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28 May 2026
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru to host Southern Thailand culinary collaboration at Saffron
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has announced a month-long culinary collaboration at Saffron, bringing Southern Thai cuisine and contemporary Thai cooking techniques to the Maldives through a residency by visiting guest chef Tipa.
Running from 17 June to 17 July 2026, A Southern Thailand Gastronomic Experience will introduce a specially curated menu inspired by Southern Thailand’s culinary heritage, combining traditional flavours with contemporary presentation and techniques.
For chefs and hospitality professionals in the Maldives, the collaboration highlights the growing role of chef residencies, regional cuisine showcases and immersive dining concepts within resort gastronomy.
Chef Tipa, Head of Saffron at Banyan Group, brings more than a decade of culinary experience across Thailand and international markets. During her residency at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru from 15 to 19 June, she will work closely with the resort’s culinary team while presenting dishes rooted in Southern Thai traditions.
The limited-time menu has been designed to focus on balance in flavour, aroma and texture, key characteristics of Thai cuisine. Signature dishes include Gai Yang Kor Lae, charcoal-grilled chicken served with Southern-style peanut sauce, and Gaeng Kiew Wan Nua, grilled beef tenderloin paired with aromatic green curry sauce.
The collaboration reflects Saffron’s wider culinary philosophy of presenting Thai cuisine through refined techniques while maintaining authenticity and cultural identity.
Beyond the restaurant experience, Chef Tipa will also host two interactive Thai Cooking Classes on 17 and 18 June. The sessions are designed to introduce guests to authentic Thai cooking methods, ingredients and flavour-building techniques through hands-on participation.
The classes continue a wider industry trend in the Maldives where resorts are increasingly integrating educational and experiential culinary activities into their guest offerings.
Saffron was introduced to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in 2024 as part of the resort’s transformation and expanded dining programme. The signature Thai restaurant incorporates several cultural and interactive elements, including a traditional hand-washing ritual and the Rice Master experience, which introduces guests to curated rice varieties and their role within Thai cuisine.
Following its renovation in 2024, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru expanded its food and beverage offering to include three restaurants and two bars, with a stronger focus on destination dining and Asian gastronomy experiences.
The residency by Chef Tipa forms part of the resort’s continued investment in chef-led collaborations and culturally driven culinary experiences aimed at enhancing guest engagement through food.
