Food & Hospitality Asia Maldives (FHAM) 2026 concluded on Thursday with the Awards Ceremony for its highly anticipated Culinary Challenge, recognising the achievements and excellence of chefs who competed across more than 20 categories.

The ceremony was held at Hulhulhe Island Hotel at 10:00 a.m. on 10 September, bringing the 2026 edition of FHAM to a close.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Best Chef award, the most prestigious individual honour of the Culinary Challenge. The award was presented to Muslima Adam of Dusit D2 Feydhoo Maldives, marking a historic achievement as she became the first Maldivian and the first Maldivian female chef to win the Best Chef title.

From the four categories she took part in, she won three gold medals and one silver medal.

Muslima’s achievement represents a significant milestone for Maldivian women in the culinary industry and highlights the growing recognition of local culinary talent within the hospitality sector.

The Most Outstanding Organisation Award was won by Dusit D2 Feydhoo Maldives.

This year’s Culinary Challenge featured more than 20 competitive categories, providing chefs with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills, creativity and expertise before industry professionals.

FHAM, one of the country’s prominent food and hospitality events, is scheduled to return next year during the first week of September, continuing its tradition of bringing together culinary professionals and hospitality industry stakeholders in the Maldives.

The 2026 edition concluded with the awards ceremony, celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of the chefs and participants who took part in this year’s competition.

The full list of category winners recognised at the FHAM Global Culinary Challenge 2026 is as follows: