Food
Review: World Chocolate Day celebration at Kurumba Maldives
As an exclusive guest invited to Kurumba Maldives’ celebration of World Chocolate Day, I had the pleasure of experiencing a delightful 4-course chocolate-themed menu. Set on the beautiful private island of Kurumba, this resort holds a special place in the history of Maldivian tourism, being the first private island resort to open its doors back in 1972.
The evening commenced with an enticing starter, the Poached Salmon with Manjari Chocolate Polenta. The combination of tender salmon, creamy polenta infused with Manjari chocolate, and the subtle sweetness of carrot puree and caramelized onions created a unique flavor profile. The surprising addition of white chocolate-dipped sea asparagus added a touch of elegance to the dish.
Next came the White Asparagus Cappuccino, a soup that blended the earthiness of white asparagus with a luxurious coconut foam and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The accompanying sunflower hazelnut crostini provided a delightful crunch, complementing the creamy texture of the soup. This creative combination showcased the chef’s ingenuity and ability to infuse chocolate into unexpected dishes.
The main course, Lamb Rump, was a true highlight of the evening. The succulent lamb, cooked to perfection, was accompanied by a medley of flavors and textures. The mint custard added a refreshing twist, while the crispy potato, stuffed morel mushrooms, baby carrots, beetroot, broccoli, and butter-poached white turnip created a vibrant and visually appealing plate. The bitter chocolate sauce brought a touch of richness to the dish, accentuating the savory flavors of the lamb.
To conclude the meal, the Kurumba Chocolate Fondue was a decadent and indulgent dessert. The combination of fresh strawberries, homemade marshmallows, orange cake, and toasted almond pavlova made for a delightful dipping experience. The richness of the chocolate fondue paired perfectly with the fruity and nutty accompaniments, providing a satisfying conclusion to the chocolate-themed feast.
Throughout the evening, the ambiance at Kurumba Maldives was enchanting. The resort’s commitment to providing a wide range of dining experiences was evident, with eight different restaurants, three bars, and a shisha lounge to choose from. This variety ensures that guests can find the perfect setting to suit their tastes and preferences. Whether you seek a romantic atmosphere for a honeymoon or a family-friendly environment, Kurumba has something for everyone.
In addition to the culinary delights, Kurumba offers a plethora of recreational activities and entertainment options, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable holiday experience. The natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with the vibrant atmosphere, creates the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
As I reflect on my experience celebrating World Chocolate Day at Kurumba Maldives, I can’t help but appreciate the resort’s dedication to providing exceptional hospitality and unique dining experiences. The thoughtfully crafted chocolate-themed menu showcased the Chef Ahmed Faisal and his team’s creativity and skill in integrating chocolate into each course. Combined with the resort’s idyllic location and a wide range of activities, Kurumba Maldives is indeed a paradise for those seeking a memorable vacation experience.
Ifuru Island Maldives has unveiled its newest culinary journey: the Indian Thali at Social House. This signature dining experience pays homage to the vibrant flavours, diversity, and cultural warmth of Indian cuisine, reimagined in the heart of the Maldives.
Inspired by Ayurveda’s Six Taste Theory, the Indian Thali is designed to provide a perfectly balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul. Guests can savour an array of authentic dishes that reflect India’s culinary soul, presented with the modern flair and island elegance that define Ifuru Island.
The Thali includes a generous spread of delights such as Jhinga Laziz, Butter Chicken, Boti Masala, Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, Tomato Rasam, served alongside Jeera Rice, Paratha, Mango Chutney, Masala Onion, Papadum, and a decadent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake.
“Crafting this Indian Thali has been a labour of love,” says Nadedja Bouacha, Executive Chef at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Each element is carefully prepared to honour India’s diverse culinary heritage while offering our guests a rich, comforting, and authentic experience in a setting as extraordinary as our island.”
The Indian Thali is now available at Social House, the resort’s popular dining venue known for blending global flavors with local flair and laid-back luxury.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or a first-time explorer, the Indian Thali at Ifuru Island is a celebration of culture, taste, and mindful eating.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is set to host an exclusive champagne pairing dinner at its iconic Ithaa Underwater Gem on 23 May 2025. Leading the experience is Kamal Malik, India’s only Master Sommelier and judge for the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Guests will indulge in a specially curated six-course menu featuring refined dishes from land and sea, each paired with a selection of Ruinart’s elegant cuvées—including Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Rosé. This one-night-only event offers a rare opportunity to experience expert wine pairing in one of the world’s most unique dining settings, five meters below the ocean’s surface.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
For more information or to book your experience, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.experiences@conradhotels.com or contact +960 6680629.
Renowned Master Baker Steven Selvamuthu from IREKS is currently in the Maldives, leading a specialised baking demo tour focused on gluten-free and vegan baked goods. The initiative, organised by Bestbuy Maldives (BBM), is running from May 3rd to 15th and is covering over 10 leading resorts along with professional bakers in Malé.
Through hands-on sessions and live demonstrations, Chef Steven is sharing innovative techniques and versatile recipes tailored to modern dietary trends, while also addressing real-world challenges faced by professional kitchens.
Sharing his experience so far, Chef Steven said: “The growing interest in gluten-free and vegan baking here is truly inspiring. Maldivian chefs are open-minded, eager to learn, and ready to embrace global trends without compromising on quality or flavour.”
This ongoing collaboration between IREKS and BBM reflects a shared commitment to professional development in the region’s foodservice industry. By introducing modern baking solutions and supporting skill-building at the grassroots level, the initiative is adding value to both local talent and resort kitchens.
A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer at BBM, added: “As consumer preferences evolve, we want to ensure that Maldivian chefs are equipped to meet those expectations with confidence. Our partnership with IREKS reflects BBM’s mission to bring world-class expertise and ingredients closer to the local culinary community.”
With rising demand for inclusive and health-conscious bakery options, the ongoing tour is playing a key role in empowering chefs across the Maldives to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting global food landscape.
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Terry Mc Goldrick
July 8, 2023 at 8:32 pm
Who was the Chef who presented such glorious food at Kurumba Congratulations to him please give him a mention Good Luck Stay Safe 👍👌👊🇬🇧 Terry Mc Goldrick