Connect with us

Cooking

Ba’theli by the Reef at Milaidhoo Maldives introduces family-style Maldivian fine dining

Published

on

Milaidhoo Maldives, the renowned luxury boutique resort in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has announced the evolution of Ba’theli by the Reef – the world’s only Maldivian fine-dining restaurant set aboard traditional dhoni boats in a lagoon.

The reimagined concept honours the Maldivian tradition of gathering and sharing meals, introducing a family-style menu designed to be enjoyed communally, just as food is experienced in local island homes.

A new chapter: from individual to communal

Ba’theli has long been Milaidhoo’s signature dining destination, celebrated for its unique setting on three traditional Maldivian dhoni boats and its cuisine inspired by the historic spice route. The new direction deepens this narrative, transforming the experience from individual plating to heartfelt communal celebration.

“At Milaidhoo Maldives, we’ve always believed the best way to truly experience the Maldives is through our flavours,” says Paul van Frank, General Manager. “Ba’theli by the Reef is the heart of that story. By moving to a communal, family-style way of dining, we’re inviting you to eat exactly as we do in our own island homes: passing plates, sharing seconds and letting the conversation flow as naturally as the tide.”

The refreshed concept was guided by Nasreena “Natti” Ali, sous chef from our sister resort Dhigali Maldives, whose expertise in traditional Maldivian cuisine brings depth and authenticity to every dish. Working alongside Ba’theli’s talented local chefs, Natti transformed existing signatures into elegant family-style presentations while introducing new dishes that honour island traditions.

Signature dishes that tell stories

Two dishes exemplify Ba’theli’s dedication to Maldivian culture and sustainability:

  • Fihunu Bodu Ihi – Grilled coral Maldivian lobster with curry sauce, featuring lobster caught by local fishermen and curry made from leaves grown in the resort’s Chef’s Garden, connecting the dish to both land and sea.
  • Dhivehi Raha – A collection of traditional Maldivian mini dessert treats paired with screw pine ice cream. The ice cream is made from kashikeyo, a rare and exquisite fruit unique to the Maldives, allowing Ba’theli to showcase ingredients found nowhere else on earth.

The menu also features the Malaayfaiy – a traditional, large Maldivian wooden serving dish intricately decorated with lacquer work, historically used to serve elaborate feasts during special occasions like Eid. Culturally, it represents shared meals celebrating community, often featuring fish curry, rice and an array of accompaniments. At Ba’theli, this tradition is honoured and elevated.

The menu celebrates this heritage through:

  • Rice dishes including Mas Bai (smoked tuna rice), Aafalu Bai (apple rice), Barabo Bai (pumpkin rice) and Falho Bai (papaya rice), alongside Sri Lankan Lamprais representing the broader spice route influence.
  • Traditional soups and breads such as Garudhiya (the beloved Maldivian tuna broth), Roast Paan and Mas Banas (fish buns) – staples of island hospitality.
  • Satani (salads) featuring Kopi Fathu Satani (curry leaf salad), Fiyaa Satani (onion salad), Barabo with coconut roti (pumpkin) and Falho Satani (raw papaya) – vibrant accompaniments designed to be shared.

An experience to remember

Ba’theli’s culinary narrative began over 5,000 years ago when the Maldives became a key port for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia with precious cargoes: cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, ginger and pepper. That story continues as talented local chefs create dishes of finesse based on the epicurean delights of the spice route, bringing Maldivian cuisine to life, and supported by the resort’s Chef’s Garden where herbs, vegetables and curry leaves grow just steps from the kitchen.

Ba’theli by the Reef remains the only restaurant in the world set on boats in a lagoon, creating an authentic and unforgettable sense of place. Guests dine aboard three traditional dhoni boats with stunning sunset views over the lagoon, surrounded by the gentle sounds of water and the warmth of Maldivian hospitality.

This is Ba’theli’s new chapter: more communal, proudly Maldivian and as refined as ever.

Cooking

Michelin-starred Chef Karim Khouani to lead culinary residency at Sirru Fen Fushi

Published

on

Sirru Fen Fushi–Private Lagoon Resort, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, continues its celebrated Sirru Icons Series with an exclusive culinary residency by acclaimed French chef Karim Khouani from 28 to 30 October 2026.

Chef Karim, a two-time Michelin-starred chef and recipient of four Falstaff forks, is recognised as one of the most exciting figures in contemporary Nordic gastronomy. Born in Marseille and now based in Copenhagen, where he is the owner and creative force behind Restaurant Texture, Karim has built an international reputation for combining the elegance of French haute cuisine with the purity, seasonality, and restraint of Nordic cooking.

Drawing on more than three decades of fine-dining experience and a career that has taken him through some of Europe’s most respected Michelin-starred kitchens, Chef Karim’s culinary philosophy is rooted in exceptional ingredients, technical precision, and a deep respect for flavour. His distinctive style, shaped by French, Mediterranean, and Nordic influences, has earned him recognition among discerning diners and critics alike.

Set within the tranquil surroundings of Sirru Fen Fushi’s natural island and one of the Maldives’ largest natural lagoons, the residency offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the cuisine of a celebrated Michelin-starred chef in an intimate and inspiring setting.

Six-Course Four Hands Dinner with Chef Karim Khouani and Chef Girish Sharma

On 28 October 2026, Chef Karim Khouani will join Sirru Fen Fushi’s Executive Chef Girish Sharma for an exclusive Six-Course Four Hands Dinner at Azure Restaurant.

Bringing together Chef Karim’s refined French-Nordic culinary philosophy with Chef Sharma’s globally inspired approach, the evening will showcase a carefully curated tasting menu celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and exceptional ingredients. Set within Azure’s elegant overwater surroundings, guests will embark on a gastronomic journey that highlights the unique perspectives of both chefs through a series of beautifully composed dishes.

Chef Karim Khouani’s Signature Four-Course Dinner

On 30 October 2026, guests will have the opportunity to experience Chef Karim’s celebrated culinary style through an exclusive Four-Course Signature Dinner at Azure.

Thoughtfully designed to reflect his distinctive approach to contemporary gastronomy, the menu will showcase the harmonious balance between French culinary heritage and Nordic simplicity. Each course will highlight carefully selected ingredients, refined techniques, and the artistic presentation that have become hallmarks of Chef Karim’s cuisine.

As part of the Sirru Icons Series, the residency reflects Sirru Fen Fushi’s commitment to bringing internationally acclaimed talent to the Maldives, creating meaningful experiences that connect guests with exceptional people, cultures, and ideas.

Surrounded by white sandy beaches, vibrant marine life, and the natural beauty of Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi offers a distinctive blend of luxury, discovery, and authentic island experiences. Chef Karim Khouani’s residency promises an unforgettable celebration of gastronomy in one of the Maldives’ most inspiring destinations.

For further information and reservations, please visit sirrufenfushi.com or contact reservations@sirrufenfushi.com.

Continue Reading

Action

Chef Jake Norman and Molly O’Donoghue join Niva Dhigali for November programme

Published

on

Niva Dhigali Maldives will welcome visiting chef Jake Norman and British pickleball champion Molly O’Donoghue for a curated programme of island experiences this November, bringing together dining and active wellbeing in the Maldives.

Norman began his culinary career making pizza in the markets of Guadalajara, Mexico, before working in several London restaurants, including St John, Ottolenghi and Sabor. He now leads the kitchen at Updown Farmhouse in Kent, where his cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, live-fire techniques and Mediterranean influences.

On 18 November, Norman will host an exclusive dinner at Faru, presenting a menu that combines Mediterranean flavours with influences from Mexico and the Middle East, while incorporating ingredients sourced from the Maldives.

The shared dining experience will feature Indian Ocean produce, grilled dishes and smoky flavours, with a menu designed to reflect the setting and encourage guests to dine at a relaxed pace.

The programme will also include pickleball sessions hosted by British champion Molly O’Donoghue. A national champion in mixed and women’s doubles, as well as a European champion in mixed doubles, O’Donoghue first discovered the sport while studying in Australia. She has since competed internationally and worked to introduce the sport to players around the world.

At Niva Dhigali, O’Donoghue will conduct beginner sessions and advanced coaching, giving guests of different skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop their technique.

Located in Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by tropical vegetation, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The November programme, featuring Norman’s dining experience and O’Donoghue’s pickleball sessions, forms part of the resort’s approach to offering guest experiences centred on food, wellbeing and the island environment.

Continue Reading

Cooking

Where every meal becomes a memory at Machchafushi Island Resort

Published

on

At Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives by The Centara Collection, dining extends far beyond the restaurant. It unfolds as a sensory journey where place, flavour and emotion come together in perfect harmony. Surrounded by the shimmering waters of South Ari Atoll, every shoreline, every sunset and every tranquil stretch of sand becomes part of an immersive culinary landscape, shaped by the rhythm and beauty of the island.

Here, dining is reimagined as a collection of deeply personal encounters. From the romance of The Love Hut and the serenity of a shoreline champagne breakfast to the barefoot elegance of a private beach dinner beneath the stars, each experience has been thoughtfully created to celebrate meaningful moments in extraordinary surroundings.

While each occasion offers its own distinct character, together they form a seamless expression of the Machchafushi experience. Cuisine responds naturally to its setting, evolving with the changing light, the gentle ocean breeze and the atmosphere of each moment. Every detail is carefully considered, creating experiences that feel effortless, authentic and impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The Shoreline Breakfast welcomes the day with quiet celebration, where the ocean sets the pace and simplicity becomes the ultimate expression of island living. Intimate beachfront dining offers a more secluded experience, where refined cuisine is paired with the natural beauty of the shoreline and the gentle rhythm of the ocean. The Barefoot Beach Dinner embraces understated elegance, where exquisite dishes are enjoyed with the softness of sand beneath your feet and the stars overhead. At The Love Hut, thoughtfully curated dining becomes part of life’s most meaningful milestones, creating memories that linger long after the moment has passed.

Across every experience, the culinary philosophy remains beautifully consistent. Menus are intentionally refined and understated, allowing the setting, the occasion and the company to remain at the heart of each encounter. Every dish is designed to complement its surroundings rather than compete with them, creating a style of dining elevated through simplicity, authenticity and a genuine sense of place.

Together, these experiences define the essence of Machchafushi. They blur the boundaries between dining, celebration and island living, where every meal becomes part of a larger story shaped by nature and heartfelt hospitality. Here, the ocean is more than a backdrop; it is an integral part of the experience, influencing every flavour, every atmosphere and every lasting memory.

More than a collection of dining experiences, this is the spirit of Machchafushi expressed through cuisine. A destination where exceptional food, breathtaking surroundings and meaningful moments come together effortlessly, inviting every guest to become part of an unforgettable island story.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright all rights reserved by Maldives Promotion House 2023.