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.
Ms. Bibi expressed her gratitude for the award, dedicating it to her family and her team at the resort’s property division for their unwavering support and commitment. 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 recognized the potential in the culinary field,” Ms. Bibi stated. She began her journey at Outrigger as a trainer and, over the years, progressed from commis chef to demi chef, ultimately reaching her current role as chef de partie.
“I am truly overwhelmed by this award,” she said. “It represents all the hard work that has been put in, and I would like to dedicate it to my family and fellow chefs.” A mother of three, Ms. Bibi has been active in the culinary industry for 16 years.
In a noteworthy debut, 20-year-old Frances Wakeham from Sheraton Denarau Villas was named Fiji Young Chef of the Year. Originally from Savusavu, she attended Nasavusavu Public School and Savusavu High School before joining Fiji National University to study Culinary at Level 4. Ms. Wakeham joined Sheraton Fiji after participating in a culinary competition held by FNU, where she caught the attention of executive chef Rakesh Kumar.
“I was surprised, as I never imagined this would happen,” Ms. Wakeham remarked, dedicating her award to her father, who is also a chef at Savasi Island Resort and currently runs his own business.
Additionally, Muni Vikash Chetty, a multi-award-winning pastry chef at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, won the Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year award for 2024. This marks the third time Mr. Chetty has received this honor, having represented three different properties over the past decade.
All three winners are set to compete in the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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