Mum of 3 scoops top Fiji Chef award

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort chef-de-partie Aziman Bibi took out the Fiji Chef of the Year award at the National Salon Culinaire 2024.

Ms Bibi dedicated her award to her family and team at the property division of the resort for their support and dedication.

Originally from Kulukulu, Nadroga she had attended Kulukulu Public School and Cuvu College then awarded a multi-ethnic scholarship in 2006 to study Cookery at the Fiji National University.

“I saw the opportunity in the culinary business,” Ms Bibi said.

She joined Outrigger as a trainer, and in 2009 was recruited as commis chef, then demi chef, and now a chef de partie.

“I am overwhelmed with this award,” she said.

“I dedicate this award to my family and fellow chefs. There has been a lot of hard work,” said the mother of three who has been in the culinary industry the past 16 years.

On debut, Frances Wakeham, 20, of Sheraton Denarau Villas took out the Fiji Young Chef of the Year award.

Originally from Savusavu, she attended Nasavusavu Public and Savusavu High School before joining FNU under the Culinary programme Level 4.

She joined Sheraton Fiji after participating in the FNU chef’s competition and was taken in by executive chef Rakesh Kumar.

“I was surprised as I did not dream about it,” Ms Wakeham said.

“I dedicate this award to my dad, also a chef at Savasi Island Resort and now runs his own business at home,” she said.

Multi-award-winning pastry chef Muni Vikash Chetty of Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort took out the Fiji Pastry Chef of the Year 2024.

This is the third time Mr Chetty took out the award, he has represented three properties the last decade.

Meanwhile, the three winners will compete at the Restaurant Challenge 2025 in Australia.

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