The Maldives has strengthened its standing as a global culinary powerhouse with a series of prestigious wins at the World Culinary Awards 2025, including the coveted title of World’s Best Destination for Heritage Cuisine. The accolade underscores the nation’s vibrant culinary heritage, diverse dining landscape, and growing international influence in gastronomy.
In securing the global title, the Maldives outperformed notable competitors including Germany, Peru, Seychelles, and Singapore—further elevating Maldivian cuisine on the world stage.
Regionally, the Maldives achieved an impressive sweep across the Indian Ocean categories, earning both Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary Destination 2025 and Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary City Destination 2025 for Malé City. Together, these recognitions highlight the country’s commitment to culinary innovation across resort kitchens, local restaurants, and training institutions.
The nation’s talent development pipeline also drew international praise. The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies at The Maldives National University was named Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary Training Institution 2025, reaffirming the Maldives’ dedication to nurturing homegrown expertise and advancing professional hospitality education.
Meanwhile, standout establishments strengthened the destination’s culinary reputation. Symphony Restaurant was crowned Indian Ocean’s Best Landmark Restaurant, Hadaba at SO/ Maldives won Maldives’ Best Hotel Restaurant, and H2O Restaurant claimed the title of Maldives’ Best Culinary Experience.
“These awards are a testament to the Maldives’ deep-rooted culinary identity and our industry’s ability to blend tradition with innovation,” said Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation. “From heritage cuisine to world-class dining, the Maldives continues to evolve as a destination where gastronomy plays an integral role in the visitor experience. We are proud of our chefs, restaurateurs, and institutions whose creativity and dedication have brought Maldivian cuisine to the global stage.”
The accolades come at a time when the Maldives continues to garner global attention for both tourism excellence and sustainability. The destination is currently nominated for World’s Leading Destination 2025 and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, cementing its position as one of the world’s most admired and forward-looking destinations.
The World Culinary Awards™, founded as a sister event to the World Travel Awards™, celebrates excellence across the global culinary industry and recognises destinations and establishments setting new benchmarks in dining and hospitality.
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