Chef Ibrahim Zuhair, fondly known as ‘Zuzu,’ Executive Sous Chef at Oaga Art Resort, has made his team proud with his recent achievements at the 1st Indonesian Halal Chef Competition 2023.
The competition was held in conjunction with the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), from October 25th to 29th, 2023. The event brought together top talents from various countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Jordan, the Maldives and Indonesia.
Chef Zuhair, representing the Chef’s Guild of Maldives, showcased his culinary expertise in two categories: The International Individual and the Black Box challenge. In the International Individual Category, Chef Zuzu secured the second place, earning a silver medal for his impeccable skills and creativity. He also achieved fourth place in the Black Box category, a testament to his composure under pressure and the depth of his culinary knowledge.
Chef Zuhair is an executive board member of the Chefs Guild of Maldives, the first non-profit-making association for chefs working in the Maldives ever established within the country. The association is dedicated solely to the advancement of culinary art in the Maldives. Registered in 2014, the CGM received its charter into World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) within less than a year. The WACS endorses the CGM as the authorised Maldivian National Culinary Association. The CGM, thereby, has an international culinary focus and multi-national support for staging its various competitions, seminars and events.
Guests of Oaga Art Resort are in for a treat, as Chef Zuzu’s culinary magic weaves the flavours of the Maldives with international techniques, from the theatrical dining experience at the resort’s specialty restaurant, Samaasaa, to the vibrant street food stalls at Kaa Kada, the main restaurant. Chef Ibrahim Zuhair’s journey is a culinary adventure that’s just begun, and we can’t wait to see what he cooks up next.
For Maldives lovers searching for an all-inclusive holiday, Oaga Art Resort’s Greatest All-Inclusive plan re-defines the limits of what All-Inclusive is all about; with inclusions such as Creative Expression (art) classes, Take Notes (music) experiences, In-Villa Dining to floating meal, choices of excursions, motorized watersports and many more. Guests looking to book the resort can visit the website, www.oagaresorts.com to book your stay, don’t miss out!
Situated in North Malé Atoll, Oaga Art Resort is 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. A small island with 60 villas with beach and over water options, 5 dining venues and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional healing practices, Oaga Art Resort’s artistic and creative spaces offer an immersive experience curated by local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives.