As the Festival of Lights approaches, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa—a luxurious destination for all generations—has announced an exciting collaboration with acclaimed Chef Shipra Khanna, the winner of MasterChef India. This year’s Diwali celebrations promise to be a sensory delight, featuring an extraordinary culinary experience at the resort on October 12 and 13, 2024.

Chef Shipra is an award-winning chef, author, and television personality, celebrated for her innovative approach to Indian cuisine, which seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, she will craft exclusive menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients from the JW Garden, ensuring each dish bursts with vibrant flavours and reflects the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

On October 12, Chef Shipra will present “The Art of Indian Cuisine” through a six-course wine-pairing dinner at RIHA, an enchanting outdoor dining venue featuring a sunken Tandoor & Tawa. Guests will embark on a culinary journey amidst stunning views of the horizon and sunset. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines, creating a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. This innovative fusion of Indian and French cuisine draws inspiration from Chef Shipra’s extensive travels in France.

“I am thrilled to bring a taste of contemporary Indian cuisine to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa,” Chef Shipra stated. “From the north to the south of France, I’ve learned from incredible chefs and friends. This menu is a tribute to my experiences, featuring dishes like Coconut-Bouillabaisse—a traditional French dish from Marseille, given an Indian twist.”

On the second evening, Chef Shipra will unveil a traditional Thali course at Aailaa, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, inviting guests to enjoy a Diwali-themed dinner. This beautifully arranged platter will feature a variety of small dishes that showcase Chef Shipra’s signature creations, with each dish designed to complement the others in a delightful mix of flavours, textures, and colours. As a health ambassador for India, Chef Shipra emphasises the importance of incorporating millets—nutritious and environmentally friendly grains—into daily diets. This dinner encourages guests to broaden their culinary experiences by exploring the richness of Indian cuisine through delicious and healthy options.

In honour of the Festival of Lights, highlights from Chef Shipra’s menu will include Rajma ki Galouti, Smoked Jungla Maas, and the exquisite Makhan Malai dessert, elegantly garnished with gold vark, pistachios, and saffron.

“We are delighted to welcome Chef Shipra Khanna to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa,” stated General Manager Mohit Dembla. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing meaningful experiences. During the month of Diwali, we are proud to offer a remarkable culinary journey that captures the rich flavours and traditions of Indian cuisine.”

Chef Shipra’s exclusive menus will be available for an entire month following the celebrations, allowing more guests to indulge in her gourmet creations during the Diwali season.

The dinner at RIHA is priced at USD $450++ per person, with limited seating available (maximum capacity: 6 guests). The Thali dinner at Aailaa is priced at USD $275++ per person and will be offered from October 13 through November 15, 2024.

BBM’s recent collaboration with Vismark Food Industries brought Southeast Asian culinary innovation to the Maldives, with a series of successful live cooking demonstrations across 11 resorts. Vismark, known for its commitment to high-quality food solutions, specializes in developing premium ingredients and ready-made culinary products.

Led by Chef Samson Lin (Head of Culinary Development) and Chef Kent Lim – at Vismark lead the demos that showcased dishes like Dumplings, Pau, and Satay capturing the imagination of resort chefs eager to integrate these flavors into their menus.

“The response from the chefs was phenomenal,” remarked Chef Samson Lin. “Their passion for learning and embracing new flavors truly stood out.”

BBM’s Resort Sales team facilitated the sessions, ensuring seamless engagement between the chefs and the culinary experts. Each resort’s participants were eager to adapt these Southeast Asian flavours into their own kitchens, with practical takeaways and a renewed sense of culinary creativity.

Reflecting on the event’s success, AVS Subrahmanyam, Chief Operating Officer of BBM, said: “This partnership with Vismark is a testament to our commitment to bringing world-class culinary experiences to the Maldives. The level of engagement from the resort chefs exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to see how these new flavours will enhance guest dining experiences moving forward.”

Chef Kent Lim shared his thoughts, adding, “The interaction and feedback from the chefs were invaluable. They were not only open to new ideas but also committed to perfecting them for their guests.”

The demonstrations, held from September 8 to 19, 2024, provided participants with fresh inspiration. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the chefs has set the stage for these Southeast Asian flavours to become a standout feature in resort dining across the Maldives.

BBM’s continued efforts to collaborate with global culinary experts like Vismark reflect their dedication to pushing the boundaries of fine dining in the Maldives, elevating resort experiences one dish at a time.

Milaidhoo Maldives, renowned for its culinary excellence in the Indian Ocean, has introduced a new dining concept, “An Evening with the Chefs.” This exceptional gastronomic event allows guests to enjoy a bespoke five-course gourmet dinner, carefully curated by the island’s talented chefs and paired with fine wines selected by the resident sommelier.

Set in the intimate atmosphere of The Chef’s Table at The Shoreline Grill, this exclusive experience provides a unique opportunity for guests to witness the culinary craftsmanship that defines Milaidhoo. With a front-row view of the kitchen, diners can observe the chefs’ passion and precision as each dish is prepared, while also gaining insights into the inspiration and ingredients behind their creations. This interactive evening elevates the dining experience by celebrating the artistry of cooking and the joy of a shared meal.

A key feature of “An Evening with the Chefs” is the personal connection between guests and the culinary team. Throughout the event, guests are encouraged to ask questions, share stories, and explore the rich culinary traditions and innovative techniques that set Milaidhoo’s cuisine apart. In a special touch, one of the chefs joins the table, fostering a deeper connection and creating an unforgettable shared experience.

The concept is designed to captivate food connoisseurs and showcase Milaidhoo’s commitment to creating extraordinary experiences. Ken Gundu, Cluster Executive Chef of Milaidhoo Maldives, explains, “This addition to our culinary offerings reflects our dedication to connecting people through the shared love of food and storytelling. By inviting our guests to engage with our culinary artists, we aim to deepen their appreciation for the skill, creativity, and passion that go into every dish we serve.”

This innovative dining concept is a natural extension of Milaidhoo’s mission to offer exceptional and distinctive experiences. It invites guests to savour the flavours of the Maldives, explore new taste sensations, and enjoy the company of like-minded food enthusiasts in an intimate and interactive setting.