Soneva Jani has collaborated with renowned Swedish Chef, Mathias Dahlgren, on a new restaurant, ‘Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren’. The overwater dining concept serves locally grown and caught ingredients, with an emphasis on small plates.
The name ‘overseas’ is inspired by the restaurant’s breathtaking overwater location in Soneva Jani’s lagoon. After visiting Soneva Jani, Mathias fell in love with the location. So, he wanted to celebrate seafood found in the Indian Ocean and the produce grown in the resort’s organic gardens.
Located by The Gathering, the overwater al fresco restaurant and kitchen has a laid-back atmosphere. And Overseas also provides uninterrupted views towards the horizon. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
The Menu at Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren
The menu focuses on pescatarian, vegetarian and plant-based dishes, serving a selection of single plates, sharing plates, and signature mains for lunch and dinner. The fish and seafood featured on the menu are sustainably caught in local waters. Meanwhile, the organic vegetables, herbs, and fruit are freshly picked from Soneva Jani’s own organic gardens.
The menu is split mostly between seafood and vegetarian dishes, while there will be a fully plant-based options. A pre-set menu of Chef’s Choices is also the highlight; letting diners try a full range of dishes which includes single plates, sharing plates, signature dishes, an open selection for the main dish, and dessert.
In the Chef’s Choice Dinner set menu expect snack plates like Soy Roasted Macadamia Nuts (plant-based) and Chickpea Crisp & Oyster Leaf Emulation (plant-based). Sharing plates such as Asian Mango & Buffalo Mozzarella with Thai Basil, Olive Oil, and Black Pepper (vegetarian), or Sashimi of Raw Smoked Tuna, Soy Mayonnaise, Ginger, Black Radish. Signature dishes include; Charcoal Grilled Fish & Salad Wrap served like Korean Bo Ssam. Or Black Fermented Bean Stew, Kimchi Pickled Greens, Black Pepper Sauce (vegetarian).
About Mathias Dahlgren
Mathias Dahlgren remained interested in food for as long as he can remember, having learned the connection between food, family, and the land at an early age. He trained as a chef in his hometown of Umeå and has an extensive history of running successful restaurants in Stockholm. This includes the legendary Bon Lloc, which he ran between 1996 and 2005 and held one Michelin star.
Renowned for his culinary skills and creativity, Mathias’s food philosophy is based on what he calls “the natural cuisine”. In his own words this builds on “a Swedish identity on a regional platform, creating cuisine that is open for local as well as global ingredients and influences. A cuisine that celebrates the fresh produce of each season.”
Through the years, Mathias has received accolades from both the food industry and international press. Today, he is still the only Swedish chef to have been awarded the internationally acclaimed “Bocuse d’Or” (at the age of 27). This is the most prestigious gastronomic competition in the world as well. He also remains the sole chef in Sweden named “Chef of Chefs” eight times by Sweden’s top gastronomic colleagues.
About Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is located on the island of Medhufaru within a 5.6-kilometer lagoon in the Noonu Atoll. The luxury resort provides uninterrupted ocean views in all directions. The lagoon is 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé International Airport, and one hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi. Meanwhile, the recently opened Maafaru International Airport in the Noonu Atoll is just a 15-minute complimentary speedboat ride from Soneva Jani.
Meaning ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani currently comprises 24 overwater villas and three island villas. Soneva plans to build additional Water Retreats in Chapter Two. Five islands encircle the lagoon, each one with soft white sands and covered in rich
tropical vegetation. Four of the five islands will also remain untouched, making Soneva Jani the lowest density development in the Maldives.
