Food
A gastronomic symphony: The Feast of the Sea Experience at Baraabaru

Nestled in the idyllic Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Baraabaru restaurant offers a dining experience that transcends expectations. Recently, I had the pleasure of immersing myself in their exquisite “Feast of the Sea” menu, which featured an Indian-style sharing option, allowing us to embark on a culinary journey of diverse and tantalizing flavors.
A Symphony of Starters
The evening began with a triumphant trio of starters – Avocado Pani Puri, Crab Pachadi, and Kolkata Beet Chop. Each dish was a masterpiece in its own right, showcasing the creativity and finesse of the culinary team. The Avocado Pani Puri, with its creamy avocado filling and tangy tamarind chutney, was an inventive twist on a classic Indian street food. The Crab Pachadi was a harmonious blend of delicate crab meat and aromatic spices, and the Kolkata Beet Chop, with its vibrant colors and subtle earthy flavors, was a delightful surprise. These three small bites provided a tantalizing introduction to what would be a memorable meal.
Accompanying these starters was the Potato muska bun with gunpowder masala butter, a combination that took bread and butter to new heights. The muska bun was pillowy soft, and the gunpowder masala butter added a fiery kick that elevated this simple dish into something extraordinary.

Mini Delights to Savor
The third course brought forth a delightful array of mini creations that left our taste buds dancing with joy. The chili pepper crab on an egg appam was a perfect blend of heat and sweetness, with the egg appam serving as a delicate vessel for the succulent crab. The Calicut chicken wings with pineapple chutney transported us to the tropics, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that was both spicy and sweet. The Rock shrimp koliwada with papadum and pomelo was a textural marvel, with crispy shrimp, crunchy papadum, and zesty pomelo coming together in a symphony of tastes and textures.
Before proceeding to the main course, we were treated to a refreshing break with Kalamansi sorbet. This palate cleanser was a burst of citrusy freshness, preparing us for the culinary delights that lay ahead.
The Main Course Extravaganza
The main course arrived with much anticipation, and it did not disappoint. The Allepay prawn curry with red rice was a fragrant and flavorful masterpiece. The prawns were cooked to perfection, and the curry sauce was a harmonious blend of spices that captured the essence of Indian coastal cuisine. Accompanied by the nutty red rice, this dish was a culinary highlight.
The Ghee roast Chicken with dosa was a comforting dish that combined the rich flavors of ghee-roasted chicken with the delicate crispness of dosa. It was a comforting and hearty option for those who appreciate the classics.
The Thalassery lamb biryani was a fragrant revelation. The aroma of spices filled the air as the biryani was served, and each forkful revealed tender pieces of lamb and perfectly cooked rice. It was a testament to the skill and expertise of the chefs in crafting this traditional Indian dish.

A Sweet Symphony of Farewell
To conclude our culinary journey, we were presented with the cardamom banana kulfi. This dessert was a perfect ending to an extraordinary meal. The cardamom-infused kulfi was rich and creamy, and the subtle sweetness of banana added a delightful twist to this classic Indian dessert.
Chef Hari Nayak’s Influence
Our dining experience at Baraabaru was made even more special by the presence of Chef Hari Nayak, a renowned master of modern Indian cuisine. His residency at Baraabaru and collaboration with Head Chef Kishan Singh have elevated the restaurant to new heights. Chef Nayak’s passion for contemporary Indian gastronomy, combined with Chef Singh’s dedication to natural flavors and authentic dishes, resulted in a dining experience that was nothing short of exceptional.
Chef Nayak’s illustrious career, which has taken him from Manipal, India, to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in New York, has made him one of the foremost Indian chefs in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. His influence on Baraabaru’s offerings was evident in every dish we savored.

A Harmonious Culinary Symphony
In a sublime union of culinary craftsmanship, Baraabaru brings together the freshest Maldivian produce with global influences, thanks to Chef Nayak’s artful interpretation of contemporary Indian gastronomy. Baraabaru has rightfully earned its place as one of CNN Travel’s top ten “Maldives’ Finest Tables” and has maintained its reputation as the Maldives’ leading Indian restaurant for 25 years.
While Chef Hari’s presence at Baraabaru is seasonal, his influence permeates the restaurant’s offerings year-round through an inspiring set dinner menu. This menu is expertly executed under the guidance of Baraabaru’s Head Chef Kishan Singh, known for his dedication to the natural flavors of food and his focus on fresh, authentic dishes. Together, Chef Nayak and Chef Singh have created a harmonious culinary symphony that reflects their shared values, dreams, and vision for Baraabaru’s culinary artistry.
The Feast of the Sea experience at Baraabaru was nothing short of magical. Each dish was a testament to the skill and creativity of the chefs, and the presence of Chef Hari Nayak added an extra layer of brilliance to the dining experience. Baraabaru is a culinary gem that should be on every food enthusiast’s bucket list, offering a symphony of flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply appreciate exceptional dining, Baraabaru at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

I must also mention that the food experience at Baraabaru was further elevated by the enchanting presence of live classical Indian music. The mesmerizing sounds of the Tabla, Harmonium, Sitar, and Violin filled the air, creating a harmonious backdrop to our culinary adventure. As we savored each dish, the music added an extra layer of sensory delight, making it a true symphony of culinary art and music. The skilled musicians transported us to the heart of India, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of cultural richness and tradition. It was an unforgettable fusion of flavors and melodies that left a lasting impression, making our dining experience at Baraabaru truly exceptional and one to be cherished forever.
Food
Chef David Hemmerle at InterContinental Maldives’ The Lighthouse this festive season

Chef David Hemmerle, a leading chef originally from France and now based in Moscow, will be visiting InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and taking over The Lighthouse restaurant in December.
The Lighthouse has a 360-degree view of the resort and the sparkling Indian Ocean below, offering the finest seasonal ingredients and seafood.
The collaboration with Chef Hemmerle promises to elevate the resort’s culinary experience, providing guests with a diverse range of carefully crafted and delectable dishes that showcase Hemmerle’s culinary skills.
Known for his work in Michelin-rated restaurants in Europe and Asia, Hemmerle has over 30 years of experience in fine dining at the likes of the Four Seasons in Moscow and the Cristal Room Baccarat (Mercury Group), all of which has helped develop a deep understanding of the tastes of metropolitan gourmet cuisine, combined with a rich experience in Michelin-rated restaurants.
Chef Hemmerle will bring the flair and refinement of his homeland’s cuisine to the resort this winter, cooking with creativity & complex techniques and the finest local ingredients.
Rates start from USD 952++ per night in a Water Pool Villa including breakfast for two. For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
Food
Anantara Kihavah introduces the Maldives’ first ever immersive dining under water at SEA Restaurant

Having built a global reputation for pushing the boundaries of unique dining experiences to exciting new heights, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is now taking epicurean adventure to a whole new level — six metres beneath the sea. In what is the first ever truly immersive dining under water in the Maldives, this exciting new 3D sensory dining event will take a strictly limited number of diners beneath the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean to the resort’s award winning SEA Underwater Restaurant, where they will be immersed in an enchanting marine world as they are treated to a memorable feast for the senses with an enthralling “Message in a Bottle” themed dining.
Famed for its surreal ocean viewing experience, SEA Underwater Restaurant treats diners to a uniquely immersive 3D dining experience, with sharks, turtles, and tropical fish swimming by the glass windows as diners savour gourmet creations paired with fine wines, making every moment a delight for the senses and providing the perfect setting for the evening’s aquatic adventure.

The Message in a Bottle experience is not just a dinner but an odyssey of enlightenment, a feast of the senses, and a call to action for the preservation of our planet’s most precious treasure — the oceans. Imagine a subaquatic adventure that marries the art of storytelling, the magic of illusion, and the marvels of cutting-edge 3D technology. Picture an evening of fine cuisine and visual wizardry that transcends the boundaries of imagination as an intimate gathering of just 16 guests embarks on a two-hour, six-course journey of entertainment and discovery.
The evening’s magical adventure begins with a portent of what lies ahead when an Avatar from the future sends a fairy back to our present time. The fairy brings with her a message in a bottle, a heartfelt plea to save our oceans and protect our planet. After showing how non-sustainable practices are slowly destroying the earth, the fairy then goes on to share the simple steps people can take to reverse the effects and stop the damage. This message of sustainability is reflected throughout the evening’s entertaining experience, from the storyline and visual effects to the specially prepared dishes that make up the sumptuous meal.
As they take in the show playing out all around them, diners are treated to a delicious set of dishes by Executive Chef Joachim Textor that have been carefully crafted to take them on a journey from the deep sea to the arctic, and from the beach to the coral reef. Each dish symbolically represents a facet of ocean conservation, presented in an engaging, entertaining, and magical way in gourmet creations that feature seafood from around the world along with a whole host of special surprises. Rather than merely passive viewers, taking in the entertainment while enjoying fine cuisine, the diners are fully immersed in the show as they complete interactive activities that include “playing with your food.”

Incorporated into the storyline is the recently published reef study, which is the result of extensive research and a groundbreaking scientific assessment of Anantara Kihavah’s award-winning house reef, conducted by esteemed marine biologists throughout 2022 and 2023. Aligning with the underlying theme of the evening, the primary objective of the book is to convey a compelling message on reef appreciation and conservation.
Available until March 2024, this extraordinary culinary adventure is priced at USD 450++ for adults and USD 200++ for kids 8 – 11 years, and available every Wednesday and Saturday night. Bringing together the thrill of dining in an underwater restaurant on the edge of an award-winning house reef, the delight of feasting on exquisitely prepared seafood paired with fine wines, and the joy of being immersed in an epic 3D adventure, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. For more information or to book, call +960 664 4111, visit us at www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives or email reservations.maldives@anantara.com.
Food
Savouring success: Culinary extravaganza with Chef Yoni Saada at Kandolhu Maldives

The collaboration between Kandolhu Maldives and Chef Yoni Saada unfolded with unparalleled success, captivating guests with a week-long celebration of Contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.
From November 13th to 18th, Chef Yoni Saada, renowned for his culinary expertise and familial connection to esteemed Marais butchers, took centre stage at Olive, one of the five à la carte restaurants on the island. Chef Saada’s journey, beginning with culinary studies at Ferrandi in Paris and culminating in the opening of acclaimed restaurants like “Osmose” and “Miniatures,” added a rich narrative to the event.
The collaboration showcased in Kandolhu Maldives’ commitment to creating unforgettable moments for guests, ensuring a culinary experience that stood exceptional. Beyond the live events, the integration of Chef Saada’s handpicked creations into the Olive menu added a lasting legacy to the resort. Dishes such as Pimiento dae Padron with Pecorino, Avocado Hummus & Passion Fruit, and Veal Loin in Pistachio Crust became cherished additions, offering future guests the opportunity to savour and appreciate Chef Saada’s culinary mastery long after the exclusive event concluded.
The fusion of Mediterranean flavours, the enchanting ambiance of Kandolhu Maldives, and Chef Yoni Saada’s culinary artistry collectively contributed to the resounding success of this exceptional collaboration. The event left an indelible mark on the palates and memories of those fortunate enough to partake in this culinary extravaganza.
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