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Maldivian taste arrives in Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg, a picturesque town in Germany, has recently become home to a new and exciting culinary experience. Annexx, a restaurant that specializes in Maldivian and international cuisine, has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike. We had the opportunity to talk with AJ Moosa, the proprietor of Annexx, to discuss his vision and the unique flavors he brings to the table.
AJ, a seasoned restaurateur with over a decade of experience in Bamberg, is no stranger to the city’s gastronomic scene. However, his latest venture is a departure from the traditional German fare that dominates the culinary landscape. AJ, who hails from the Maldives, noticed the immense popularity of his home country among German tourists but realized that not everyone could travel there to experience its vibrant flavors firsthand.
Driven by a desire to bridge this gap and share a taste of the Maldives with the local community, AJ opened Annexx. The restaurant has quickly gained popularity, attracting both Maldivian food enthusiasts and curious diners seeking something new and exotic. AJ’s ultimate goal is to recreate the authentic flavors of the Maldives and transport his guests to the idyllic islands through their taste buds.
During our conversation, AJ highlighted the overwhelming demand for Maldivian food at Annexx. One particular dish, a curry served with fragrant rice, has become a favorite among patrons. The curry, prepared using AJ’s mother’s cherished recipe, exudes aromatic spices and rich flavors that epitomize the essence of Maldivian cuisine. The dish’s popularity serves as a testament to AJ’s dedication to authenticity and his commitment to bringing the true taste of the Maldives to Bamberg.
AJ’s culinary journey began in the Maldives, where he started as a waiter in luxury resorts. Immersed in the world of fine dining, he developed a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy. AJ’s passion for the industry led him to broaden his horizons, and he soon found himself managing restaurants in Hong Kong. However, it was his wife’s German heritage that ultimately brought him to Bamberg.
To hone his skills and expand his knowledge, AJ pursued a degree at the prestigious Swiss Hotel School, Glion Institute of Higher Education. Armed with a solid foundation in hospitality and a profound understanding of international cuisines, he was ready to embark on his culinary endeavors in Germany. His experience managing restaurants in Bamberg for over a decade provided him with valuable insights into the local dining scene and allowed him to establish a loyal customer base.
With Annexx, AJ has managed to create a unique and enchanting dining experience in Bamberg. By offering a glimpse into the vibrant culinary traditions of the Maldives, he has not only satisfied the cravings of Maldivian food enthusiasts but also introduced locals and tourists to an entirely new world of flavors. The success of Annexx stands as a testament to AJ’s passion, dedication, and his ability to bring a slice of paradise to the heart of Germany.
Photos courtesy Annex and Adelheid Wagner
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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