Maldivian chef Maha Naseer has received international recognition after winning the Top Outstanding Master Chef Award of Maldives Cuisine at the World Top Gourmet Awards 2026, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The prestigious recognition was presented during an awards ceremony on October 22 at the Andaman Grand Ballroom, where leading chefs, culinary professionals and representatives of the food and beverage industry gathered to celebrate excellence in gastronomy.
Maha, who also serves as a Board Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, was recognised for her contributions to Maldivian cuisine and her achievements in the international culinary industry.
The award adds to a growing list of professional accomplishments for the Maldivian chef, who has established herself as a prominent figure in the culinary field both locally and internationally.
She currently holds the position of Continental Judge with the World Association of Chefs’ Societies, widely known as Worldchefs, an international organisation representing professional chefs and culinary associations across the world.
Her involvement with Worldchefs reflects her participation in international culinary activities and professional standards, providing a platform for Maldivian culinary expertise to gain recognition beyond the country’s borders.
In 2022, Maha was awarded the title of Master Chef by the Master Chef Society of the World in recognition of her professional achievements and contributions to the culinary industry.
Her latest award further strengthens her international standing while drawing attention to the distinctive flavours, ingredients and cooking traditions of the Maldives.
The World Top Gourmet Awards, organised by World Gourmet Malaysia, were established in 2017 to recognise outstanding achievements across the food and beverage sector.
The awards celebrate excellence among chefs, restaurants, culinary brands and other industry professionals, highlighting individuals and establishments that have demonstrated exceptional contributions to gastronomy.
This year’s ceremony recognised 108 winners across different categories, bringing together culinary talent and businesses from the wider food and beverage industry.
Maha’s recognition comes at a time when the Maldives is increasingly seeking to promote its cultural identity alongside its internationally renowned tourism industry.
Maldivian cuisine has traditionally been shaped by the country’s island geography, maritime heritage and close relationship with the Indian Ocean.
Fish, particularly tuna, remains a central ingredient in traditional Maldivian cooking, while coconut, rice and locally prepared spices form the foundation of many popular dishes.
Traditional foods such as mas huni, garudhiya and rihaakuru reflect generations of culinary practices that continue to play an important role in Maldivian households and local food culture.
Although the Maldives is internationally recognised for its luxury resorts and hospitality experiences, its traditional cuisine represents another aspect of the country’s cultural heritage that has the potential to attract greater international attention.
The development of culinary tourism has also created opportunities for destinations to showcase their identity through local food, traditional preparation methods and distinctive dining experiences.
For the Maldives, greater recognition of its culinary traditions could help strengthen the connection between tourism and local communities while creating opportunities for Maldivian chefs, food producers and hospitality professionals.
Maha’s role at Visit Maldives Corporation also places her within an organisation responsible for promoting the Maldives as an international tourism destination.
Her achievements demonstrate the contribution Maldivian culinary professionals can make to the country’s international profile, particularly in an industry closely connected to tourism and hospitality.
The latest recognition at the World Top Gourmet Awards highlights the growing visibility of Maldivian culinary talent on the international stage, while celebrating the country’s unique food heritage.
For Maha Naseer, the award marks another milestone in a career that has brought Maldivian cuisine into international culinary circles and helped showcase the expertise of Maldivian chefs beyond the islands.
