Aziman Bibi, a chef-de-partie at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, has been honored with the title of Fiji Chef of the Year at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. Ms. Bibi expressed her gratitude for the award, dedicating it to her family and the team at the resort for their unwavering support.
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,” she remarked.
Ms. Bibi began her career at Outrigger as a trainer, progressing from commis chef to demi chef, and now serves as a chef de partie. “I am overwhelmed with this award,” she stated. As a mother of three and with 16 years of experience in the culinary field, she acknowledged the hard work that led to this achievement.
In another notable recognition, 20-year-old Frances Wakeham from Sheraton Denarau Villas was awarded the Fiji Young Chef of the Year. Originally from Savusavu, she completed her education at Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before enrolling in the Culinary program at Fiji National University. After competing in an FNU chef’s competition, she was recruited 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 now runs his own 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 for 2024, marking his third win of this prestigious award over the past decade.
The three award winners are set to compete at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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