Two Maldivian artisans unite for an unforgettable five-course dining experience
For three evenings in July, Maldivian Patissier transformed fine dining into an immersive journey of flavour, creativity and storytelling, as pastry chef Aminath Hameed, affectionately known as Ainthu, joined forces with renowned mixologist Hamdan Ali of Kalhibih Drinks for an exclusive five-course tasting experience.
Held from 5 to 7 July 2026 at Maldivian Patissier in Malé, the event, titled “Chef x Mixologist”, celebrated the artistry of two of the Maldives’ most innovative culinary talents. Each of the five meticulously crafted courses was paired with a signature 0% cocktail, demonstrating that sophisticated beverage experiences can be every bit as complex, balanced and memorable.
More than a dinner, the event was an exploration of craftsmanship, where every dish and drink reflected careful technique, thoughtful pairing and the stories behind locally inspired ingredients.
Resort-level excellence meets beverage innovation
The collaboration brought together two professionals whose careers have helped redefine their respective crafts within the Maldives.
Ainthu has established herself as one of the country’s leading pastry chefs and chocolatiers. After beginning her professional life in corporate sales and accounting, she discovered a passion for baking that would ultimately shape her career. Over more than a decade in luxury hospitality, she honed her skills in the pastry and chocolate kitchens of internationally acclaimed resorts including Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives.
Her talent earned international recognition when she received the Most Promising Talent Award at the Asian Pastry Cup in Singapore in 2018.
Today, through Maldivian Patissier, Ainthu has successfully brought resort-level pastry standards to the local market. Her café has become known for its handcrafted viennoiserie, artisan chocolates and refined French-inspired pastries, all produced with an uncompromising commitment to quality.
Complementing her culinary expertise was Hamdan Ali, whose journey into alcohol-free mixology has made him one of the country’s most exciting beverage innovators.
Following sixteen years working across luxury resorts, Hamdan returned to his home island in Addu during the pandemic. What began as experimenting with mixology equipment in his home quickly evolved into something much larger. Encouraged by friends who sampled his creations, he founded Kalhibih Drinks, the Maldives’ first dedicated zero-per-cent cocktail bar.
Today, Kalhibih Drinks serves both the local community and luxury resorts seeking sophisticated beverage programmes that embrace the rapidly growing global movement toward premium alcohol-free experiences.
A celebration of flavour and storytelling
The five-course experience was carefully designed around harmony between food and beverage.
Rather than treating cocktails as an accompaniment, each signature 0% creation was developed alongside the dishes, allowing flavours, aromas and textures to complement one another throughout the progression of the menu.
Guests were invited not only to savour exceptional cuisine but also to discover the inspiration behind every pairing. Each course highlighted the craftsmanship involved in balancing sweetness, acidity, botanicals, spices and seasonal ingredients, creating an engaging narrative that unfolded across the evening.
The result was a dining experience that challenged traditional expectations while showcasing the growing sophistication of the Maldives’ culinary scene.
Showcasing Maldivian talent
Events such as Chef x Mixologist demonstrate the increasing depth of homegrown culinary expertise emerging within the Maldives.
Rather than relying solely on international chefs and beverage specialists, the collaboration highlighted how Maldivian professionals are developing world-class skills, drawing on international experience while creating concepts uniquely suited to the local market.
By combining Ainthu’s refined pastry and culinary craftsmanship with Hamdan’s pioneering approach to zero-per-cent mixology, the event celebrated not only exceptional dining but also the evolution of the Maldives as a destination capable of producing internationally competitive culinary talent.
For guests fortunate enough to attend, the evenings offered more than five memorable courses—they provided a glimpse into the future of Maldivian gastronomy, where innovation, wellness and storytelling come together to create truly unforgettable dining experiences.
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