The Maldives has reaffirmed its global reputation for culinary excellence with multiple prestigious wins at the World Culinary Awards 2025, including the coveted title of World’s Best Destination for Heritage Cuisine. The recognition highlights the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage, diverse dining experiences, and exceptional culinary talent.

The Maldives competed against Germany, Peru, Seychelles, and Singapore in this global category, further emphasizing the strength and growing international appeal of Maldivian cuisine.

At the regional level, the Maldives also swept top honours in the Indian Ocean categories, being named Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary Destination 2025 and Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary City Destination 2025 for Malé City. These awards reflect the country’s commitment to culinary innovation and excellence across both resort and local dining scenes.

The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies at The Maldives National University was recognised as the Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary Training Institution 2025, underscoring the country’s dedication to nurturing local talent and advancing hospitality education.

Further demonstrating the strength of the Maldives’ dining scene, Symphony Restaurant was named Indian Ocean’s Best Landmark Restaurant, while Hadaba 

at SO/ Maldives won Maldives’ Best Hotel Restaurant, and H2O Restaurant received 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.”

These achievements come as the Maldives continues to receive global recognition for excellence in tourism and sustainability. The country is currently nominated for World’s Leading Destination 2025 and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, reaffirming its standing as one of the world’s most iconic and forward-looking destinations.

The World Culinary Awards™, a sister event to the World Travel Awards™, celebrates excellence in the global culinary industry, honouring destinations and establishments that set new standards in dining and hospitality.