JOALI Maldives Welcomes Renowned Chefs for Exclusive Dining

JOALI Maldives will once again elevate its art-immersive experience in 2025 by hosting some of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Michelin-starred Chef Theodor Falser, two-Michelin-starred Chef Takagi Kazuo, and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Chef Alex Webb will each present exclusive menus during their residencies. Together, these culinary masters will craft extraordinary dining experiences that highlight their unique styles. Guests will enjoy a range of culinary journeys, from Japanese precision to nature-inspired Italian cuisine. Additionally, fine wines will complement these menus in JOALI’s exceptional dining venues.

A Series of Exclusive Chef Residencies

Chef Theodor Falser | March 1-5, 2025
Chef Theodor Falser will kick off the series at Bellinis, JOALI’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. He is known for his focus on seasonal, nature-driven dishes. For example, Chef Falser will serve an exclusive menu featuring dishes like Tagliolini with Black Truffle, Butter-Poached Lobster, and Braised Veal Cheek.

During this time, Bellinis will showcase the ‘Secret Garden’ collection by Aquazzura Casa, which will infuse the space with botanical beauty inspired by 18th-century Chinese porcelain. Chef Falser’s menu will transport guests to the Italian Dolomites, highlighting alpine herbs and mountain ingredients. In particular, his South Tyrol roots will inspire the selection.

Chef Takagi Kazuo | March 14-21, 2025
Chef Takagi Kazuo will take over Saoke, JOALI Maldives’ overwater restaurant, after Chef Falser. He is a master of Kyoto-style cuisine. As such, Chef Kazuo will combine refined Japanese dining with vibrant Peruvian flavors, known as Nikkei cuisine.

For instance, guests will experience dishes such as Sumiyaki Grilled Black Cod and Yuzu Beef Roll. These dishes will be paired with carefully selected premium wines. Furthermore, for those who want to dive deeper into Japanese cuisine, Chef Kazuo will lead a curated sake journey. The sake offerings will include rare labels such as Dassai Beyond and Shirataki Seven Junmai Daiginjo.

Chef Alex Webb | April 17-23, 2025
Chef Alex Webb will return to JOALI Maldives in April with a new series of inventive British-inspired dishes. Notably, as a 2020 winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, Chef Webb showcases his signature creativity. His dishes include Fire-Roasted Scallops with Foie Gras and Wagyu Beef MB9 Fillet at Bellinis. Meanwhile, at Saoke, he offers Smoked Tiger Prawn Tartare and Lobster Dog Tail.

Each course will be paired with premium wines. Moreover, Chef Webb’s approach combines bold flavors with refined techniques. His residency will offer a dynamic and memorable dining experience.

Exclusive Champagne Devaux Dinner | March 1, 2025
In addition to these residencies, JOALI Maldives will host a five-course Champagne Devaux Dinner on March 1st. This communal dining event will take place within the serene Mura Garden. The menu will feature contemporary Italian dishes paired with artisanal champagnes from Devaux.

Guests can enjoy pairings such as Foie Gras Ravioli with Truffle Sauce and Wagyu Cuberoll MB9. These dishes will be complemented by vintage selections like Devaux’s 2008 D Millésimé Brut and the 2019 Devaux Coteaux Champenois Rouge.

A Celebration of Culinary Excellence at JOALI Maldives

General Manager Shifaz Hassan highlights how food creates connections:

“Flavours have the power to transport us-to distant places, to cherished memories, to something entirely new. At JOALI Maldives, our visiting chef series is designed to spark those moments, introducing guests to new flavours, unique techniques and the people behind them. We look forward to welcoming both returning and first-time guests to discover something extraordinary with us.”

JOALI Maldives brings its ‘Joie de Vivre’ philosophy to life across five signature dining venues, each offering a distinct culinary experience, from Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Saoke to Mediterranean elegance at Bellinis. Guests indulge in private dinners, hands-on cooking sessions, and curated wine pairings, immersing themselves in a world of gastronomic discovery. Through these exceptional culinary events, JOALI Maldives invites guests to explore the island’s beauty while enjoying unforgettable flavors and experiences.

Hulhule’ Island Hotel (HIH) is preparing to deliver a Ramadan dining experience like no other, offering guests a variety of exceptional Iftar and Tharavees celebrations. This year, guests can enjoy a rich fusion of flavors at both Uduvilaa and the newly reopened Faru Coffee House, featuring Arabic, international, Maldivian, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisines. Moreover, HIH makes it easy for guests to access these extraordinary dining experiences with direct ferry transfers from Malé to the hotel.

A Trio of Culinary Masters

HIH’s Iftar celebrations this year feature a distinguished trio of chefs, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Together, they will craft an extraordinary dining experience that blends tradition with innovation. Let’s meet these talented chefs who will elevate the Iftar celebrations at Hulhule Island Hotel:

Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad

Chef Waled Mohamed Salem Abd El Gawad, a celebrated Arabic chef with over 23 years of experience, leads the culinary charge this Ramadan. Known for blending authenticity with innovation, Chef Waled has played a key role in HIH’s Ramadan celebrations in the past. In fact, he worked at HIH from 2016 to 2019, gaining recognition for his Arabic cuisine during Ramadan. Chef Waled fosters a culture of excellence in his kitchen, inspiring his team to consistently deliver remarkable results.

This year, he returns exclusively for the season to ensure the authenticity and richness of HIH’s Arabic culinary offerings. Thanks to his vast experience and dedication, Chef Waled will guarantee an unforgettable Iftar experience, with every dish crafted to leave a lasting impression.

Chef Ibrahim Naeem

Executive Chef Ibrahim Naeem rejoined HIH in December 2024, adding his leadership and expertise to this year’s Iftar celebrations. Given Ibrahim’s strong connection with HIH, which spans several years, he previously served as Sous Chef and Kitchen Executive from 2016 to 2019. His deep understanding of the hotel’s dining standards ensures that guests will enjoy the same exceptional Iftar experience they have come to expect.

Chef Ibrahim has also held prominent roles such as Director of Operations at KHG Hotels and Country President of the World Association of Master Chefs. Additionally, he is a certified judge with the World Chef Organization. Ibrahim’s leadership, vast knowledge, and dedication to quality make him a key player in the success of HIH’s Iftar offerings, as he leads his team to provide extraordinary culinary experiences.

Chef Ismail Naseer

Executive Sous Chef Ismail Naseer, with over 15 years of experience, brings both creativity and passion to HIH’s kitchen. Having honed his skills at HIH, Chef Ismail has greatly contributed to the hotel’s reputation for culinary excellence. His achievements, including winning 1st place in the Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives Festive Meal Category in 2016 and in the Hotel Asia Maldives Hot Appetizer Category in 2013, showcase his talent and dedication.

Chef Ismail is known for pushing culinary boundaries while staying true to traditional dishes. Because of his innovative approach and attention to detail, guests will enjoy a memorable Iftar experience at HIH. As part of this elite team, Chef Ismail collaborates closely with his colleagues to create a dining experience that blends classic flavors with exciting new twists.

An Unforgettable Ramadan Experience

With these three exceptional chefs leading the way, HIH’s Iftar celebrations promise a culinary journey that merges tradition with innovation. Guests can indulge in a curated menu made with the finest ingredients and served in an unforgettable setting. Whether they savor authentic Arabic dishes crafted by Chef Waled, enjoy Chef Ibrahim’s leadership and expertise, or delight in Chef Ismail’s creative offerings, each chef brings something unique to the table. Ultimately, they will ensure that the Iftar experience at Hulhule’ Island Hotel will be truly unforgettable.

JOALI Maldives Welcomes Renowned Chefs for Exclusive Dining Experiences

A Series of Exclusive Chef Residencies

A Celebration of Culinary Excellence at JOALI Maldives

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