After four days of gruelling culinary tests in which more than 300 chefs showcased their talents, 2016’s International Culinary Challenge came to a close at the Hotel Asia Exhibition.

Bestbuy Maldives are proud to be the main sponsors of this prestigious event which has earned a reputation as the ‘competition of culinary excellence’. The exhibition itself is recognised as an Industry Standard Exhibition, and as such is a melting pot of the best products, hotels, chefs seminars and networking opportunities. It’s a great place for resorts and suppliers to meet, and in a country such as the Maldives, where popping to the shops, or organising training courses isn’t as easy as in other parts of the world, this event brings exciting possibilities that otherwise would be much more difficult.

This year saw the biggest turnout of competitors since the event began in  2002. The 20 competition categories saw extremely high levels of talent, the calibre of contestants just keeps getting better and better each year, making the task of the panel of international judges a very tough one indeed.

Apart from the individual category awards, the main awards were, Most Outstanding Chef, Most Outstanding Pastry Chef, Top Maldivian Chef  and the coveted Best Culinary Establishment award – the ‘Alan Palmer Challenge Trophy.’

The winners of these main awards were:

• Most Outstanding Chef – Christoph Pentzlin from Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives
• Most Outstanding Pastry Chef – Indra kumar Limbu from Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
• Top Maldivian Chef – Ahmed Fatheen, Senior Sous Chef at Bandos Island Resort.
• Best Culinary Establishment, the ‘Alan Palmer Challenge Trophy’- Per AQUUM Huvafen Fushi

Congratulations from all at Bestbuy Maldives!