Chef Aziman Bibi from Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has been named Fiji Chef of the Year at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. Ms. Bibi expressed her gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to her family and her supportive team at the resort.
Hailing from Kulukulu, Nadroga, she attended Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College before receiving a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to pursue Cookery at Fiji National University. “I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” she said. Ms. Bibi began her career at Outrigger as a trainer, moving up the ranks from commis chef to demi chef and eventually achieving her current role as chef de partie. “I am overwhelmed with this award,” she added, acknowledging the hard work involved and highlighting her 16 years in the culinary field.
In another achievement, 20-year-old Frances Wakeham from Sheraton Denarau Villas was awarded the Fiji Young Chef of the Year. Originally from Savusavu, she attended Nasavusavu Public School and Savusavu High School before enrolling in a Culinary programme at Fiji National University. Ms. Wakeham joined Sheraton Fiji after excelling in the FNU chef’s competition, which led to her recruitment by executive chef Rakesh Kumar. “I was surprised as I did not dream about it,” she remarked, dedicating her award to her father, a chef at Savasi Island Resort who now runs his own business.
Additionally, Muni Vikash Chetty, a multi-award-winning pastry chef at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, was crowned Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year for 2024, marking his third time winning this honor. Throughout the past decade, Mr. Chetty has represented various hospitality properties.
All three winners will represent Fiji at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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