Michelin Star French Chef Maye Cissoko to Headline "Art of the Chef" at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives – July 2026

23 May, 2026

The Maldives just got a taste of the French Alps. This July, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives—the flagship property of the Sun Siyam Luxury Collection—is setting a new benchmark for tropical fine dining. In a rare and exciting culinary collaboration, the resort will host Michelin Star French Chef Maye Cissoko for an exclusive guest chef residency.

Celebrating Bastille Day in style, the resort will present two spectacular “Art of the Chef” dining experiences on 22 July and 27 July. These evenings promise to blend refined gastronomy, exceptional French wines, and the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean.

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Who is Michelin Star Chef Maye Cissoko? A Master of Rustic French Elegance

Chef Maye Cissoko is not your average Michelin-starred chef. He is the chef-owner of the historic Maison Burnel in the Vosges region of France—a stunning 105-year-old property he personally renovated. Incredibly, just six months after reopening, Chef Cissoko earned a Michelin star, a testament to his precision, passion, and deep respect for terroir.

An alumnus of the prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse, Chef Cissoko’s pedigree includes time with the renowned Barrière Group. His culinary philosophy centers on:

• Seasonality – Cooking with what nature provides, when it provides it.

• Fresh Sourcing – Prioritizing peak-quality ingredients.

• À la minute cooking – Preparing dishes with precision, just before serving.

• Territorial, rustic elements – Think wild mushrooms from the Vosges forest, local herbs, and bold, earthy flavors elevated by refined technique.

Working in perfect harmony with the resort’s Executive Chef, Putu Wijana, Chef Cissoko will feature one of his favorite ingredients: fresh, succulent scallops.

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Two Exclusive “Art of the Chef” Events You Cannot Miss

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is home to 15 restaurants and bars, but these two exclusive evenings transform two distinct venues into stages for French culinary artistry.

1. Art of the Chef, Cellar Dinner

Date: Wednesday, 22 July
Venue: Cellar Dining at Flavours (The resort’s newly renovated French restaurant)

An intimate, refined evening of gastronomy held in the resort’s elegant wine cellar. This is a multi-sensory journey where each course is paired with fine wines.

Exclusive Menu Sneak Peek:

• Scallop Carpaccio with leek essence and pike roe.

• Spider Crab with smoked haddock espuma.

• Local reef fish enhanced with caviar and katsuobushi sauce.

• Delicate French strawberry tartlet for a sweet finish.

2. Art of the Chef, Sublime Festin

Date: Monday, 27 July
Venue: Elevated Beachside Dining at Islander’s Grill

A sophisticated beachfront experience under the stars. Here, the sound of the waves replaces classical music, and the sand between your toes adds to the magic.

Exclusive Menu Sneak Peek:

• Scallops in a green herb and truffle crust.

• Maldivian sea bass gravlax.

• Local lobster with vegetable ravioli, artichoke purée, and a slow-simmered seafood bisque.

• Decadent Guanaja chocolate entremet with mango-lime chutney.

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The Perfect Pairing: French Wines & Maldivian Tides

No French fine-dining experience is complete without world-class wine. Resident Sommelier Sunil Kumar has curated an exceptional selection of wines from diverse regions of France. Each pour is thoughtfully selected to elevate the flavors of Chef Cissoko’s dishes—from crisp, mineral-driven whites for the scallops to bold, earthy reds for the rustic elements.

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A Partnership Rooted in Culinary Excellence

This prestigious collaboration underscores Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s commitment to elevating the culinary landscape of the Maldives.

Executive Chef Putu Wijana, who brings 26 years of global luxury brand experience, will work side-by-side with Chef Cissoko. Together, they are not just hosting a pop-up—they are weaving the timeless precision of French gastronomy into the resort’s DNA.

Executive Chef Putu Wijana shared: “Partnering with Chef Maye allows us to weave the timeless precision of French gastronomy into our kitchens. These exclusive menus have been meticulously curated to reflect our deep commitment to offering a refined guest experience. Following the residency, selected signature dishes will also be integrated into our menus, giving future guests the opportunity to savour these exceptional creations.”

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How to Book Your Seat at the Table

Spaces for both the Cellar Dinner (22 July) and the Sublime Festin (27 July) are extremely limited, given the intimate nature of these venues.

Don’t miss your chance to taste Michelin-starred French cuisine while watching the Maldivian sunset. Contact Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s concierge or visit their official website to secure your reservation for this exclusive July culinary guest experience.

Pro Tip: Guests staying at the resort will have first priority. If you are planning a July escape to the Maldives, align your dates with these two evenings for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

BOOK NOW

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