TAPASAKE Maldives, the destination restaurant located on the private island resort One&Only Reethi Rah, will host Japanese owner chef Norimasa Kosaka for a series of dining events in March 2026. These include a four-hands dining experience in collaboration with resident chef Ahmed Jameel, as well as a dedicated sushi evening at the overwater restaurant.

TAPASAKE Maldives combines Japanese culinary techniques with Mediterranean influences and has additional locations in Dubai, Mauritius and Montenegro. The March events mark a professional reunion between Chef Kosaka and Chef Jameel, who previously worked together at the resort. Chef Kosaka was part of TAPASAKE between 2007 and 2009 and now operates Mimasaka NORIMASA in Okayama, Japan, where he focuses on modern Japanese cuisine with French elements. Originally from Osaka, he has over a decade of international experience specialising in sushi and hot dishes. Chef Jameel, who is Maldivian, developed his culinary approach under Chef Kosaka’s mentorship, combining traditional and contemporary Japanese techniques.

The collaboration reflects the chefs’ shared history at TAPASAKE, including their involvement in the restaurant’s early development and its transition from a traditional Japanese concept to one that incorporates broader influences, including Peruvian and Mediterranean elements. Chef Jameel attributes much of his technical training and understanding of Japanese cuisine to his time working with Chef Kosaka.

The four-hands dining experience will present a menu developed by both chefs, featuring a range of dishes that reflect their individual styles. Chef Kosaka’s contributions include modern Japanese dishes such as sashimi tartare and slow-steamed abalone with lobster, while Chef Jameel’s menu incorporates Japanese and Mediterranean elements, including a truffle-crusted sea bass with miso. The chefs will also collaborate on a wagyu dish.

The events are scheduled to take place on 27 March for the four-hands dinner and 29 March for the sushi evening, both held at TAPASAKE Maldives during evening service hours. Reservations are required, with further details available through the resort.