Muslima becomes first Maldivian woman to win FHAM Best Chef award

Muslima Adam from Dusit D2 Feydhoo Maldives has won the Best Chef award at the Food and Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 Culinary Challenge, becoming the first Maldivian and the first Maldivian woman to win the competition’s most prestigious individual title.

FHAM’s Culinary Challenge, held from Monday to Thursday, is one of the country’s largest platforms showcasing the skills of chefs working across the tourism and hospitality industry. Hundreds of chefs from Maldivian resorts, hotels and international institutions competed across more than 20 categories this year.

At the awards ceremony held at Hulhule Island Hotel (HIH) on Thursday morning, Muslima secured three gold medals and one silver from the four categories she competed in. She won gold medals in Appetizers, Hot and Cold, Yellowfin Tuna Steak, Hot Cooking, and Seafood, Hot Cooking, and a silver medal in her fourth category.

FHAM described her win as a historic milestone for Maldivian women in the culinary field, noting that her achievement reflects the growing recognition of local talent within the country’s hospitality sector.

In addition to Muslima’s individual success, Dusit D2 Feydhoo Maldives won the Most Outstanding Organization Award, after its culinary team collected 18 awards across multiple categories, the highest tally of any participating resort.

FHAM’s Culinary Challenge is widely regarded as a key industry event, offering chefs the opportunity to demonstrate technical skill, creativity and innovation before international judges and hospitality professionals.

FHAM 2026 concluded on Thursday with the awards ceremony. The next edition of the event is scheduled to take place in the first week of September 2027.