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Baraabaru: Simply “Excellent” Cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

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Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

Maldives.net.mv – At the northwestern edge of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, occupying a dramatic Kerala-inspired pavilion and torch-lit overwater deck, sits one of the world’s top Indian restaurants.

Recognized as one of the 101 Best Hotel Restaurants by The Daily Meal, USA in 2012, Baraabaru – meaning “excellent” in the local language, Dhivehi – also played a role in Kuda Huraa’s placement as Best Hotel for Food: Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean in theCondé Nast Traveller UK’s 2012 Annual Gold List.

It’s a classy yet laid-back establishment, with an atmosphere as notable as the food. And as its name suggests, the food is remarkable indeed.

The menu focuses entirely on made-to-order homestyle Indian cuisine. From the kebabs and charcoal tandoors of the North to the curries and spices of the South, the emphasis is on fresh, authentic flavours. Of more than 100 dishes on the menu, more than half are vegetarian, with many of those inspired by the recipes of the father and grandmother of Baraabaru’s own Chef Kapil Sharma – a Punjabi-born culinarian with a particular prowess for Sattvic, Jain, vegan and organic cuisine, all of which feature heavily on the menu.

“At Baraabaru, we’re all about homestyle authenticity, not fusion,” explains Chef Kapil. “That means fresh food, with as little fat and oil as possible. It’s very light and easy to digest. It keeps the flavours. And it replicates the traditional habits of making food fresh from scratch on a daily basis. Focusing on just this one element enables us to do it very well.”

To help ensure optimum authenticity, Baraabaru sources raw organic spices from nearby Kerala, in addition to lamb from organic farms in India. “The source of our ingredients is essential,” adds Chef Kapil, whose upbringing included producing the family’s own organic milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt. “It’s my target to always use the best available produce.”

In addition, a philosophy of “cooking to order” enables Baraabaru to offer its guests an elevated level of customization and flexibility. Individual diners are always asked their “spice levels” so that their dish can be tailored accordingly, while the restaurant’s chefs will happily accommodate requests for different meats or ingredients than those detailed on the menu. “Just like at home, guests have the option to tailor their exact preferences,” explains Kapil. “We want them to think it’s the best Indian food they’ve tasted. When they say it is, it makes us feel so proud.”

Despite running Baraabaru’s kitchen, Chef Kapil is not the only one driving the restaurant’s homestyle ethos. Every member of the Baraabaru kitchen team contributes to the menu, identifying specialty dishes from their own family or upbringing, which are then trialled for the restaurant. “If it’s your dish, you always want to present it as best as you can,” Chef Kapil continues. “Our approach gives the team such pride, as well as an ability to master and be in charge of their own dish to ensure perfect quality. Everyone takes charge of something and works together towards a higher purpose. That’s what makes Baraabaru such a success.”

 Guests wishing to improve their own success in the kitchen can also book a half-day cooking class with Chef Kapil – a memorable and educational addition to any vacation – during which they will learn to blend spices, make breads, appetizers and mains, and then critique their meal.

 Baraabaru is open for dinner at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa from 7:00 to 10:30 pm six nights a week (closed on Tuesdays). Inspired by the architecture of Kerala, its open-sided pavilion, Tandoor Bar, spectacular torch-lit deck and private dining pavilion offer a wealth of oceanfront dining experiences. Teak wood and richly decorated cushions imbue an easy Indian air, while a live sitar band plays nostalgic Indian music each evening – the perfect complement to the restaurant’s authentic, homestyle food.

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Grégory Doyen brings his sweet artistry to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is continuing its acclaimed Tastemaker Series, a curated programme of exceptional collaborations with world-renowned chefs, artists, and creative visionaries, with the arrival of Chef Grégory Doyen, one of the most distinctive talents in contemporary pastry art.

Born in Burgundy, France, into a family of artists, Chef Doyen discovered his passion for pastry during childhood, turning his family kitchen into his first studio. A graduate of the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie, his career spanning two decades has taken him through Michelin-starred kitchens and international stages, earning him recognition as a leading figure in modern patisserie.

Renowned for his sculptural desserts and refined French craftsmanship, Chef Doyen’s creations merge technical precision with emotional expression, transforming pastry into a form of edible art. His innovative approach has led to collaborations with some of the world’s most iconic luxury maisons—including Cartier, Marc Jacobs, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—alongside bespoke commissions for Range Rover and Vogue. Often described as the creator of fashion-desserts, he is celebrated for infusing haute couture sensibility into the timeless artistry of French patisserie.

Guests at The St. Regis Maldives are invited to immerse themselves in Chef Doyen’s world of delicate textures and visual poetry through a special festive programme. On 10 December, he will conduct an intimate pastry masterclass, offering participants rare insight into his creative process and sculptural finesse. That evening—and throughout the festive season—his desserts will take centre stage at ALBA, the resort’s signature dining venue, where a curated dessert collection will be presented daily from 10 December to 7 January, offering a decadent celebration of the holiday season.

The residency’s highlight will unfold on 11 December at Decanter, where Chef Doyen will collaborate with the resort’s Executive Chef for a six-course, four-hands wine-pairing dinner, showcasing a symphony of refined flavours and masterful artistry.

A testament to The St. Regis legacy of exceptional taste and global collaboration, the Tastemaker Series at The St. Regis Maldives unites leading talents from gastronomy, art, and design in one-of-a-kind experiences that celebrate creativity and craftsmanship amid the breathtaking surroundings of Vommuli Island. From Michelin-starred chefs to visionary mixologists and artisans, the series continues the St. Regis tradition of curating the extraordinary—where innovation, tradition, and indulgence converge in the most exquisite of island settings.

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Toast to heritage: JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING host Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer

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In October, JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING — two of the Maldives’ foremost luxury destinations — hosted Domaines Ott by Louis Roederer for an exclusive series of wine experiences.

The events, held on 1 October at JOALI Maldives and on 3 October at JOALI BEING, offered guests a rare insight into the heritage and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking houses.

The evenings were led by Jean François Ott, General Manager of Domaines Ott and fourth-generation custodian of the family estate. Under his guidance, guests embarked on a curated journey through fine rosés and champagnes, uncovering the artistry, legacy, and innovation that define Domaines Ott’s distinguished wines.

Established nearly 130 years ago, Domaines Ott has become a benchmark of Provençal winemaking, producing exceptional rosés, whites, and reds from the Côtes de Provence and Bandol appellations. Guided by a philosophy rooted in respect for terroir and family heritage, the house continues to set the standard for wines of depth and character.

Today, Domaines Ott’s vineyards are certified organic, though the estate’s sustainable ethos long predates formal certification. The artisanal viticultural approach initiated by founder Marcel Ott has endured across four generations, safeguarding the land and inspiring the creation of wines that reflect authenticity, vitality, and timeless quality.

At the helm of Domaines Ott, Jean François Ott has upheld a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Under his leadership, the estate has achieved global recognition, including the title of European Winery of the Year 2022 by Wine Enthusiast. His philosophy evokes a deep connection to time and place: “Provence is a land of contrasts that offers itself to those who know how to listen and wait. Everything here invites us to reap the benefits of time — the ultimate luxury.”

The collaboration between JOALI and Domaines Ott reflected their shared values of artistry, sustainability, and transformative experience.

At JOALI Maldives, guests were treated to a four-course set menu paired with a curated selection of fine wines, blending gastronomy, design, and culture in an evening that embodied refined island luxury. At JOALI BEING, the celebration aligned with the resort’s philosophy of Well-Living, highlighting organic wines in harmony with nature and sustainability.

Guests savoured rare vintages alongside a five-course dining experience, with each glass revealing a story of heritage and innovation. Against the serene Maldivian backdrop, the evenings offered a journey of discovery — where the art of winemaking met the spirit of island living.

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island welcomes world-class vintner Kai Schubert to Ithaa

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome internationally acclaimed winemaker Kai Schubert, co-founder of Schubert Wines in New Zealand, for an exclusive wine dinner at the resort’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Monday, 6 October 2025.

Renowned for producing world-class Pinot Noir and an exceptional portfolio of wines, Schubert Wines has earned a place on prestigious wine lists worldwide. Schubert’s visit presents Maldivian wine enthusiasts and resort guests with a rare opportunity to engage with a distinguished vintner whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.

The evening will showcase a specially curated five-course gourmet menu, each dish thoughtfully paired with Schubert Wines to highlight their elegance and complexity. Guests will be guided through the pairings by Schubert himself, gaining personal insights into his winemaking philosophy and journey.

With the breathtaking underwater setting of Ithaa providing a remarkable backdrop, the dinner promises an unforgettable occasion that brings together fine cuisine, distinguished wines and one of the most unique dining environments in the Maldives.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island forms part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty programme for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members booking directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows nearly any combination of Points and money to be used for bookings, exclusive member discounts unavailable elsewhere, and complimentary standard Wi-Fi. Members also benefit from contactless technology via the Hilton Honors mobile app, enabling digital check-in, room selection, and room access through Digital Key.

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