Chef Aziman Bibi from Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has been awarded the title of Fiji Chef of the Year at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. She expressed her gratitude for the honor, dedicating the award to her family and her supportive team at the resort.
Hailing from Kulukulu in Nadroga, Bibi’s culinary journey began when she earned a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to study Cookery at Fiji National University after attending Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College. “I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” she noted. Over the years, she has climbed the ranks at Outrigger, initially joining as a trainer in 2006, then progressing to commis chef, demi chef, and eventually her current role as chef de partie. Bibi has been a part of the culinary industry for 16 years and is a mother of three.
In addition, Frances Wakeham, a 20-year-old chef from Sheraton Denarau Villas, celebrated being named the Fiji Young Chef of the Year. Originally from Savusavu, Wakeham attended Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before enrolling in the Culinary Program at Fiji National University. She secured her position at Sheraton Fiji after her participation in a culinary competition and was recruited by executive chef Rakesh Kumar. Wakeham dedicated her award to her father, who is also a chef running a business at home.
The Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year for 2024 has been awarded to Muni Vikash Chetty of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, marking his third win in this category. Over the past decade, he has represented three different properties.
The three award winners will compete in the upcoming Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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