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 recognition, dedicating the award to her family and her team at the resort for their unwavering support and commitment.
Hailing from Kulukulu, Nadroga, Ms. Bibi attended Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College before receiving a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to pursue a Cookery program at the Fiji National University. “I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” she remarked. She started at Outrigger as a trainer, advancing to commis chef in 2009, then demi chef, and now serves as chef de partie.
“I am overwhelmed with this award,” she stated, acknowledging the hard work involved in her journey. The mother of three has dedicated 16 years to the culinary industry.
Frances Wakeham, a 20-year-old from Sheraton Denarau Villas, also made her mark by winning the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award in her inaugural appearance. Originally from Savusavu, Frances attended Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before enrolling in the Culinary programme Level 4 at FNU. After competing in an FNU chef’s competition, she was brought on board by executive chef Rakesh Kumar at Sheraton Fiji. “I was surprised as I did not dream about it,” she shared, dedicating her award to her father, who is also a chef and currently runs his own business.
In addition, Muni Vikash Chetty, a celebrated pastry chef at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, received the title of Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024, marking his third win of this award over the past decade while representing three different properties.
These three talented chefs will represent Fiji in the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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