Featured
Best chefs revealed at FHAM Culinary Challenge, celebrating culinary excellence
The highly anticipated “Culinary Challenge” at the FHAM exhibition has concluded, and the victors have emerged, basking in the glory of their culinary accomplishments.
A special ceremony held at the MNU auditorium today served as the backdrop for the presentation of certificates, awards, and prizes to the winners. The ceremony witnessed the recognition of the top three chefs in 20 distinct categories, along with the designation of the second runner-up, first runner-up, and category winner for each respective section.
The diverse array of categories showcased the exceptional talents of the participating chefs. This year’s challenge encompassed Creative Bread Display, Artistic Pastry Showpiece, Wedding Cake Structure, Plated Appetizers, Plated Three Course Meal, and Fruit and Vegetable Carving, among others.
Individual categories saw chefs from various resorts engaging in fierce competition, while group categories witnessed the participation of national teams from 11 countries across the region.
An impressive contingent of approximately 600 chefs hailing from 120 resorts took part in this year’s culinary challenge, truly elevating the event to unprecedented levels of culinary excellence and innovation.
The following are the exceptional chefs who claimed the coveted titles in this year’s competition:
- Most Outstanding Artist: R.A. Sisira Kumara from Reethi Beach Maldives showcased unparalleled creativity and skill in his craft.
- Best Pastry Chef: Rajandran of Royal Island Resort left an indelible mark with his exquisite pastry creations, securing the coveted title.
- Best Maldivian Chef: Ajwad Abdul Wahhab, representing JOALI Maldives, emerged victorious, highlighting the culinary expertise deeply rooted in the Maldivian heritage.
- Best Chef: Dushantha Chamara Gunasekara, from Maldives Inflight Catering, outshined his competitors, earning the distinction of being the finest chef in the competition.
- Most Outstanding Culinary Organization: Cinnamon Velifushi remarkable culinary organization was recognized as the epitome of excellence in the culinary industry.
- Most Outstanding National Team: The Emirates Culinary Guild showcased remarkable teamwork and culinary prowess, securing the esteemed title in the group category.
The FHAM Culinary Challenge enjoys the endorsement of the esteemed Chefs Guild of Maldives and the Chefs Guild of Sri Lanka, cementing its status as a prominent culinary event that celebrates the artistry and passion of chefs from around the globe.
Photos courtesy FHAM and Mihaaru
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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