Food
Vismark and BBM join forces to host fusion of Southeast Asian excellence
Guests at Maldivian resorts will experience vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine this September as Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) teams up with Vismark Food Industries for a series of culinary showcases.
From September 8 to 19, 2024, Vismark’s Corporate Chef Samson Lim, alongside BBM’s team, will lead live cooking demonstrations at select resorts. Designed to inspire creativity in the kitchen, these sessions allow chefs to explore new flavours and techniques, creating unique and unforgettable dining moments for their guests.
“I’m excited to collaborate with the talented chefs of the Maldives,” says Chef Samson Lim. “These sessions aren’t just about cooking; they’re about sharing techniques, sparking inspiration, and introducing key Southeast Asian ingredients like dim sum, paus, sambal, and laksa pastes—ingredients that can transform resort menus.”
BBM has been a leading supplier to the Maldivian hospitality industry for over 30 years, with a reputation for bringing premium products and culinary innovations to the region. Vismark Food Industries, based in Singapore, is a trusted name in the global food market. For over three decades, Vismark has been exporting high-quality Southeast Asian delicacies to many countries worldwide, supplying top hotels, restaurants, and food service industries across the globe. Their commitment to excellence and authentic flavours has made them a favourite among culinary professionals seeking to elevate their dishes.
While resort guests won’t witness the culinary demonstrations themselves, they’ll undoubtedly taste the results as these fresh, bold flavours make their way into buffets and à la carte menus. The collaboration aims to blend traditional Southeast Asian elements with global influences, ensuring guests experience something authentic and extraordinary.
“Our ingredients give chefs the flexibility to explore endless possibilities,” says Steve Tan, Director of Business Development at Vismark. “Whether they’re crafting authentic Southeast Asian dishes or experimenting with fusion, we’re giving them the tools to create innovative, standout meals for their guests.”
AVS Subrahmanyam, COO of BBM, underscores the initiative’s importance to Maldivian hospitality: “This partnership goes beyond showcasing ingredients—it’s about providing chefs with the knowledge and creative freedom to elevate their dishes to new heights. We’re proud to support the Maldives’ world-class resorts with the best products and hands-on expertise.”
By curating high-quality ingredients and fostering partnerships with global brands, BBM has continually driven innovation in the Maldives’ food and beverage industry. This partnership with Vismark demonstrates their commitment to maintaining the Maldives’ status as a premier destination for its natural beauty and exceptional dining experiences.
As the Maldives strengthens its position as a global tourism leader, collaborations like this ensure its culinary offerings remain exciting, diverse, and competitive on the world stage. BBM and Vismark are enabling resort chefs to create extraordinary dining experiences, fusing Southeast Asian flavours with international appeal.
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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