Ayada Maldives has reaffirmed its culinary excellence at the 2025 Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge, earning an impressive 16 medals, including three gold medals and two coveted trophies. The resort’s talented team of six chefs showcased remarkable skill and creativity, representing Ayada Maldives on one of the region’s most competitive culinary stages.

The Ayada team was led by Simon Quarrell, General Manager, Craig Findleton, Resort Manager, Executive Chef John Aldous Mital, and Executive Sous Chef Pradeep Pathirana. Together, they guided the chefs through a series of rigorous categories, culminating in outstanding wins across multiple disciplines.

Winning Categories:

• Hot Seafood Cooking – 1st place (Gold Medal & Trophy)
• Hot Seafood Cooking – 2nd place (Gold Medal)
• Hot Cooking Lamb – 1st place (Gold Medal & Trophy)
• Young Chef Category – 2nd place (Silver Medal)
• Hot Cooking Poultry – 2nd place (Silver Medal)
• Creative Sandwich – 2nd place (Silver Medal)

In addition, the Ayada Maldives team secured 10 Bronze Medals across various other categories, further demonstrating the resort’s breadth of culinary expertise and commitment to excellence.

The Hotel Asia International Culinary Challenge is one of the Maldives’ most prestigious and anticipated hospitality events, attracting top chefs from leading resorts, hotels, and culinary institutions across the region. Organised alongside the Hotel Asia Exhibition, the challenge serves as a platform for chefs to display their technical skills, creativity, and innovation in a highly competitive environment. It also plays a key role in nurturing emerging culinary talent in the Maldives’ thriving hospitality industry.

Each year, the competition features a diverse range of categories—from hot cooking and pastry creation to artistic displays and team challenges—judged by a panel of internationally accredited culinary professionals. Beyond the medals and trophies, the event fosters collaboration, learning, and the continuous raising of culinary standards across the Indian Ocean region.

Located in the pristine Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Ayada Maldives is renowned for its refined dining experiences that blend international influences with local flavours. Under the leadership of its experienced culinary team, the resort continues to set benchmarks in gastronomy, offering guests a journey of taste that reflects both global innovation and Maldivian authenticity.

The success at the 2025 Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge not only celebrates Ayada Maldives’ dedication to culinary artistry but also reinforces the resort’s position as one of the Maldives’ leading destinations for fine dining and hospitality excellence.