Cooking
Michelin-Starred Chef Noom brings Thai culinary mastery to Anantara Kihavah

This October, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is set to host an extraordinary culinary event, featuring Michelin-starred Chef Noom, known for his innovative approach to Thai cuisine. Guests will have the unique opportunity to experience Chef Noom’s masterful creations during a series of exclusive dinners at the resort’s renowned SPICE restaurant.
Chef Noom, formally known as Thaninthorn Chantrawan, is celebrated for his exceptional talent and culinary achievements, having consistently earned a Michelin star for his Bangkok-based restaurant, Chim by Siam Wisdom. With a background that spans some of London’s most prestigious dining establishments—such as Zuma, Roka, and Sketch—Chef Noom has developed a unique blend of traditional Thai flavours with modern techniques, influenced by his training in European and molecular gastronomy.
After returning to Thailand, Chef Noom delved into the rich heritage of Royal Thai cuisine, elevating classic dishes to new heights. At Chim by Siam Wisdom, housed in a century-old traditional Thai home, Chef Noom has revived historical recipes with a contemporary twist, using the finest local ingredients to craft unforgettable dining experiences. His signature creation, Tom Yum Plachon Bo-Larn, offers a modern interpretation of the 19th-century tom yum soup, featuring tender snakehead fish in a spicy red broth enriched with smoky homemade chili jam. From 2018 to 2023, Chim by Siam Wisdom has maintained its prestigious Michelin star, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.
Known for his appearances on “Iron Chef Thailand” and his dedication to combining time-honored techniques with contemporary flair, Chef Noom has firmly established himself as one of Thailand’s premier chefs.
From October 10th to 12th, 2024, Chef Noom will bring his culinary artistry to Anantara Kihavah’s SPICE restaurant, offering guests a rare opportunity to savour his signature style in the idyllic surroundings of the Maldives. Over three nights, diners can indulge in an exclusive multi-course menu that showcases the best of Thai cuisine, blending tradition with modern innovation.
In addition to these exclusive dinners, Chef Noom will host an interactive cooking class, providing participants with the chance to learn the secrets behind his most celebrated dishes. This hands-on session will offer a deep dive into the art of Thai cooking, making it a must-attend event for culinary enthusiasts eager to refine their skills and gain insight into the complexities of Thai flavours under the guidance of a Michelin-starred chef.
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From garden to gourmet: Dusit Thani Maldives celebrates local, responsible cuisine

Widely recognised as a premier luxury resort in the Maldives, Dusit Thani Maldives is redefining the concept of sustainable dining. Central to the resort’s culinary ethos is a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients locally and responsibly, crafting exceptional, globally inspired dishes that reflect the natural abundance of the Maldivian archipelago.
Located just a short stroll from the resort’s kitchens, the organic Chef’s Garden thrives with fragrant herbs, edible flowers, vegetables, and fruits. Ingredients such as lemongrass, basil, papaya, and chillies are carefully hand-harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring that vibrant flavour and freshness are brought directly to the plate.
All fish featured on the resort’s menus is sustainably sourced from within the Maldives, provided by local fishermen who utilise traditional, low-impact fishing techniques. Wherever possible, produce is also procured from Maldivian farmers—an approach that supports island communities, reduces carbon emissions, and celebrates the rich biodiversity of the atolls.
“Our approach is rooted in a respect for the land and sea,” explains Executive Chef Olivier Portret. “Every dish reflects the story of the Maldives—not just its flavours, but its culture and its people. We want guests to experience something truly meaningful with every bite.”
Guests can enjoy these thoughtfully sourced ingredients across a variety of dining experiences, from fine Thai cuisine at Benjarong, to freshly grilled seafood served al fresco at Sea Grill, or even through interactive cooking classes led by the resort’s culinary team.
Through this garden-to-table philosophy, Dusit Thani Maldives offers more than exceptional cuisine—it fosters a deeper connection to place, purpose, and the planet. This commitment not only sets the resort apart as one of the finest in the Maldives, but also as a destination where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
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Savour July: Exceptional dining awaits at Barceló Nasandhura Male

Located in the vibrant heart of Malé, Barceló Nasandhura is fast becoming a sought-after destination for dining, casual coffee catchups, and laid-back city experiences. This July, guests are invited to indulge in a series of exclusive promotions across the hotel’s distinctive food and beverage outlets, the perfect opportunity to discover what’s on offer.
At Oivaru, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant located on the 3rd Floor, guests can treat themselves to an irresistible Chocolate Dessert Station, available during dinner service from 4th to 7th July only. A decadent addition to the renowned international buffet, it promises to satisfy every sweet tooth. To complement the dining experience, enjoy live music on selected evenings, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed, flavorful night out.
To mark World Chocolate Day on 7th July, a special Chocolate Indulgence Station will be set up in the Nasandhura Lobby from 4 PM to 8 PM. Featuring free tastings and handcrafted desserts by the hotel’s renowned pastry chef, the experience is open to all guests and walk-ins. Guests can also purchase limited-edition treats while enjoying a beautifully styled chocolate-themed setup designed for sweet moments and social sharing.
Alimas Coffee Lounge is the ideal spot to escape the city heat. From 20th to 26th July, enjoy 10% off all ice creams, making it the perfect excuse to cool down with a sweet treat in style.
For those seeking elevated views and an unforgettable ambience, B.Heaven, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, offers signature mocktails and light bites, best savored with panoramic sunset vistas. On selected evenings, the energy rises with live DJ performances, making it the perfect setting to unwind, socialize, or celebrate under the stars.
This July, Barceló Nasandhura invites you to experience a taste of Malé’s most exciting culinary and social destination.
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Jumeirah Olhahali Island welcomes Shimmers’ Chef Emanuele for exclusive culinary residency this July

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced a culinary residency in collaboration with Chef Emanuele De Leo, Head Chef of the award-winning Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam in Dubai. Taking place from 7 to 10 July 2025, this exclusive experience will bring the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to the Maldives through a specially curated tasting-style menu.
Following a stint as Sous Chef at L’Olivo at Al Mahara, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Chef Emanuele took up his position as Head Chef at Shimmers in 2023. There, he leads the kitchen, where his menu pays homage to his Sicilian heritage, while embracing bold, contemporary interpretations of classic Mediterranean cuisine. Under his direction, Shimmers has earned recognition from Gault&Millau UAE in 2025, a testament of the restaurant’s elevated dining experience and Chef Emanuele’s distinctive culinary vision. With a strong focus on seasonality, he draws inspiration from the freshest market produce, transforming each ingredient into flavour-driven, elegantly presented creations.

For his residency at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Chef Emanuele has crafted a bespoke menu that fuses Greek influences with his Sicilian roots, showcasing refined coastal flavours and thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients. In true Shimmers fashion, the evening will be presented as a series of small, shareable plates, designed to bring guests together around the table. Highlights include a fresh cauliflower salad, zingy tuna tartare, and grilled octopus with Santorini fava. These are followed by indulgent mains such as slow-braised beef cheek paired with celery purée and red wine jus, alongside orzo with red prawns, lemon, and caviar. The experience concludes, with a duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and orange crème brûlée, offering a refreshing and indulgent finale.
The exclusive dinner experience with Chef Emanuele is priced at USD 195 plus taxes per person. For more information or to reserve, visit the Jumeirah Olhahali Island website here.
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