Food
Fusion of culinary art and mixology: The Nautilus Maldives to host Chef Pietro Catalano
From November 23rd to 25th 2024, The Nautilus Maldives invites its guests to experience an extraordinary fusion of fine dining and masterful mixology, led by uber-creative and visionary Chef Pietro Catalano from Switzerland’s renowned CAAA restaurant by Pietro Catalano. CAAA is a unique tale of family, passion, and exceptional taste.
Exploring Maldivian Tuna: From Ocean to Fine Dining
The event centres on the rich legacy of Maldivian tuna fisheries, which are integral to the local economy and culture. The Maldives is recognised for its commitment to sustainable fishing practices, particularly through its pole-and-line tuna fisheries, which are considered a global standard for responsible fishing. Chef Pietro will craft a menu that not only celebrates the exquisite ingredient tuna but also raises awareness about the environmental challenges associated with overfishing and the importance of sustainable consumption. Over two nights at Zeytoun, guests will embark on a culinary journey with two distinct menus that celebrate yellowfin tuna, where each dish is crafted to elevate this premium ingredient into a gourmet experience.
Chef Pietro commented on the collaboration: “The exceptional quality of Maldivian yellowfin tuna, celebrated for its rich flavour, firm texture, and versatility, has always been a source of inspiration and a catalyst for my creativity. Its adaptability allows endless possibilities for culinary expression, enabling me to showcase my creativity from a simple, elegant preparations to highly refined techniques. At CAAA, we love to work with finest produce and prioritise sustainable suppliers to create exceptional dishes that reflect our commitment to both quality and ethical practices. The sustainably fished tuna from the Maldives helps me to add ethical value to my creations and perfectly aligns with The Nautilus’s focus on providing guests with ingredients that are not only nutritionally valuable but also sourced responsibly. Tuna, being a rich source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals, is such a precious ingredient.”
Sustainable Mixology: Zero-Waste Cocktails infused with Global Flavours and Sounds
The trio, led by Chef Pietro’s culinary expertise and joined by Elena Catalano and Sommelier Stefania Catalano, will curate a bespoke cocktail menu that complements the featured dishes. Their innovative approach to mixology, grounded in zero-waste techniques, draws on influences from the Mediterranean, Alpine, and Maldivian regions. Guests will also indulge in signature cocktails and gourmet snacks at the exclusive Nautilus Rising beach pop-up.
Pietro Addis, General Manager of The Nautilus Maldives, shares his excitement: “We are pleased to welcome Chef Pietro Catalano and the core team of CAAA by Pietro Catalano for this special event under our Art of Bohemia hallmark. It’s a unique opportunity for our guests to experience a distinctive blend of culinary and mixology artistry in a setting that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship at its finest.”
Event Details:
- Date: 23-25 November 2024
- Location: The Nautilus Maldives
To indulge in an artistic culinary fusion, visit the resort’s website here. For further information or to book your stay, please contact hello@thenautilusmaldives.com.
Cooking
Chef Mos to showcase northern Thai cuisine at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
This November, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu welcomes a taste of Northern Thailand as Michelin recognized Ginger Farm Kitchen and The House by Ginger arrives in the Maldives for a special culinary collaboration inspired by the traditions, ingredients and home cooking of Chiang Mai.
Born and raised in Chiang Mai, Chef Mos brings with him a strong connection to the food of Northern Thailand and the philosophy behind Ginger Farm Kitchen, a restaurant concept that began on a working farm in Saraphi, just outside the city.
What started as a family space for children and visitors to experience rice planting, harvesting and traditional farm life gradually evolved into the brand’s distinctive Farm to City philosophy.
Today, Ginger Farm Kitchen celebrates authentic Thai home cooking, with an emphasis on Northern Thai flavours, family recipes, local produce and time-honoured cooking techniques.
Chef Mos will bring this spirit to Adaaran Select Meedhupparu through a series of specially curated culinary experiences on 8 and 9 November 2026.
On 8 November, guests can begin with an intimate, hour-long cooking demonstration. The session will showcase three Thai favourites: Tom Kha with chicken, Pad Thai with prawns or chicken, and Thai green curry with chicken, offering an opportunity to discover the ingredients and techniques behind each dish.
That evening, the experience continues at Tawa with an exclusive five-course wine pairing dinner. The menu combines Thai flavours with contemporary presentation, beginning with Ma Hor and prawn spring roll, followed by crab pani puri with coconut citrus sauce, Burmese tea leaf salad with soft-shell crab and Tom Yum lobster bisque.
For the main course, guests can choose between beef Massaman with garlic mashed potatoes, burnt leeks and Thai gremolata, or grilled sea bass with Tom Kha sauce, crab salad and jasmine rice. A lemongrass panna cotta with tropical fruits and mango and passion fruit sauce brings the evening to a close.
On 9 November, the focus shifts to a more relaxed Thai street-food and BBQ dinner on the beach. The buffet will feature favourites including chicken satay, spring rolls, Thai pineapple fried rice, seafood Tom Yum, Massaman curry, pomelo salad and Pad Ka Prao Neur. Live stations will serve freshly prepared Pad Thai with prawns and Khao Soi chicken curry noodles, followed by mango sticky rice for dessert.
The collaboration also brings recognised culinary pedigree. Ginger Farm Kitchen’s original Chiang Mai restaurant at One Nimman received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition from 2020 to 2023.
From Chiang Mai’s farms to the shores of the Raa Atoll, Ginger Farm Kitchen x Adaaran Select Meedhupparu brings guests closer to the roots of Thai cuisine through shared dining, authentic flavours and chef-led discovery.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
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Heritance Aarah brings Chiang Mai’s The House by Ginger to Maldives
This November, the flavours of Chiang Mai arrive in the Maldives as Michelin recognised The House by Ginger and Ginger Farm Kitchen joins Heritance Aarah for a special culinary collaboration celebrating the depth, character and creativity of Thai cuisine.
Taking place from 4-6 November 2026, the collaboration will see Chef Aree bring the culinary identity of The House by Ginger to the shores of the Raa Atoll through a series of curated dining experiences, chef-led demonstrations and vibrant Thai flavours.
Based in Chiang Mai’s Old City, The House by Ginger has been part of the city’s dining scene since 2004. Set within a restored heritage house dating back to 1937, the restaurant brings together Thai culinary traditions, regional ingredients and contemporary interpretation. Its approach is rooted in cooking from scratch and respecting the stories behind familiar Thai dishes, while presenting them with a distinctive modern character.
At Heritance Aarah, guests will have several opportunities to experience this philosophy throughout the week.
On 4 November, Ralu will host a special Thai à la carte experience featuring familiar favourites such as chicken satay with peanut sauce, som tum, green curry, seafood hor mok, stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, pad Thai and mango sticky rice.
For a more refined expression of the collaboration, wine pairing dinners on 5 November will explore Thai flavours through a contemporary five-course menu. Dishes include crab pani puri with coconut citrus sauce, Burmese tea leaf salad with soft-shell crab, Tom Yum lobster bisque and mains such as beef Massaman with garlic mashed potatoes or grilled sea bass with Tom Kha sauce. The evening concludes with lemongrass panna cotta accompanied by tropical fruit.
Guests can also get closer to the techniques behind the cuisine through cooking demonstrations on 5 November, featuring Thai favourites including Tom Kha, pad Thai and green curry.
The experience becomes more relaxed on 6 November, when Thai street food takes centre stage. Live cooking stations and a generous selection of dishes will bring together everything from chicken satay and spring rolls to Khao Soi, seafood Tom Yum, Massaman curry and mango sticky rice.
The collaboration adds another dimension to Heritance Aarah’s already diverse culinary story, creating an opportunity for guests to discover Thai cuisine through both traditional flavours and contemporary presentation.
For 3 days this November, Chiang Mai meets the Maldives through food, craft and shared culinary discovery at Heritance Aarah.
For more information and bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
Cooking
Award-winning Pastry Chef Elena Nabiullina brings contemporary pâtisserie to The Nautilus Maldives
The Nautilus Maldives welcomes award-winning pastry chef and CREAMO founder Elena Nabiullina from 7 to 12 November 2026 as part of its Masters for Masters series. Her residency will bring contemporary pâtisserie to the island through a guest dessert masterclass and a special creation offered to all guests staying during the week.
At The Nautilus, culinary experiences begin with individual tastes and curiosity. Within this spirit of unscripted dining, Elena invites guests to explore the imagination, precision and care that transform familiar ingredients into memorable desserts.
Her journey began in her mother’s kitchen, making nut-shaped biscuits filled with condensed milk and delicate pastries. Although she initially pursued a career in industrial and civil construction, an encounter with French chef David Emmerle inspired her to turn a lifelong fascination with confectionery into a profession. Elena studied at the Ragout School and interned at Akrame in Paris, further refining her craft through training with Cédric Grolet, Garuharu, Ramon Morato, Jordi Bordas and Karim Bourgi. Her specialist education includes Valrhona’s private school in Dubai, Carpigiani Gelato University and the Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie in Rouen, France.

Named Pastry Chef of the Year in 2024 by WHERETOEAT, she has contributed to more than 14 restaurant openings. She also served as pastry chef at Café Garage at the Garage Museum and founded CREAMO, her artisanal gelato brand. Her work combines contemporary technique, unexpected flavours and a thoughtful balance of textures and presentation.
On 8 November, Elena will lead a dessert masterclass for guests, sharing the techniques and creative inspiration behind her signature CREAMO cookies. Easy to recreate at home, these treats will allow guests to bring a taste of the experience into their own kitchens. Throughout the residency, all guests staying at The Nautilus will also receive her signature Bublik, an elegantly crafted, ring-shaped dessert, presented with a specially designed card sharing the story behind Elena’s creation. The Masters for Masters series brings accomplished creators to The Nautilus to share the passions that define their work. Elena’s residency offers a personal encounter with the chef behind the craft, with time to learn, exchange ideas and savour her artistry in the intimacy of a private island home.
To learn more about Chef Elena Nabiullina Residency at The Nautilus Maldives, visit here.
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