Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s chef-de-partie, Aziman Bibi, has been honored with the Fiji Chef of the Year title at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. Ms. Bibi expressed her gratitude by dedicating the accolade to her family and her team at the resort for their unwavering support.
Hailing from Kulukulu in Nadroga, Ms. Bibi’s educational journey began at Kulukulu Public School, followed by Cuvu College. In 2006, she received a multi-ethnic scholarship to pursue Cookery studies at Fiji National University. “I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” she stated.
Starting her career at Outrigger as a trainer, she progressed through various roles, beginning as a commis chef in 2009 and moving up to demi chef before achieving her current position as chef de partie. “I am overwhelmed with this award,” she remarked, adding that the recognition is a testament to the hard work of herself and her colleagues.
In other news, Frances Wakeham, a 20-year-old from Sheraton Denarau Villas, won the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award on her debut. Originally from Savusavu, she also attended Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before enrolling in FNU’s Culinary programme at Level 4. After competing in an FNU chef’s competition, she was hired 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, who is also a chef.
Meanwhile, Muni Vikash Chetty of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort was awarded the Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024 for the third time, having represented three different properties over the past decade. The three winners will showcase their skills at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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