Maldives premier culinary and hospitality event sees 200% increase in participants this year

 From left: Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council Senior Vice President Sanjeewa Perera, Sri Lanka-Maldives Business Council President Sudesh Mendis, Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services Chief Executive Officer Aasim Mukthar, Maldives Exhibition and Conference Services Chief Operating Officer Husnie Rauf, High Commissioner of Maldives in Sri Lanka Masood Imad, Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Mangala Wijesinghe and Hotel Asia Exhibition and International Culinary Challenge Project Director Chef Alan Palmer

By Rukaiya Riza

The Hotel Asia Exhibition is back with one of the most important events in the Maldives, in terms of hospitality, with its famous culinary competition. 

The event has expanded by leaps and bounds since its inception in 2002, when only 40 entries were made last year, as this number summed up to more than 650, with an eventual goal of 750 competitors this year.

According to Hotel Asia International Project Director Chef Alan Plamer, a long-time supporter of the event, “This is an event that young chefs can compete, develop and demonstrate their skills. We began as a tarpaulin work with a couple of burners in it and now we have the professional kitchens and world awareness.”

“The competition is currently accredited by the World Chefs Association, which has 96 member countries. This makes the competition to have its rating and credibility,” he emphasised.

“This year, there will be 30 international judges, who will not only have expertise but also provide mentorship.

It also helps promote local culinary growth. Ten Maldivian judges are now certified and the chefs acquired experience overseas. We have invited Maldivians to race abroad in Hong-Kong, Singapore and Dubai.” It assists them to be better and develop on how the others do in the world. 

The event is now supported by four professional kitchens, with the help of the Maldives National University, particularly boosting the hot cooking sections.

The chef even motivated the exhibitors to get involved in the competition.

“You are free of charge to watch all these aspiring chefs at their level to enhance their talent. It is indicative of the power of the Maldives hospitality business.”

The culinary competition that is currently in its 19th year of operation is one of the prominent tools of talent, development and international recognition in the Maldives.