Cooking
Dusit Thani Maldives’ Benjarong named best Thai restaurant in Indian Ocean

Benjarong Restaurant at Dusit Thani Maldives was named the best restaurant for Thai Cuisine in Indian Ocean.
The continent level award was presented at the World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards held on July 6 at The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Established in 2015, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards is voted for annually by more than 100,000 guests, travellers and key industry players.
This is the second consecutive year that Benjarong has received the regional award, which recognises the restaurant’s commitment to serving authentic Thai cuisine made using the finest ingredients.
With an impressive overwater setting and a vibrant open kitchen led by expert Thai chefs, Benjarong Thai Restaurant at Dusit Thani Maldives provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy authentic renditions of Thailand’s most famous dishes, as well as contemporary creations designed to elevate traditional Thai recipes. Sights, sounds and aromas combine to create a feast for all the senses.
Carefully crafted using the finest ingredients available, Benjarong’s signature dishes include Tom Kha Phak Gai and Tom Yum Gung soups, signature Thai spicy green papaya salad Som Tam Thai and sticky rice with ripe mango Khko Niew Ma Muang and many others.

“We are delighted that the quality of our offerings has been recognised for the second year running at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards,” Korakot Nachalaem, Resident Manager at Dusit Thani Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“We are committed to bringing the very best dining experience to our guests, and this award is a testament to the exquisite tastes and fine service that our team delivers at Benjarong.”

Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa atoll — the Maldives’ first ever UNESCO biosphere reserve — Dusit Thani Maldives blends gracious Thai hospitality with the unparalleled luxury setting of the Maldives. This luxury island resort comprises 94 villas encircled by white sandy beaches, a stunning 360 degree house reef and a turquoise lagoon. With a unique combination of beach and lagoon accommodation, Dusit Thani Maldives provides an unmatched luxurious escape for all travellers.
The resort offers a 360 degree vibrant house reef compliment with a turquoise lagoon, a 750-square metre infinity swimming pool with a lush Banyan tree in the centre, five restaurants and bars with breathtaking views and a Kids Club that is committed to making children’s dreams come true.
The award-winning Devarana Spa at Dusit Thani Maldives encompasses six deluxe treatment pods, which sit elevated amongst the island’s palm trees. For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, the spa has also developed two stunning ground level treatment rooms. Manicure and pedicure-dedicated area, private outdoor pool, steam and sauna are exclusively available for spa guests.
Cooking
Experience Kaage, an award winning epicurean escapade at VARU By Atmosphere Maldives

As you bask in the warm embrace of the sun-kissed waves on the pristine shores of the Maldives, a culinary oasis awaits at Kaagé, the specialty restaurant at VARU By Atmosphere. Nestled amidst turquoise waters and lush greenery, this cosmopolitan property offers you an unrivalled gastronomic experience that will tantalise your taste buds and nourish your soul.
In Dhivehi, the Maldivian dialect, Kaagé refers to a traditional dining house. During the days of yore, these dining houses served as a large shared dining hall where multiple families would gather for meals and socialise. This tradition is artfully recreated at the hotel. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with traditional drinks and treated to a short, captivating film on the history of Maldivian cuisine, setting the stage for the culinary journey that lies ahead.
The Maldivian architecture of the restaurant is absolutely breathtaking, with wooden and floral tones that perfectly capture the essence of a historic Maldivian house. The welcoming hospitality only adds to the overall atmosphere, making it an ideal destination to relish its exquisite culinary masterpieces.
The restaurant’s culinary team boasts remarkable expertise in unleashing creativity and curating culinary surprises from the depths of Maldivian cuisine. Their artful combination of traditional flavours with modern presentations elevates each dish to an unparalleled level of sophistication, ensuring that every bite takes you on a journey through the storied history of the Maldives.
These dishes are a perfect blend of traditional recipes and contemporary twists, beautifully prepared to capture your attention. The extensive menu involves culinary delicacy from the heritage of Maldivian cuisine with signature dishes such as Gulha, a deep-fried pastry ball filled with smoked Tuna or vegetables and flavoured with finely chopped onion, grated coconut, and chilli, and Kandu Kukhulu, the renowned Maldivian Tuna Curry, a masterpiece of rich flavours, leaves a lasting impression on every taste palate, surpassing culinary dreams.
Cooking
Embark on flavourful adventure with renowned Chef Einat Admony at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, Vilu Reef in October

Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Maldives have announced the upcoming and exclusive chef residency collaboration with renowned culinary maven, Chef Einat Admony, from October 18th to October 29th, 2023. The chef’s visit comes as part of Sun Siyam Resorts group-wide and ongoing commitment to elevating the culinary experiences for its esteemed guests.
During her residency at both resort islands, Chef Einat will delight guests with an array of culinary offerings, including exclusive dining experiences, a four-course menu, engaging cooking classes, and a seminar for the resort’s talented chefs. Additionally, as part of Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s Silver Jubilee (25 years) celebrations, guests can savour an exclusive pop-up menu from October 23rd to October 29th, specially crafted by Chef Einat to commemorate this momentous occasion.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Chef Einat Admony to two of our exquisite five Sun Siyam Resorts in the Maldives. Her culinary brilliance and unique storytelling will undoubtedly create an unforgettable experience for our discerning guests,” Abdulla Thamheed, Group General Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts.
Resort vacationers will be treated to an extraordinary culinary journey and get the opportunity to indulge in the Middle Eastern and Israeli flavours curated by the iconic Chef in the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.
Exclusive Dining: A captivating culinary presentation with Chef Einat Admony during breakfast, lunch, and an aperitif at Management cocktails, where guests can interact and share moments with the talented chef.
Four-Course Pop-Up Menu: An unforgettable dining experience with a specially curated four-course popup menu at one of our exceptional restaurants at both islands. Chef Admony’s masterful dishes promise to elevate your taste buds to new heights.
Cooking Class: An engaging cooking class led by Chef Admony herself, where she shares her culinary secrets and techniques, offering insights into the art of Middle Eastern and Israeli cooking.
Chef Einat Admony, widely known as the ultimate “balaboosta” (meaning “perfect housewife” in Yiddish), is the three-time James Beard-nominated chef and owner of the celebrated Balaboosta restaurant, specializing in Middle Eastern & Israeli fine dining. A culinary prodigy with a profound immigrant heritage, Chef Admony’s culinary journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Tel Aviv, she embarked on a culinary expedition across Europe, honing her skills in various kitchens before making her mark in the vibrant New York City culinary scene.
Her innovative restaurants, including the beloved fast casual falafel chain, Taïm, have become a culinary destination in New York. Chef Admony’s cuisine is a stunning fusion of her Middle Eastern roots and modern American influences, delivering elevated yet comforting homestyle cooking inspired by her cherished childhood memories.
As a double-time champion and competitor on Food Network’s Chopped and Throwdown! with Bobby Flay, Chef Einat Admony has garnered accolades from prestigious publications like The New York Times, Bon Appetit, HuffPost, and Forbes. She is also the celebrated author of two highly acclaimed cookbooks, “Balaboosta” and “Shuk,” each brimming with tantalizing recipes and captivating narratives.
To be a part of this exclusive culinary celebration, book your stay now and join us in savouring the art of haute cuisine.
To find out more about the chef’s residencies, and any news at Sun Siyam Resorts, or to book your stay, please visit www.sunsiyam.com, or contact us at book@sunsiyam.com.
Cooking
Le Meridien Maldives Resort to host two Michelin star Chef Soenil Bahadoer

Gourmets can enjoy fine dining in tropical paradise as Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa hosts two Michelin star chef, Soenil Bahadoer, this October as part of their culinary season.
As part of the exclusive offering guests visiting the luxury resort, located in the Lhaviyani Atoll on the island of Thilamaafushi, can enjoy a bespoke Masterclass with 3-course lunch, 5-course dinner at Velaa Bar + Grill, La Vie, Rosé and Petit Plates Sunset Soirée curated by Chef Soenil and accompanied by DJ at Riviera Beach and Au Soleil BBQ with live cooking pop-up at Le Meridien Hub Garden.
Guests can also unlock once in a lifetime experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. This exciting opportunity allows two winning bidders to enjoy a Private Brunch Picnic with Rosé wines & bubbles crafted by Chef Soenil on Le Meriden Maldives Resort & Spa’s private island Bodu Finolhu. As well as a private excursion with a fishing trip to a local island, visit to resort’s Greenhouse followed by private Champagne dinner with chef.
Embracing his heritage, the menu at Chef Bahadoer’s Restaurant de Lindehof in Amsterdam, offers a fusion of French and Surinamese cuisine. Diners visiting Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa during the pop up can expect dishes such as Rendang with cabbage, ginger beer ice cream, white soya and European lobster with apple, curry and mango chutney.
Guests booking this gourmet pop up can enjoy a special package, which will include complimentary daily buffet breakfast at Turquoise, complimentary daily buffet dinner in either Turquoise or a three-course set menu at Velaa Bar + Grill, complimentary 5-course set menu crafted by Two Michelin Star Chef Soenil Bahadoer, complimentary 30-minute photoshoot with 1 printout
and complimentary daily water sports.
Chef Bahadoer commented on the upcoming pop up: “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. You never learn by being told, you should find out by yourself.”
General Manager, Thomas Schult, commented: “Dining on the island is exemplary and guests can enjoy a range of fresh cuisine from local delicacies to Mediterranean inspired dishes to Japanese fine dining. To celebrate our culinary offering we are proud to welcome acclaimed Chef Soenil Bahadoer.”
Marriott members can use their points to purchase exclusive Bonvoy moments, including a Private Island Picnic With Two Michelin-Starred Chef Soenil Bahadoer + a four night stay at Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa Sunrise Overwater Villa on double occupancy. In addition, enjoy an exclusive fishing excursion and a tour of the hydroponic greenhouse, followed by an unforgettable dinner in stunning surroundings by Chef Soenil.
The stay package is based on a minimum of 3 nights, prices start from $515 per person, based on a double occupancy. To book your stay: Savour the good life with Two Michelin Star Chef Soenil Bahadoer in Thilamaafushi Island, Maldives | Le Meridien (marriott.com)
For further details, see https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/15343
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