Chef Aziman Bibi from Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort has been named Fiji Chef of the Year at the National Salon Culinaire 2024. Ms. Bibi expressed her gratitude for the recognition, dedicating her award to her family and the supportive team at her resort.
A resident of Kulukulu, Nadroga, Ms. Bibi attended Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College before receiving a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to pursue Cookery at Fiji National University. She recognized the potential in the culinary field and started her career with Outrigger as a trainer. Over the years, she progressed through various culinary roles, eventually becoming a chef de partie.
“I am overwhelmed with this award,” Ms. Bibi remarked. “I dedicate it to my family and fellow chefs. There has been a lot of hard work involved,” she shared, highlighting her 16 years in the culinary industry and her role as a mother of three.
In another highlight of the event, 20-year-old Frances Wakeham 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 joining Fiji National University’s Culinary program Level 4. After participating in an FNU chef competition, she was recruited by executive chef Rakesh Kumar.
“I was surprised as I did not dream about it,” Ms. Wakeham said, dedicating her award to her father, who is also a chef and currently runs his own business.
Additionally, multi-award-winning pastry chef Muni Vikash Chetty from Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort secured the Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024 award, marking his third win in this category over the past decade, during which he has represented three different properties.
The three award winners will represent Fiji at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.
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