Chef Maha showcases Maldivian flavors at The Great Tuna Gala in Dhaka

Renowned Maldivian chef Maha Naseer conducted a live culinary demonstration featuring traditional Maldivian dishes at a gala event in Bangladesh on Tuesday, showcasing the Maldives’ sustainable fisheries, culinary heritage, and tourism potential.

The demonstration took place at “The Great Tuna Gala – Flavors from the Sunny Side” at Sheraton Dhaka.

The event, hosted by the Maldivian High Commission in Bangladesh, brought together around 250 guests, including senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, tourism and fisheries industry representatives and journalists.

Bangladesh Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat attended the event as the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed spoke about the country's deep connection with the ocean and the central role fisheries play in its economy, communities and culture.

She highlighted the Maldives' traditional pole-and-line tuna fishery, describing it as an important part of the country's longstanding approach to sustainable use of marine resources.

Shiuneen also pointed to the potential for expanding Maldivian tuna and other fisheries products in the Bangladesh market.

The growing connectivity between the two countries was creating new opportunities for increased tourism, trade and business engagement, she said.

Meanwhile, Millat highlighted the scope for Bangladesh and the Maldives to strengthen cooperation in the fisheries and tourism sectors.

He also emphasized the potential for joint efforts in sustainable fisheries and tourism development, as well as closer cooperation in tourism promotion and creating new avenues for bilateral collaboration.

Tuna featured prominently at the event, with guests introduced to a range of Maldivian fisheries products.

Chef Maha, who travelled to Dhaka for the occasion, conducted a live culinary demonstration featuring traditional Maldivian dishes and showcasing the use of tuna and other seafood products.

The event also highlighted the cultural importance of tuna in Maldivian cuisine and its links with the country's island communities and traditional way of life.

Alongside fisheries and cuisine, the gala promoted the Maldives as a tourism destination, showcasing its island experiences, natural attractions, hospitality and cultural heritage.

The Maldivian High Commission said the event aimed to boost awareness of Maldivian fisheries products in Bangladesh, explore opportunities for market access and business-to-business partnerships, and promote the Maldives as a preferred destination for Bangladeshi travelers.