Soneva Fushi elevates its UAE National Day holiday programme as chef Akmal Anuar arrives for a four-day residency from 2 to 5 December. The appearance is part of the Soneva Stars platform, which introduces visiting chefs, wellness practitioners and creative figures to the Maldives throughout the year.
A chef shaped by two culinary cultures
Anuar’s culinary background spans Singapore and Dubai, where he has gained recognition through restaurants 3Fils, 11 Woodfire, Harummanis and Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori. His approach focuses on clarity, balance and precision, with influences drawn from Southeast Asian traditions and the culinary energy of the UAE. For Soneva Fushi, he brings a menu that reflects this cross-regional sensibility, designed specifically for Once Upon a Table.
A six-course menu created for the island
The residency features a six-course experience beginning with tanba beans made with Japanese tanya black beans and clams, followed by onion confit with grape and white truffle. A course of threadfin or branzino introduces blue ginger nage, charred scallions and sambal matah. Lamb loin follows, paired with Kashmiri spices, pickled bok choy and yellow tomato tapenade.
The menu concludes with the Maldivian fruit garden, shaped around island-grown produce, sorbets and fresh herbs. Each course adds a new dimension to Soneva Fushi through its interplay of regional flavours and thoughtful technique.
Dining in the Baa Atoll biosphere
The setting plays a significant role in the overall experience. Soneva Fushi lies within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by reefs, lagoons and forested pathways leading between its villa residences. Guests often pair dining with time spent at Soneva Soul, where modern and traditional wellness practices converge, or The Den, known as the Maldives’ largest children’s zone.
Travellers visiting for the residency may also continue their journey at Soneva Jani or Soneva Secret, two additional islands that offer different interpretations of the SLOW LIFE ethos across design, privacy and environment.
A seasonal moment for Soneva Fushi dining
The December residency forms part of Soneva’s year-end calendar and highlights the resort’s ongoing interest in collaborating with chefs who bring distinctive perspectives. For those exploring Soneva Fushi during the holiday period, Anuar’s menu offers a considered reflection of his career to date and the seasonal rhythm of the Maldives.
Quick Summary – Soneva Fushi
- 🍽 Cuisine: Menu shaped by Singapore and Dubai influences
- 👨🍳 Chef: Akmal Anuar
- 📍 Location: Once Upon a Table, Soneva Fushi
- 📅 Dates: 2–5 December
- 🔑 Highlights: Six-course menu including tanba beans, branzino and Maldivian fruit garden
- ✨ Experience: Part of the Soneva Stars programme
