A Culinary Convergence: Michelin-Starred Chef Sebastian Frank at Nova Maldives

21 January, 2026

This May, he pristine shores of Nova Maldives will host an unprecedented gastronomic event. From 10 to 15 May 2026, the resort welcomes Chef Sebastian Frank of Berlin's two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Horváth, for an exclusive culinary residency titled "Roots & Waves". This series of intimate experiences promises to redefine luxury dining in the Indian Ocean, merging Chef Frank's celebrated "emancipated vegetable cuisine" with the fresh, sustainable bounty of the Maldives.

For a brief period, guests can immerse themselves in a philosophy where vegetables and fruits take center stage, transformed through precision, time-honored techniques, and a deep respect for natural ingredients. This guide provides everything you need to know about this exclusive culinary journey, from the philosophy behind the menu to how you can secure your place at the table.

🍃 The Philosophy: Emancipated Vegetable Cuisine

At the heart of this residency is Chef Sebastian Frank's distinctive culinary signature. Hailing from Austria and acclaimed in Berlin, Frank champions an "emancipated vegetable cuisine"—a radical, personal approach that moves far beyond conventional fine dining.

"Restriction is focus, and vegetables are my strongest form of expression," says Chef Frank. "I continually engage with my culinary roots, which enables me to create dishes that emotionally resonate with people."

His philosophy strips away artifice and luxury for its own sake. Instead, seemingly simple ingredients like aubergine, spinach, and pumpkin are elevated to extraordinary heights through precise craftsmanship, creative techniques, and the transformative power of time—such as fermentation and ageing. The result is food with purpose, character, and lasting impact.

This ethos aligns seamlessly with Nova Maldives' sustainability-led concept. The resort's General Manager, Abdulla Aboobakuru, notes that Maldivian cuisine naturally lends itself to plant-based interpretations, from jackfruit "fish" curry to pumpkin and chickpea curries. Chef Frank's "Roots & Waves" menu will weave these local ingredients with regional produce, creating a unique dialogue between land, sea, and chef.

The Exclusive Roots & Waves Experience Itinerary

The residency features a select series of intimate encounters designed for deep immersion.

Each gourmet dinner offers menus that are predominantly vegetarian, reflecting the chef's core philosophy, with the option to add locally sourced fish or meat components. A trend-setting non-alcoholic beverage pairing is also available, featuring tea infusions, house-made vegetable juices, premium oils, and refined reductions.

How to Book Your Culinary Journey

Spaces for these exclusive events are extremely limited due to their intimate nature.

The most direct way to secure your reservation is to contact Nova Maldives directly. The resort recommends planning your stay around the event dates to ensure availability.

• Email: Send your inquiry to [email protected].

• Phone: Call +960 66 88 777 to speak with the reservations team.

For the latest updates and exclusive offers from Nova, including opportunities like this residency, consider subscribing to their "Soulful Tales" newsletter.

📅 Planning Your Stay at Nova Maldives

A culinary journey of this caliber is best enjoyed as part of a longer, rejuvenating island escape. Nova Maldives offers a relaxed yet refined setting where modern lifestyle and sustainability converge.

Accommodation: The resort features various villa types. For reference, a Beach Villa for a stay in May 2026 starts from approximately £427 per person, based on two adults sharing a Full Board Plus basis.

Dining Beyond the Residency: Nova's culinary philosophy extends to its other venues, where you can enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes that complement the extraordinary "Roots & Waves" experience.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is "emancipated vegetable cuisine"?
It is Chef Sebastian Frank's philosophy that places vegetables and fruits at the absolute center of the dining experience, using technique and time to explore their full depth, power, and aroma, moving beyond side-dish status to create emotionally resonant dishes.

Are the menus completely vegan or vegetarian?
The "Roots & Waves" menus are predominantly vegetarian and designed to showcase vegetables. However, in alignment with Nova's spirit of choice, guests can often opt to add locally sourced fish or meat components to their dishes.

What is the non-alcoholic pairing?
It is a curated beverage experience that complements the vegetable-forward menu without alcohol. It includes elements like specialty tea infusions, house-made juices from vegetables and fruits, high-quality oils, and refined reductions.

Is the cooking class suitable for beginners?
The class at Soul Kitchen is designed as a hands-on experience where Chef Frank shares his techniques and philosophy. While it involves learning from a Michelin-starred chef, the focus is on insight and participation, making it engaging for both enthusiasts and curious beginners.

How do I ensure I get a spot for the dinners or class?
Booking in advance is essential. Contact Nova Maldives directly via email or phone as soon as possible to inquire about package availability and to reserve your place for the specific events.

Final Thoughts on a Unique Gastronomic Opportunity

The "Roots & Waves" residency is more than a series of dinners; it is a fleeting cultural and culinary moment. It represents a confluence of a world-renowned culinary philosophy with the unique environment and ethos of Nova Maldives.

For travelers seeking a holiday that nourishes both body and soul, this event offers a rare opportunity to engage with food on a deeper level, to understand the narrative behind each dish, and to participate in a global dialogue about sustainable, mindful luxury.

As Chef Frank looks forward to introducing his cuisine to Nova's guests, the island prepares to offer a stage where simplicity, flavor, and the rhythms of nature create an unforgettable chapter in the story of Maldivian hospitality.

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