Cooking
Soneva Jani unveils new seasonal menu at Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren

Soneva Jani, the iconic over-water resort in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll, has introduced a new seasonal menu at Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren.
The dining destination, which takes its name from its spectacular location in the Soneva Jani lagoon, celebrates the best of local ingredients – from seafood caught sustainably in nearby waters, to fruit and vegetables grown in the resort’s own organic gardens.
With its laid-back ambiance and remarkable ocean views, the restaurant offers a fun, casual dining experience for guests with an emphasis on high-quality cuisine and service.

One of Sweden’s most decorated chefs, Mathias Dahlgren’s menu focuses on modern pescatarian, vegetarian and plant-based dishes, with single plates, sharing platters and a Chef’s Choice menu served for lunch and dinner. More than half of the new menu was developed especially for Overseas, inspired by the abundance of exquisite locally sourced produce.
Highlights from the à la carte menu showcase Chef Dahlgren’s food philosophy, which he calls ‘natural cuisine’, where ‘fun dining is the new fine dining’.

With an incredible depth of flavour, a sharing plate of deep-fried corn is served with tarragon mayonnaise, smoked bell pepper powder and garlic oil.
The avocado toast, set to become a signature classic, is served with leaves, herbs, sprouts and flowers from the Soneva Jani gardens, flavoured with lime, jalapeno and sea salt.
A meltingly tender yellowfin tuna carpaccio is brushed with a piquant wasabi emulsion and served with cress, lemon skin and white onion.

Sides include deep-fried Brussels sprouts dressed with aromatic coriander and chilli, and mashed green peas, with chilli, brown butter, mint and black pepper.
The delectable choice of desserts includes a tempting cherry sorbet, teamed with fizz and freshly picked oxalis, and ice cream made from local coconuts, served in its shell with toasted coconut flakes.
With three savoury dishes, accompanied by one side and followed by dessert, the Chef’s Choice is a delicious way to experience Mathias Dahlgren’s culinary vision which lets the ingredients shine.

This tasting menu changes on a daily basis to reflect the very best produce sourced that day.
Running two acclaimed restaurants in his native Stockholm – the award-winning Matbaren and the vegetarian eatery Rutabaga – as well as the Green Rabbit rye bread bakery, and author of numerous best-selling cookbooks, Chef Dahlgren is considered one of Sweden’s finest chefs.
He is still Sweden’s only chef to have won the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, and has been named ‘Chef of Chefs’ eight times to date by the country’s top critics.
“I’m really inspired for a new season of cooking at Soneva Jani here in the beautiful Maldives,” says Mathias Dahlgren.
“Our concept of local greens and regional seafood remains the same, but this year we have incorporated more à la carte dishes and more flexibility into the menu for diners.”

Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren launched in 2020 as part of the new Soneva Jani Chapter Two. This exciting new era for the resort includes luxurious new Water Reserves and island villas, three innovative dining concepts and ‘Soneva Unlimited’, an indulgent new way to experience all that Soneva Jani has to offer.
Inspired by the Sanskrit word for ‘wisdom’, Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll.
Found within a 5.6-kilometre lagoon, it is one of the world’s lowest-density resorts, with uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. It is just a 15-minute complimentary speedboat journey from the nearby Maafaru International Airport, or 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé.
The resort has 51 over-water and three island villas, split between Chapter One, Soneva Jani’s original, iconic offering, and the newly launched Chapter Two.
In Chapter One, the Water Retreats range from one to four bedrooms, with large terraces, private pools and open-air bathrooms, with most featuring water slides straight into the lagoon. On the island, a Two Bedroom Crusoe Residence is a beachside hideaway, with a private pool and spacious open-plan living areas.
In Chapter Two, the Water Reserves offer even more space, luxury and privacy, while the vast three- and four-bedroom Island Reserves have extensive indoor and outdoor living spaces, private spa facilities and rainforest gardens.
All Soneva Jani villas come with a Barefoot Butler, offering a personalised service 24/7.
Every guest staying in a Chapter Two overwater or island villa will also benefit from Soneva Unlimited, an indulgent new offering that enables them to experience every facet of the resort within the price of their stay – including unlimited dining and drinks, limitless experiences, unlimited wellness therapies and more.
Magical experiences are designed to create unforgettable memories. Guests can explore the constellations with the resident astronomer at the Observatory, or watch a classic movie at the over-water silent Cinema Paradiso, using Bose headphones so as not to disturb the nearby nesting turtles. They can join the resident Marine Biologist to plant corals, spot dolphins on a sunset cruise, have a sunrise breakfast on a deserted beach, or explore the atoll’s best reefs with experienced dive masters.
Soneva Jani’s main guest facilities are located at The Gathering, a three-storey structure at the heart of the Chapter One jetty, including the Soneva Spa, library, retail area and Wine Cellar.
Eleven dining concepts, both at The Gathering and around the island, offer a tempting array of cuisines for every taste, alongside an ever-changing line-up of Michelin-starred guest chefs through the Soneva Stars calendar. Guests can also indulge at the complimentary chocolate, ice cream and cheese and charcuterie parlours.
A haven for families, there is an ever-changing weekly programme of activities and experiences to keep children of all ages entertained. Older children and teens can also learn during their stay with Soneva Academy, which offers a range of fascinating courses, including the marine life of the Maldives and the Adventure of the Corbin, an ancient shipwreck.
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.
Cooking
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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