Aziman Bibi, a chef-de-partie at the 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 by dedicating the award to her family and her team at the resort, acknowledging their support and dedication.
Hailing from Kulukulu, Nadroga, Bibi’s educational journey includes attending Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College. In 2006, she received a multi-ethnic scholarship to pursue Cookery at Fiji National University, recognizing her interest in the culinary field. Bibi began her career at Outrigger as a trainer, later becoming a commis chef in 2009, a demi chef, and eventually a chef de partie. “I am overwhelmed with this award,” she stated, emphasizing the hard work that went into achieving this recognition. A mother of three, Bibi has been in the culinary industry for 16 years.
In another notable achievement, Frances Wakeham, 20, from Sheraton Denarau Villas, won the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award. Originally from Savusavu, she attended Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before entering Fiji National University’s Culinary program at Level 4. Wakeham joined the Sheraton Fiji team after competing in the FNU chef’s competition and catching the attention of executive chef Rakesh Kumar. She expressed her surprise at winning, stating, “I did not dream about it,” and dedicated her award to her father, a chef at Savasi Island Resort.
Additionally, Muni Vikash Chetty, a multi-award-winning pastry chef from Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, secured the title of Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024, marking his third win in this category. Chetty has represented three different properties over the past decade.
The three winners will represent Fiji in the upcoming Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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