Featured
Maldivian taste arrives in Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg, a picturesque town in Germany, has recently become home to a new and exciting culinary experience. Annexx, a restaurant that specializes in Maldivian and international cuisine, has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike. We had the opportunity to talk with AJ Moosa, the proprietor of Annexx, to discuss his vision and the unique flavors he brings to the table.
AJ, a seasoned restaurateur with over a decade of experience in Bamberg, is no stranger to the city’s gastronomic scene. However, his latest venture is a departure from the traditional German fare that dominates the culinary landscape. AJ, who hails from the Maldives, noticed the immense popularity of his home country among German tourists but realized that not everyone could travel there to experience its vibrant flavors firsthand.
Driven by a desire to bridge this gap and share a taste of the Maldives with the local community, AJ opened Annexx. The restaurant has quickly gained popularity, attracting both Maldivian food enthusiasts and curious diners seeking something new and exotic. AJ’s ultimate goal is to recreate the authentic flavors of the Maldives and transport his guests to the idyllic islands through their taste buds.
During our conversation, AJ highlighted the overwhelming demand for Maldivian food at Annexx. One particular dish, a curry served with fragrant rice, has become a favorite among patrons. The curry, prepared using AJ’s mother’s cherished recipe, exudes aromatic spices and rich flavors that epitomize the essence of Maldivian cuisine. The dish’s popularity serves as a testament to AJ’s dedication to authenticity and his commitment to bringing the true taste of the Maldives to Bamberg.
AJ’s culinary journey began in the Maldives, where he started as a waiter in luxury resorts. Immersed in the world of fine dining, he developed a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy. AJ’s passion for the industry led him to broaden his horizons, and he soon found himself managing restaurants in Hong Kong. However, it was his wife’s German heritage that ultimately brought him to Bamberg.
To hone his skills and expand his knowledge, AJ pursued a degree at the prestigious Swiss Hotel School, Glion Institute of Higher Education. Armed with a solid foundation in hospitality and a profound understanding of international cuisines, he was ready to embark on his culinary endeavors in Germany. His experience managing restaurants in Bamberg for over a decade provided him with valuable insights into the local dining scene and allowed him to establish a loyal customer base.
With Annexx, AJ has managed to create a unique and enchanting dining experience in Bamberg. By offering a glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, he has not only satisfied the cravings of Maldivian food enthusiasts but also introduced locals and tourists to an entirely new world of flavors. The success of Annexx stands as a testament to AJ’s passion, dedication, and his ability to bring a slice of paradise to the heart of Germany.
Photos courtesy Annex and Adelheid Wagner
JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is welcoming the holy month of Ramadan with a series of Iftar evenings at Lime Restaurant, inviting guests to gather in the spirit of reflection, gratitude and togetherness.
Recognising Ramadan as a time that brings families, friends and communities closer, the hotel has curated an Iftar experience designed to go beyond dining. The focus is on creating a welcoming environment where traditions are observed, conversations unfold naturally and shared moments are celebrated around the table.
Located in the heart of Malé, Lime Restaurant provides a warm and contemporary setting suited to a range of gatherings, from colleagues reconnecting after work to families and friends breaking fast together. Each evening reflects the generosity associated with Ramadan, featuring carefully prepared dishes, live cooking stations and a selection of sweet treats that balance traditional flavours with creative touches.
Iftar at JEN Maldives by Shangri-La is shaped by attentive service and thoughtful hospitality. Guests are welcomed into an atmosphere that blends comfort with understated elegance, allowing space for reflection while enjoying a relaxed dining experience. The hotel’s culinary and service teams work closely to ensure consistency, quality and authenticity throughout the season.
Whether for intimate gatherings or larger group celebrations, the venue offers flexibility supported by a culinary programme rooted in care and attention to detail. The Ramadan offering is designed to ensure guests feel at ease while enjoying a distinctive Iftar experience in the capital.
Throughout the holy month, JEN Maldives by Shangri-La invites guests to come together at Lime Restaurant to experience evenings defined by flavour, generosity and meaningful connection, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan.
Milaidhoo Maldives is hosting a wine pairing dinner celebrating Provençal elegance and gastronomy on 4 March 2026 at the resort’s Shoreline Grill. The evening will feature wines from Château Minuty and will be hosted by Sébastien Nore, Global Strategy and Export Director of Château Minuty, offering guests insight into the winery’s heritage and approach to fine winemaking.
Originally from Limousin, France, Nore brings extensive experience in the international beverage industry. His career includes roles with Kronenbourg Wineries and PepsiCo France, followed by senior leadership positions at Diageo and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. He has played a key role in expanding Château Minuty’s global presence and currently oversees the winery’s strategy, sales, communication and marketing, with a focus on innovation and the refined character of Provençal rosé.
During the dinner, guests will enjoy a curated selection of Château Minuty wines, paired with a bespoke menu created by the Shoreline Grill culinary team. The featured wines include:
- Château Minuty M de Minuty Rosé Magnum 1.5L – Artist Edition 2024
- Château Minuty Prestige Rosé 2024
- Château Minuty Rosé et Or 2024
- Château Minuty 281 2024
Beyond this event, the dinner reflects Milaidhoo Maldives’ wider commitment to gastronomy. The resort’s Gourmet Plan is designed for guests with a strong interest in food and wine, offering personalised, multi-course dining experiences throughout their stay. Each menu is crafted to highlight the relationship between carefully selected ingredients and complementary wines, with an emphasis on authenticity and balance.
The Château Minuty dinner marks the fourth wine-focused event hosted by Milaidhoo Maldives this year, underscoring the resort’s ongoing focus on curated culinary experiences. The evening is positioned as a sensory journey, combining refined flavours, thoughtful pairings and a convivial island setting.
Constance Hospitality has been recognised in the 2026 Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, with its Maldivian resorts achieving some of the highest scores within the group’s portfolio.
In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli Maldives received an outstanding score of 9.8 out of 10, while Constance Moofushi Maldives achieved 9.7. The ratings, based on verified guest reviews, reflect consistently high levels of guest satisfaction and service delivery.
Constance Halaveli Maldives, known for its spacious overwater and beachfront villas, personalised service and refined dining concepts, continues to perform strongly among travellers. Constance Moofushi Maldives, positioned as a barefoot chic resort with an all-inclusive concept, also maintains a high guest approval rating, supported by its diving experiences and relaxed island atmosphere.
While the wider Constance portfolio across the Indian Ocean was recognised, the Maldives properties stand out as the group’s highest-rated resorts in the 2026 awards cycle.
Commenting on the recognition, Jean-Jacques Vallet, Chief Executive Officer of Constance Hospitality, stated that the awards reflect the professionalism and commitment of the teams on the ground. He added that guest feedback remains central to maintaining service standards and delivering consistent experiences across the group’s destinations.
The recognition reinforces the position of Constance Halaveli Maldives and Constance Moofushi Maldives as leading performers within the Maldives’ competitive luxury hospitality sector.
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