Sun-kissed Maldivian sands, azure waters lapping at your feet and a gentle breeze carrying the aroma of exotic spices – welcome to the gastronomic paradise of Sun Siyam Resorts

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By Ailbhe MacMahon

PUBLISHED: 08:50, 8 September 2024

Accompanied by our head chef, explore the local market on the hunt for fresh produce.

As you sink your toes into the warm sand, prepare your taste buds for a journey that spans continents while championing local flavours. From farm-fresh ingredients to world-class chefs, each of Sun Siyam’s six exceptional resorts offer culinary adventures to suit every palate.

Island Foodie Delights

At Sun Siyam Iru Veli, the concept of farm-to-fork takes on a whole new meaning. Just a ten-minute boat ride away lies Udhdhoo farm island, a lush green oasis supplying the resort with fresh produce.

Want to see it up close and personal? Guests are invited to stroll through this jungle-like haven, where 38 different types of fruits and vegetables flourish under the care of dedicated gardeners. From pumpkins to passion fruit, about a third of Iru Veli's produce comes from this verdant isle.

Back at the resort, immerse yourself in Maldivian cuisine with cooking classes that showcase local ingredients - some of which you may even have harvested for yourself. For a truly memorable dining experience, head to Grouper Grill. With your feet in the sand, savour the finest seafood and meats infused with Maldivian flavours.

Or for a touch of Mediterranean elegance, visit Roma, where curated dishes are served against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Think Caesar salad, homemade pasta and tropical-inspired panna cotta made from fresh, local mangoes.

The buffet at Aqua Orange will provide you with endless options thanks to its array of cuisines from around the world, so why not visit for breakfast, lunch and dinner? There are also themed evenings to look forward to, all set against tropical lagoon views.

And for something super special, let the team at Sun Siyam Iru Veli organise a romantic dinner on the beach or a barbecue under the stars? What better way to celebrate your time in this island paradise?

Spend the day on a secluded sandbank without another soul in sight. Inspired by the film ‘Cast Away’, snorkel, play games and enjoy lunch on the beach, safe in the knowledge that we’ll be back to rescue you soon.

Over at Siyam World you’ll be taken on a tantalising global culinary tour without ever leaving the Maldives. With 19 all-inclusive restaurants and bars, including the newly launched Maldivian restaurant Kagee, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Wine enthusiast? You will relish Barrique, where the in-house sommelier pairs local dishes with fine wines in a special cellar dinner. Hosting just a handful of privileged guests each evening, you’ll savour a gourmet tasting menu surrounded by world-renowned vintages and dine on dishes like steak tartar, beef tenderloin, foie gras, scallops, lobster and Crème Brûlée.

Barrique at Siyam World

For a taste of Italy, head to Del Mare for homemade pasta and the freshest of seafood on the beach. Or venture to Takrai for popular Thai dishes served in an overwater setting with stunning ocean views. Enjoy exotic flavours blending citrus and spice in authentic rice plates, stir-fries and salads. From fried fishcake lemongrass skewers to spicy green mango salad, you’ll savour every bite.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli  Roma restaurant

Over at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, explore 15 bars and restaurants, including five à la carte options in the all-inclusive dine-around package. From classic French and Italian cuisine to live teppanyaki experiences, the culinary offerings are as varied as they are tasty. Don't miss the Maldivian barbecue-style seafood, freshly caught by local boats and served right on the beach. What could be better than that?

Bamboo serves Asian cuisine like Laksa soup, Hainan chicken, noodles, curries and fragrant salads in an intimate setting with ocean views, while Flavours offers fine dining with a French twist in a beachside location.

If you love seafood make a beeline for Islander’s Grill where the menu focuses on local delicacies like Maldivian lobster, yellowfin tuna and, of course, the freshest catch of the day.

And why not make every day a special occasion with a glass or two of Champagne or sparkling wine at Bubble Lounge, where limited edition and rare vintages are available alongside irresistible canapes.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi islanders grill and cellar

CulinaryStars Align

Throughout the year, Sun Siyam Resorts transforms into a gastronomic hotspot, regularly hosting world-renowned chefs and organising special culinary events. This commitment to exceptional dining experiences ensures that no matter when you visit, you’re likely to encounter something truly extraordinary (and delicious!).

The resorts have welcomed an impressive roster of culinary talents, including Michelin-starred chefs like Claude Bosi and Christophe Chiavola. These master chefs take over the kitchens of various Sun Siyam properties, crafting exclusive menus and hosting intimate dining experiences that will linger in the memory and tastebuds forever.

Beyond celebrity chef appearances, the resorts celebrate food in all its forms with special themed events scattered throughout the calendar. World Baking Day 2024 saw the resorts' pastry chefs showcasing their skills, while World Chocolate Day transformed the islands into a cocoa lover's paradise.

And guests aren't just spectators in this culinary journey. Regular cooking classes offer the opportunity to learn from resident chefs and visiting culinary stars alike. Whether it's mastering the art of Maldivian cuisine, crafting the perfect sushi roll, or learning to bake artisan bread, hands-on experiences allow guests to take a piece of Sun Siyam's culinary magic home with them.

Chef Christof brings a wealth of experience and an abundance of flavorful tastes to your favorite cuisines.

Maldivian Flavours Reimagined

Always innovating and pushing culinary boundaries, Sun Siyam Resorts continues to surprise and delight both first-time and return guests with new dining concepts. Siyam World's latest culinary gem, Kaage, opened its doors in December 2023, offering a ‘back to the roots’ dining experience. This Maldivian establishment showcases delicacies and dishes from different atolls of the Maldives, bringing together unique tastes from the southern atolls to the northern reaches of the archipelago.

Head Chef Mohamed Rasheed, who lived in Germany for 15 years before returning to the Maldives in 2021, embarked on a culinary journey across the atolls to learn traditional recipes. He then brought these time-honoured dishes to life at Kaage with his own creative touches. The result is a menu that pays homage to the culinary wisdom passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Maldivian home cooking.

To find out more and book your dream holiday visit sunsiyam.com