Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Welcomes New Executive Chef and Launches 'Boat to Table BBQ Night'

Sunday 5th of November 2023

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is delighted to introduce its new Executive Chef, Nguyen Minh Phuc, hailing from Vietnam with extensive culinary experience spanning hotels and resorts across the globe since 2003. With a background that includes esteemed positions at Accor Hotels in Vietnam and recently as Executive Chef at Marriott Hotels in the Maldives and Bali, Indonesia, Chef Phuc brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Holding degrees in both Cuisine Art, Food Preparation and Cooking, as well as Business Administration, Chef Phuc is poised to make a remarkable impact on the culinary offerings at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

In celebration of his arrival, Chef Phuc is unveiling the 'Boat to Table BBQ Night' at Seasalt, the resort's signature restaurant, held every Sunday. This innovative dining experience invites guests to personally select fresh seafood directly from a local fisherman's boat, which is then expertly prepared to their liking by Chef Phuc and his culinary team.

The 'Boat to Table BBQ Night' not only showcases the abundance of locally-sourced ingredients but also underscores the resort's commitment to sustainability and supporting the Raa Atoll Maldives fishing community. Guided by Hyatt's food philosophy of "Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.", Chef Phuc is dedicated to minimizing food waste while offering guests a unique culinary experience.

Every week, a fisherman's boat will dock by Seasalt, where the fishermen will present their catch. Guests have the delightful opportunity to choose their preferred fish, and watch as Chef Phuc skillfully grills it to perfection on charcoal, tailored to their taste.

Chef Phuc expresses his enthusiasm, stating, "I am so pleased to be joining the team at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. While creating my debut menu for the resort, it was important to me to celebrate the local fishermen, giving them the chance to show guests that their food is truly authentic and local, and creating a space for guests to connect and engage directly with the fishermen."

At the 'Boat to Table BBQ Night', guests can relish an array of fresh seafood delicacies, including sashimi, ceviche, tartare, and grilled fish fillets. All dishes are prepared on the spot, ensuring the seafood is at its freshest, and minimizing food wastage.

Chef Phuc will also infuse his signature cooking style into the resort’s other dining venues, including Umami, Pibati, Mirus Bar, and the recently unveiled The Shack.

For more information, please email kothaifaru@alilahotels.com.