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Canareef Resort Chefs Win Big at Hospitality Asia Maldives 2024

canareef resort chefs

Canareef Resort Maldives is excited to share the incredible achievements of its culinary team at the prestigious Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives Global Culinary Challenge 2024. This remarkable event, held at Dharubaaruge in Malé, showcased the talent of our chefs, who proudly brought home an impressive total of 17 medals across various categories. As a result, their success highlights their dedication to culinary excellence and creativity.

The achievements and accolades earned by the culinary team at Canareef:

  • Team Event Hot Dessert: Bronze (2)
  • Hot Cooking Lamb: Bronze (2), Silver (2)
  • Hot Cooking Beef: Silver (2), Gold (1)
  • Hot Cooking Chicken: Silver (1)
  • Hot Cooking Seafood: Bronze (2), Silver (1)
  • Artistic Showpiece: Silver (1)
  • Fruit & Vegetable Carving: Bronze (1)
  • Creative Bread Display: Bronze (1)
  • Plated Appetizer: Silver (1)

Speaking of this achievement, the General Manager of Canareef Resort, Jaish Ibrahim, said:

“Our culinary team’s success at the International Culinary Challenge shows their dedication and passion for cooking. We are very proud of their achievements, which reflect our commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences for our guests.”

When the culinary team returned from the competition, they received a warm welcome at the jetty. Afterward, they celebrated at Meera Bar, enjoying refreshing drinks and a speech by the Assistant General Manager, Deepak Kannan. This event not only recognized their achievements but also highlighted the resort’s pride in their hard work and dedication.

The most prestigious culinary exhibition in the region, this competition is accredited by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). It provides a unique platform for chefs from over 100 resorts, hotels, and restaurants to demonstrate their skills. Moreover, not only do they compete, but they also gain valuable feedback from a panel of internationally acclaimed judges. This interaction fosters growth and learning among culinary professionals.

This year’s competition highlighted culinary excellence and created a lively community of chefs. It allowed them to connect, share experiences, and appreciate the impressive displays of both Maldivian and international cuisine.

Nestled in the breathtaking southernmost atoll of Addu, Canareef Resort Maldives offers guests an a unique escape into paradise. With crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and 271 spacious beach villas, the resort is a sanctuary for relaxation and adventure. Furthermore, guests can indulge in exquisite dining options, including personalized in-villa dining experiences, and explore the rich marine life at 25 unique dive spots.

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Latest

Michelin-Starred Chef Darren Chin to Host Exclusive Culinary Series at The Nautilus Maldives

Chef Darren Chin

The Nautilus Maldives will welcome a remarkable guest this November as part of its celebrated Masters for Masters series. From 5 to 7 November 2025, the ultra-luxury resort will host Michelin-starred Chef Darren Chin for an intimate three-day culinary residency that beautifully blends French technique and Southeast Asian soul.

Adan Gomez, General Manager of The Nautilus, expressed his excitement about the upcoming residency and the collaboration with Chef Darren Chin.

“We are honoured to welcome Chef Darren to The Nautilus. His pursuit of integrity, refinement, and storytelling through cuisine resonates deeply with our philosophy of free-spirited experiences and timeless hospitality. Together, we invite our guests to a rare and meaningful culinary encounter.”

Exclusive Dining Experience with Chef Darren Chin

During his residency, Chef Darren Chin will lead guests through a unique culinary journey inspired by the Indian Ocean and his Southeast Asian heritage. Specifically, the experience includes two elegant dinners at Zeytoun. The Nautilus’s signature overwater restaurant, where panoramic ocean views provide a peaceful setting for guests to enjoy his carefully crafted tasting menus.

Moreover, the resort will host a sunset cocktail soirée at the Naiboli Poolside Bar, offering a relaxed, barefoot-chic atmosphere. Guests can savor bespoke canapés made by Chef Darren while they enjoy curated music and the warm Maldivian evening breeze. Perfect for leisurely conversations.

At the heart of this event, Chef Darren’s Global Discovery menu takes center stage. This modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine balances French culinary techniques with regional flavors. Notably, the menu highlights:

  • Locally and regionally sourced ingredients
  • Bold spices, delicate herbs, and fermented elements
  • Sustainably harvested seafood

Each dish expresses a thoughtful dialogue between tradition and innovation. Celebrating Malaysia’s multicultural roots while embracing creative freedom.

Chef Darren Chin described the collaboration’s deeper meaning

“This collaboration is about more than cuisine. It’s about creating space — for the ingredient, for emotion, for reflection. The Nautilus offers the perfect canvas for that kind of artistry — where each dish becomes a conversation between craft and place.”

Together, the combination of island settings: Zeytoun’s serene overwater dining and Naiboli’s inviting poolside vibe, provides the perfect backdrop for this exceptional gastronomic residency.

Chef Darren Chin’s Culinary Vision and Legacy

Chef Darren Chin blends tradition and modern creativity in his cuisine. After he graduated with highest honours from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, he returned to Malaysia and established DC Restaurant, which has become a cornerstone of contemporary Malaysian fine dining. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2023 and retained it in the 2025 guide.

In recognition of his contribution, the French Republic awarded Chef Darren the prestigious title of Chevalier (Knight) of the Ordre du Mérite Agricole in 2025.

He grounds his approach to cooking in five core principles: a spirit of exploration, commitment to sustainability, dedication to sourcing local ingredients, pursuit of harmony in flavors, and a strong connection to culinary origins. These values continue to shape his innovative and meaningful dishes.

Event Details

Dates: 5–7 November 2025
Location: The Nautilus Maldives
Events Include:

  • Two fine dining dinners at Zeytoun
  • One sunset cocktail soirée at Naiboli Poolside Bar

For more information or to reserve your place, visit The Nautilus Maldives website.

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