Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s chef-de-partie, Aziman Bibi, has been named Fiji Chef of the Year at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. Ms. Bibi attributed her success to her family and her supportive team at the resort.
Hailing from Kulukulu, Nadroga, she pursued her education at Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College before receiving a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to study Cookery at Fiji National University. “I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” said Ms. Bibi. She began her career at Outrigger as a trainer and progressed through the ranks, starting as a commis chef, then demi chef, and ultimately advancing to her current role as chef de partie.
“I am overwhelmed with this award. I dedicate this accolade to my family and fellow chefs. There has been a lot of hard work,” remarked the mother of three, who has spent 16 years in the culinary field.
In other awards, 20-year-old Frances Wakeham from Sheraton Denarau Villas was honored with the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award. Originally from Savusavu, she attended Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before entering the Culinary programme Level 4 at Fiji National University. After excelling in an FNU chef’s competition, she was hired by executive chef Rakesh Kumar at Sheraton Fiji. “I was surprised as I did not dream about it,” Ms. Wakeham shared, dedicating her award to her father, a chef at Savasi Island Resort who operates his own culinary business.
Additionally, Muni Vikash Chetty, a multi-award-winning pastry chef at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, was named Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024, marking his third time receiving this recognition. Over the past decade, he has represented multiple properties.
The three winners will now prepare to compete at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
Leave a comment