Noku Maldives hosts Chefs Eddy Leung, Hana Zhou for three-day culinary festival
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, the unique private island resort nestled in the pristine Noonu Atoll, welcomed two world-renowned chefs for a multi-day festival of gastronomy this month, which featured a series of exclusive epicurean experiences and will establish this luxurious retreat as “A Culinary Destination” in the Indian Ocean. Staged from 11-13 August 2026, this three-day fiesta saw two of Asia’s most celebrated chefs – Eddy Leung and Hana Zhou – fly to the Maldives especially for the occasion.
Chef Eddy Leung is the culinary icon and entrepreneur who has been a leading figure on Hong Kong’s restaurant scene for more than three decades. The former executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton, he is now Vice President of the Hong Kong Chefs’ Association and owner of multiple businesses, including Chef Studio by Eddy, an intimate fine-dining room known for French cuisine with subtle Asian touches.
Chef Hana Zhou is a maestro in the art of French, Japanese and Chinese cuisine who leads the kitchen at Tatler Shanghai. Having learned the skills of fine dining at a series of highly acclaimed restaurants, including Stefan Stiller at Tai’an Table and Alain Ducasse at City of Dreams Macau, she offers the global outlook and influences that resonate with today’s young, digitally-engaged diner.
Together, chefs Eddy and Hana thrilled guests with a series of signature culinary journeys that showcased their creativity and craftsmanship. On 11 August, an “Oyster, Caviar & Champagne Experience” saw 33 guests – including specially invited key opinion leaders (KOLs) – wade into the resort’s warm lagoon for a multi-sensory tasting experience. Kissed by the tropical water, diners were presented with the most luxurious ingredients, including freshly-shucked oysters elevated with original dressings.
Having enjoyed these opulent appetizers, discerning guests were invited to the resort’s Pool Deck for an exclusive “Sunset 4-Hands Cooking Demonstration”, as the two chefs came together to present 3 courses of fine gastronomy. This unforgettable evening concluded with a sunset toast, as the golden skies shone above Noonu Atoll. Then on 12 August, Chefs Eddy and Hana took part in a food photography shoot, creating the artistic imagery that will help to position Noku Maldives as a truly compelling culinary destination.
The three-day residency concluded on 13 August with a “Collaborative Wine Dinner” at Thari, the resort’s seafront restaurant. In a stunning setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, chefs Eddy and Hana came together with Noku Maldives’ own chefs to curate “A Taste of Kinship” – a six-course journey, paired with fine wines. Highlights included Chef Eddy’s signature Xinjiang Salmon Trout Confit with Krystal Caviar, Chef Hana’s Slow-Cooked Short Rib of Beef with Caramelized Onion and Satay Beef Jus, and Butter-Poached Reef Lobster with Silken Mapo Tofu, expertly crafted by Chef Vincent Tan, Noku Maldives’ Resident Director of Culinary.
“It was such a pleasure to welcome Chef Eddy and Chef Hana to Noku Maldives. These are two of the most respected and exciting culinary figures in Asia, so it was an honour to witness their talent first-hand and let our cherished guests enjoy such exclusive experiences. I would also like to thank our KOL partners for joining this important event, which will help us to establish Noku Maldives as ‘A Culinary Destination’ for a new generation of visitors from around the world,” said Hussain Shahid, General Manager, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection.
Noku Maldives is a haven of gastronomy with restaurants and bars for every occasion. Palms Restaurant sets the stage for endless days of indulgence, while Thari brings the flavours of Asia to life, overlooking the pool and sea. Palms Bar is an idyllic venue to sip cool daytime drinks and handcrafted cocktails. For truly unforgettable occasions, the resort’s “Destination Dining” concept curated magical moments at a private table. With a choice of meal plans – bed & breakfast, half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive – every guest can tailor their ultimate culinary journey.
