renowned sake of Tanaka Shuzo—who recently revived the traditional kimoto fermentation method after 67 years—and the innovative craft brew teas of Marushichi Seicha. Together, they will capture the spirit of Izu in the Maldives through a fusion of fire, fermentation, and leaf.
To commemorate International Chefs Day, Chef JT will also conduct an exclusive workshop for Iru Fushi’s culinary team, offering hands-on training and sharing his culinary philosophy to inspire creativity and elevate the resort’s gastronomic craft.
“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we are proud to celebrate International Chefs Day not only by delighting our guests but also by investing in the growth and creativity of our culinary team,” said Abdulla Atham, Resort Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. “Welcoming Chef JT and Yasuyuki Suzuki to share their expertise is a true honour. Their passion for Japanese gastronomy perfectly complements our vision of delivering experiences that are authentic, inspiring, and crafted with heart.”
Part of Sun Siyam Resorts’ (r)evolution, Iru Fushi stands as the only resort within The Luxury Collection—a portfolio inspired by the elements and dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Cooking
Ifuru Island Maldives introduces Kai, blending Teppanyaki tradition with island spirit

Ifuru Island Maldives has announced the launch of Kai, a new addition to its culinary offering, introducing guests to an authentic Japanese teppanyaki dining experience infused with a Maldivian touch.
At Kai, guests gather around the communal teppan table to enjoy an evening of flavour, flair, and connection. Skilled chefs prepare the freshest seafood, meats, and vegetables with precision and artistry, transforming each meal into a captivating performance of slicing, flipping, and grilling before the guests’ eyes.
Derived from the Japanese words TEPPAN (鉄板), meaning “iron plate,” and YAKI (焼き), meaning “grilled” or “pan-fried,” teppanyaki is a celebrated culinary art that combines food and theatre. Kai brings this timeless tradition to life in an elegant, interactive setting where diners can complement their meal with sake, handcrafted cocktails, or fine wines.
Offering a Japanese-inspired tasting menu that balances tradition, creativity, and contemporary flavours, Kai invites guests on a refined gastronomic journey that celebrates connection and craftsmanship.
“Kai is all about shared moments and sensory delight,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives. “It’s a lively, interactive experience that perfectly complements our island’s spirit of joy and togetherness.”
Available as part of the resort’s Premium All-Inclusive offering with a supplement of USD 35++ per person, Kai promises an unforgettable dining experience set against the tranquil beauty of Ifuru Island.
Celebration
Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s dual celebration of Diwali and culinary artistry

Sun Siyam Olhuveli is set to host two joyous celebrations on 20 October 2025, honouring both the Festival of Lights, Diwali, and International Chefs Day. The occasion will feature India’s renowned Chef Meghna alongside performances by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild, Sri Lanka’s premier dance ensemble. Together, they will merge tradition and innovation, celebrating culinary artistry while showcasing the vibrant colours, flavours, and rhythms of South Asia in an unforgettable experience.
At the heart of the celebration is Chef Meghna, the acclaimed creator of Meghna’s Food Magic and one of India’s most beloved culinary personalities. With a following exceeding three million, she is celebrated for making everyday cooking engaging, healthy, and full of heart—from oil-free samosas to sugar-free cakes. For this special occasion, she will present a Diwali-inspired menu highlighting plant-based cuisine and sustainable food choices. During the day, Chef Meghna will also conduct an interactive cooking session, giving guests the opportunity to experience her creative approach and signature techniques first-hand.
As the evening unfolds, guests will be treated to a captivating performance by Chandana Wickramasinghe and The Dancers’ Guild. This acclaimed ensemble of 40 artists is known for fusing centuries-old Kandyan and folk traditions with contemporary choreography, creating performances that bridge cultures and tell powerful stories. Having enchanted audiences in more than 70 countries, the troupe will bring their artistry to Sun Siyam Olhuveli, transforming the stage into a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and soul.
Beyond the performances, the event embodies the spirit of connection—sharing moments, discovering flavours, and celebrating cultural harmony. Throughout the resort, guests can participate in rangoli art sessions, beachside games, and hands-on cooking activities designed for all ages, creating a festive atmosphere for families and friends alike. Meanwhile, the resort’s culinary team will engage in friendly competitions and team-building challenges that reflect their passion, creativity, and unity.
“As we celebrate Diwali and International Chefs Day, we’re celebrating more than food and art—we’re celebrating connection,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “This event is about coming together, exploring traditions, and creating memories that last.”
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in a day filled with creativity, taste, and tradition, and an evening alive with rhythm and culture—an experience where the magic of celebration and culinary excellence come together at Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
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