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Local chefs shine at Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge

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Winners of the culinary challenge of the Hotel Asia exhibition have been selected.

After a gap of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the largest trade show in the South Asian region that brings together suppliers and businesses in the hospitality industry was once again held at Dharubaaruge from 10-12 October. The Hotel Asia Maldives Culinary Challenge, a cooking competition held as a part of the exhibition, began a day earlier.

Best Buy Maldives (BBM), which imports and sells some of the world’s leading brands, is the main sponsor of the event.

One of the objectives of the exhibition was to develop world-class chefs. More than 500 chefs competed across 20 categories in this year’s cooking competition.

In each category, the first, second and third runners-up were given cash prizes, while the cash prize for the main award categories was higher. The ‘Most Outstanding Chef’ got a cash prize as well as two way tickets to Singapore.

As many as 13 local chefs have bagged titles in various categories by competing in 20 categories of the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge. Local chefs won the top spot in five of these categories.

Main awards:

  • Best Artist – Bandos Maldives’ Chef KJL Priyankara/Sri Lanka
  • Most Promising Young Maldivian Chef – Chef Ismail Thahuseen of Huvafen Fushi Maldives Resort
  • Top Maldivian Chef, ‘BBM Chairman’s Trophy’ – Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru’s Chef Ahmed Mazim
  • Most Outstanding Pastry Chef – Dhigali Maldives’ Chef Manju Manaram
  • Most Outstanding Chef – Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru’s Chef Ahmed Mazim
  • Best Culinary Establishment, ‘Alan Palmers Challenge Trophy’ – Baros Maldives
Chef Mazim. (Photo/Hotel Asia)

A BBM official said that the company has always strived to promote chefs, with endeavours to provide opportunities for them through various international platforms. The official said BBM pays special attention to local chefs.

Ahmed Mazim of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the best chef of the culinary challenge and winner of the debut ‘Top Maldivian Chef – BBM Chairman’s Trophy’, thanked BBM for giving him such an opportunity.

“I would like to acknowledge the support that BBM gives the younger generation. I am thankful for the opportunity to perform on international platforms,” he said.

Chef Mazim. (Photo/Hotel Asia)

Mazim thanked the culinary teams of Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Kudahura and his family for their support in his success.

Adil, executive chef at Salt Cafe in capital Male, expressed his special gratitude to the company for organising a major competition like the Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge. Salt Cafe chefs bagged the top spot in two categories of the competition.

“BBM, especially in this field, has been contributing a lot, doing different things in different ways,” he said.

This year’s Culinary Challenge has been endorsed by the Chefs Guild of Maldives. The competition has already been endorsed by World Chefs.

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

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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.

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Maagiri Hotel invites guests to celebrate Ramadan with daily Iftar

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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.

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Baros Maldives’ The Lighthouse to present Duval-Leroy champagne pairing experience

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Baros Maldives invites guests and discerning epicureans to an exclusive Champagne pairing dinner at The Lighthouse, the island’s iconic fine-dining restaurant, on 4 March 2026. Hosted for one evening only by Louis Duval-Leroy, family representative and Brand Ambassador of Maison Duval-Leroy, the intimate five-course experience celebrates the harmony between refined gastronomy and Champagne craftsmanship.

Perched above the Indian Ocean with panoramic ocean views, The Lighthouse is synonymous with Baros’ culinary philosophy. Long regarded as a benchmark for fine dining in the Maldives, the restaurant is known for its elegant setting, considered menus, and a focus on precision and technique. This one-night collaboration brings together Baros’ culinary team and the heritage of one of Champagne’s notable family-owned houses.

Founded in 1859, Maison Duval-Leroy is recognised for its Chardonnay-driven style, contemporary approach, and commitment to terroir and sustainability. Independent and family-owned for six generations, the House has been a pioneer in responsible viticulture, becoming the first Champagne house to achieve ISO 9002 certification in 1994, followed by Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certification in 2015.

Representing the sixth generation, Louis Duval-Leroy brings both heritage and a modern perspective to the estate. With a background in business and extensive commercial experience, he has developed close relationships with chefs and sommeliers across the international fine-dining community. During the evening, he will personally guide guests through each cuvée, sharing insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and stories behind every Champagne.

The five-course menu has been carefully curated to complement the character of each pairing. Highlights include Smoked Goat Cheese Parfait with golden beets, paired with Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve; a Black Cod Mosaic matched with Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru; and a Lemon Meringue Tart served alongside Prestige Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.

The Duval-Leroy Champagne Pairing Dinner offers an opportunity to experience Baros Maldives through destination dining, heritage Champagne, and an oceanfront setting.

With limited seating available, advance reservations are recommended. For bookings and enquiries, please contact +960 664 2672 or email reservations@baros.com.

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