Food
Siyam World unveils culinary heritage: Kaage, a new Maldivian restaurant, takes guests on a journey through time and taste
Siyam World, Maldives has introduced “back to the roots” cuisine and opened a signature Maldivian restaurant showcasing delicacies and dishes from different atolls of the Maldives. “Kaage,” is a traditional Maldivian restaurant where the rich taste of Maldivian heritage comes alive through the delectable flavors crafted from traditional Maldivian kitchens. Guests at Siyam World can now be immersed in the vibrant history of the Maldives with the authentic essence of Maldivian cuisine that brings together the unique tastes from the southern atolls to the northern reaches of the Maldives. Kaage boasts a menu that pays tribute to the time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
The chefs are steeped in the culinary wisdom of ancestors, recreating the magic of Maldivian home-cooked meals, capturing the very soul of the islands. The head chef, Mohamed Rasheed took time to travel to the different atolls in the Maldives to learn the old recipes and bring it to life with his own creative touches at the “Kaage “restaurant. Chef Rasheed lived in Germany for 15 years and moved back to the Maldives in 2021. He joined Siyam World in December of 2022 and began his Maldivian culinary journey to learn and perfect the traditional recipes that were passed down from generations.
“I have always wanted to go back to my roots and experiment with traditional Maldivian dishes and I have always wanted to come back home to the Maldives and work in a resort. Growing up, I used to help my mother prepare meals and watch her make them, which inspired me to become a chef. When I got the opportunity to help create a unique Maldivian restaurant, I jumped right on it and began my journey in creating a unique yet authentically Maldivian menu,” says Chef Rasheed.
“Kaage” the signature Maldivian restaurant is included in the resorts’ unbeatable WOW! 24-hour premium all-inclusive plan. With the inclusive dine around concept, guests at Siyam World now have the option to dine around 6 speciality restaurants including Spanish, Italian, Thai, Indian, Grill restaurant and the latest addition, Kaage. Forget monotonous dining, spoiled for choice, Siyam World boasts an array of dining options to suit every tastebud.
Siyam World is an unapologetically quirky, all-embracing five-star all-inclusive island destination that transcends cultures and borders to offer guests an ever-expanding array of ‘never-seen-before’ experiences – from the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating water park to the Maldives’ first resort horse ranch. The natural 54-hectare island resort boasts an enticing variety of 18 accommodation categories ranging from 89 to 3,000 square metres, from lush Pool Beach Villas, expansive Beach Suites and breathtaking Beach Residences, to playful overwater Villas complete with irresistible water slides. An exclusive enclave, The Residences at Siyam World, also features stunning Grand Water Pavilions and 1-4 bedroom residences with private pools. All accommodation types overlook the pristine Maldivian waters, come with direct access to the ocean and feature generously proportioned indoor and outdoor living spaces with private pools.
Located in Noonu Atoll, Siyam World, Maldives is a mere 40 minutes’ direct seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, and also accessible via a 30-minute domestic flight to Maafaru Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat trip. For more information, visit Siyam World or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok. For booking enquires email: stay@siyamworld.com.
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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort launches Caravela dining concept
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort has announced the grand opening of Caravela, its signature fine dining restaurant, welcoming distinguished guests to an extraordinary culinary voyage that redefines gastronomy in the Maldives.

The launch was marked by a memorable and elegant opening evening, graced by guest of honour Loredana Groza, one of Romania’s most celebrated and influential artists. Renowned internationally for her iconic music career, enduring cultural impact, and dynamic stage presence, Loredana brought a touch of glamour and prestige to the occasion, elevating the celebration into a truly remarkable event.

A First-of-Its-Kind Culinary Concept
Caravela stands as a pioneering concept in the Maldives, as the first restaurant to seamlessly fuse Spanish and Maldivian cuisines into a cohesive and immersive fine-dining experience.
Inspired by the legendary maritime voyages that once connected Spain to the Indian Ocean, the restaurant draws its name and spirit from the historic caravels that charted these routes. The concept is built around a symbolic culinary journey, where flavours, ingredients, and techniques converge to tell a story of exploration, trade, and cultural exchange.

A Menu That Tells a Story
At the heart of Caravela lies a meticulously crafted multi-course tasting experience, where each dish represents a chapter in a historic voyage. The menu blends Iberian culinary heritage with the richness of Maldivian ingredients and local seafood, reflecting the evolution of flavours shaped by centuries of maritime discovery.

Caravela will ultimately present three distinct tasting menus, each inspired by the great routes of the Age of Discovery:
- The Atlantic voyages along the coast of Africa
- The Pacific crossings to the Americas and Asia
- The Indian Ocean route connecting Africa, Arabia, India, and the Maldives

Each menu unfolds as a chronological culinary journey, inviting guests to experience the spirit of exploration in sequence, much like the navigators who first charted these paths.
The current experience is presented as a seven-course degustation menu, thoughtfully curated to deliver depth, balance, and storytelling in every plate.

An Immersive Dining Experience
More than a restaurant, Caravela is conceived as an immersive narrative experience.
“We are building a bridge between two worlds that have shared a profound connection to the sea for centuries,” shares the resort’s leadership team. “This is not simply dinner. It is a living time capsule. From nautical map-inspired menus to curated storytelling woven into each course, guests are invited to relive the journeys of the São Cristóvão, Santa María, and São Gabriel, all while dining beneath the Maldivian stars.”

With limited seating and an intimate setting, the experience is designed to engage all senses, combining gastronomy, history, and atmosphere into a singular, unforgettable evening.
The Wine Pairing: A Journey in the Glass
Complementing the culinary narrative is a carefully curated wine pairing, designed to mirror the historic trade routes that defined the Age of Discovery.

From the crisp and expressive Cavas of Spain to the bold, structured reds of Stellenbosch, each selection reflects a stage of the journey, creating a parallel exploration in the glass that enhances and elevates the storytelling on the plate.
A New Benchmark in Maldivian Dining
With its innovative concept, refined execution, and strong narrative foundation, Caravela is poised to become one of the most distinctive and sought-after dining experiences in the Maldives.

Blending education, storytelling, and world-class cuisine, it offers guests far more than a meal. It delivers a voyage across time, cultures, and oceans.
As Caravela opens its doors, it sets a new benchmark for experiential dining, inviting guests to embark on a journey where Spanish passion meets Maldivian soul, and every course tells a story worth remembering.
For more information or bookings, please visit the resort’s website.
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The Standard, Maldives introduces Onda with Mediterranean-inspired menu
The wait is over. The Standard, Maldives is set to celebrate the opening of Onda, a bold new Mediterranean dining destination redefining island dining, on 5 April 2026.
Designed for sharing, lingering, and celebrating, Onda brings a fresh rhythm to the island’s culinary scene, blending vibrant flavours with The Standard’s signature approach: elevated, expressive, and never overdone. Named after the Italian word for wave, Onda captures a sense of movement, flow, and effortless energy.

From the moment guests arrive, the restaurant invites them to let go of convention and lean into a dining experience that feels vibrant, relaxed, and deeply connected to its surroundings. This is Mediterranean cuisine stripped of pretence: bold, fresh, soulful, and designed to be shared.

A Concept Rooted in Flow and Freedom
Onda was conceived as an antidote to traditional resort dining. There are no rigid rituals here, no formal stiffness, just the pleasure of great food, good company, and a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean. The concept is built around the idea of flow: the flow of waves, of conversation, of plates moving effortlessly from kitchen to table.

“Onda is a pure expression of The Standard’s playful, unconventional spirit,” says Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard, Maldives. “We didn’t want to create another ‘fine-dining’ restaurant. We wanted something alive, a place that feels exciting, approachable, and rooted in flavour. Our ambition is for Onda to be recognised as the best Mediterranean restaurant in the region, delivering not just incredible food, but an experience that’s energetic, flowing, and full of life.”

Guests can savour a selection of fresh creations, including Bouillabaisse Scampi, offering a harmonious balance of umami depth and the freshness of the sea; Red Snapper Crudo with Citrus and Daikon, highlighting the purity of Maldivian waters with subtle Mediterranean accents; and Wahoo Carpaccio with Black Pepper and Tomato, a familiar classic reimagined with vibrant simplicity and restraint. Each plate reflects a collective commitment to generosity, balance, and pleasure.

Design Inspired by a Day at Sea
The design of Onda mirrors the feeling of being out on the water. Light, open, and breezy, the space is shaped by natural textures, fluid lines, and an effortless indoor-outdoor connection. Every element, from the seating layout to the ocean-facing views, is designed to draw guests into the surrounding seascape.
As daylight fades, Onda transitions seamlessly from sun-lit lunches to golden-hour dinners, with the ocean setting the pace. The atmosphere is elevated yet easy, striking a balance between refined design and relaxed island energy, a signature hallmark of The Standard brand.

The People Behind the Plate
At the heart of Onda is a belief that memorable dining is shaped not only by what is served, but by the people who bring it to life. From the kitchen to the floor, Onda is driven by a team united by craft, curiosity, and a shared respect for ingredients, tradition, and the rhythm of island life.
Beyond the cuisine, it is the atmosphere and human connection that define the Onda experience. Service is guided by The Standard’s signature human touch: warm, intuitive, and genuinely attuned to each guest. The team moves with ease and personality, creating an environment that feels welcoming, relaxed, and alive, where energy flows naturally from table to table.

Completing the experience is a carefully curated beverage programme that mirrors the same sense of freshness and flow, ensuring that the spirit of Onda extends seamlessly from the first sip to the final moment. Together, the people behind Onda create an experience that feels purposeful yet effortless, rooted in connection, shaped by care, and designed to be shared.
A New Benchmark for Island Dining
Onda marks a new chapter for The Standard, Maldives, one that challenges expectations and sets a fresh benchmark for contemporary island dining. Guests and visitors are warmly invited to take their place at the table, share in the rhythm of Mediterranean flavours, and experience dining that is designed to be savoured, celebrated, and enjoyed together.

Whether for an intimate evening or a lively gathering, Onda welcomes all who appreciate good food, great company, and moments that linger long after the last bite. The new wave of Mediterranean dining has arrived at The Standard, Maldives. And Onda is here to stay.
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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives announces Easter residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev
The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection, invites guests to experience Easter through a refined celebration of gastronomy, creativity, and island discovery. Set within the untouched beauty of Huvadhoo Atoll, the resort unveils a thoughtfully curated programme designed to inspire connection, indulgence, and a sense of wonder.
At the heart of the celebration is an exclusive residency by Chef Dimitry Eremeev, who will be in residence from 30 March to 6 April 2026. Bringing his distinctive culinary perspective to the island, Chef Dimitry introduces Alchemy of Flavours—a concept where each dish becomes a story, blending art, flavour, and technique into a journey that surprises and delights.
Chef Dimitry is a highly regarded culinary talent known for his expertise in both Pan-Asian and European cuisine. As part of the renowned Maison Dellos, he brings a refined approach shaped by diverse gastronomic influences, seamlessly combining eastern traditions with western techniques. His career includes experience at prestigious institutions such as the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation and the celebrated Café Pushkin, reflecting a deep understanding of global culinary trends and a commitment to excellence.
During his residency, guests can experience a series of curated culinary events beginning with Sunset Cocktails with Chef Dimitry, an intimate Easter prelude where guests meet the chef against the backdrop of Maldivian sunsets and gain insight into his culinary philosophy.
The celebrations continue with a Four-Hands Dinner at the Fire Pit, where Chef Dimitry collaborates with in-house Executive Chef Harpal Singh. Set beneath the stars, this open-air dining experience unfolds as a dynamic exchange of flavours, where smoke, spice, and storytelling create a memorable evening.
A Wine Dinner at the Private Dining Room (PDR) offers a more refined experience, pairing hand- selected wines with Chef Dimitry’s imaginative creations. Each course is designed to guide guests through a sensory journey of flavour, texture, and aroma.
Beyond the culinary programme, Easter at The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives embraces the spirit of island living through a diverse collection of experiences. From creative workshops and family- friendly moments to ocean adventures and opportunities for relaxation, the programme reflects the resort’s philosophy of curated individuality and meaningful connection.
The Easter programme encourages guests to discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Maldives through a thoughtfully designed series of experiences. From exploring vibrant house reefs and nearby uninhabited islands to engaging in creative and wellness activities, each moment is crafted to inspire a sense of wonder, celebration, and effortless indulgence in a truly secluded island setting.
For any reservations or inquiries, guests are encouraged to contact the resort at ak.mlehp.reservations@marriott.com or +960 682 8800
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