Amateur Cooks Invited to Compete in Fishermen’s Day Cook-off  

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, in collaboration with the Chef’s Guild of the Maldives (CGM), has announced the launch of Rahavaru, a cook-off competition for amateur chefs. Applications for the event are now open and must be submitted by 1400 hrs tomorrow.  

Rahavaru forms part of the national Fishermen’s Day celebrations, which recognise the essential role of the fisheries sector in the Maldives’ economy, culture, and food security. This year’s theme, Masverikamuge sinaa’ay sindhafaathu kurumah zuvaanunge baiverivun—Engaging Youth in Diversifying the Fisheries Sector—highlights the critical role of innovation and sustainability in modern fishing practices.  

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The competition invites teams of 3-4 amateur cooks, including home chefs and culinary enthusiasts with less than three years of professional kitchen experience. Participants must be aged 16 or older.  

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation  

The cook-off encourages contestants to create dishes showcasing the potential of the Maldivian fisheries sector while promoting climate resilience and sustainable seafood practices. Contestants will prepare both an entrée and a main course. The special ingredients provided are big-eye scad (mushimas) for the entrée and grouper (faana) for the main course. Teams must bring additional ingredients based on their planned menus.  

Through Rahavaru, the Ministry and CGM aim to inspire youth interest in fisheries and seafood cuisine, highlighting innovation as key to the sector’s future in the face of global climate challenges.