Hulhule Island Hotel in Maldives Reclaims Top Culinary Title
The Maldives resort secured the Best Culinary Establishment award at the Hotel Asia Culinary Competition 2026, marking a significant return to form after a decade.
Hulhule Island Hotel's Culinary Comeback
Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) in the Maldives has once again earned the prestigious "Best Culinary Establishment" title at the Hotel Asia Culinary Competition 2026. This significant achievement marks a triumphant return for the resort, which last held the honor in 2016.
The victory underscores HIH's sustained dedication to exceptional dining experiences, a key consideration for couples planning destination weddings or luxurious honeymoons in the idyllic island nation. The award elevates the hotel's profile as a premier venue capable of delivering high-quality banquet services.
Competition Success and Team Leadership
During the four-day competition, HIH's culinary team showcased remarkable skill, accumulating an impressive tally of five gold, thirteen silver, and eight bronze medals. The team also received a merit award and brought home three trophies, including the coveted overall "Best Culinary Establishment" award.
Cluster Executive Chef Ibrahim Naeem led the victorious team, with crucial support from Executive Sous Chef Ismail Naseer and Sous Chef Ismail Thahseen. Their collective effort secured this recognition.
Honoring Individual Talent and Legacy
A notable aspect of this year's win was the involvement of chefs who were part of the 2016 title-winning team, returning to help HIH reclaim its culinary standing. Individual achievements were also celebrated: Chef Manoj Kumar Dubey earned Second Runner-Up for the Most Outstanding Chef Award.
Chef Maruthi Bejjanki won the Desserts category trophy, securing a gold medal and first place. Additional gold medals went to Chef Iranga Dilruk (Artistic Showpiece, second place), Chef Samith Madushanka (Bread Display, second place), and Chef Passang Lhamu Bhutia (Desserts, third place).
What This Means for Wedding Planning
This renewed culinary recognition positions Hulhule Island Hotel as an even more attractive option for couples seeking sophisticated dining for their wedding celebrations or honeymoon experiences in the Maldives.
The diverse range of medal-winning disciplines, from local Maldivian dishes to intricate pastries, demonstrates the hotel's capacity to cater to varied tastes and elaborate event requirements. Wedding planners and couples can look to HIH for exceptional banquet quality, ensuring memorable gastronomic moments for their guests and themselves.
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