Aziman Bibi, chef-de-partie at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, has been named Fiji Chef of the Year at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. Ms. Bibi expressed her gratitude, dedicating the award to her family and her colleagues at the resort, acknowledging their support and hard work.
Hailing from Kulukulu, Nadroga, she attended Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College before receiving a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to study Cookery at Fiji National University. Ms. Bibi noticed the potential in the culinary field and began her career at Outrigger as a trainer. She progressed through various roles since joining the team in 2009, moving from commis chef to demi chef, and now chef de partie. “I am overwhelmed by this award,” she said, reflecting on her 16-year journey in the industry and her dedication to her family and fellow chefs.
In her debut, Frances Wakeham, 20, from Sheraton Denarau Villas, won the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award. Originally from Savusavu, she attended Nasavusavu Public School and Savusavu High School and later enrolled in the Culinary programme at Fiji National University. After participating in a FNU chef’s competition, she was recruited by executive chef Rakesh Kumar at Sheraton Fiji. Ms. Wakeham shared her surprise at winning, stating she didn’t expect it, and dedicated her award to her father, a chef who now runs his own business.
The prestigious Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024 award went to multi-award-winning pastry chef Muni Vikash Chetty of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort. This marks the third time Mr. Chetty has won this award, having represented three different properties over the last decade.
All three winners will go on to compete at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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