PATINA MALDIVES INTRODUCES KANDU: A CONTEMPORARY EXPRESSION OF MALDIVIAN OCEAN-TO-TABLE DINING

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, renowned for its progressive approach to dining that seamlessly weaves together art, culture, and gastronomy, announces the opening of KANDU in June 2026, an experiential culinary destination dedicated to a modern expression of Maldivian cuisine.

Named after the Dhivehi word for the ocean channels that connect the Maldives’ atolls, KANDU is conceived as a fluid passage between sea and table, where natural currents, cultural memory, and culinary craft converge. Rooted in the elemental relationship between land and water, the concept reflects a dynamic and evolving interpretation of the Maldives’ rich gastronomic heritage.

As the only venue within the Fari Islands devoted entirely to contemporary Maldivian cuisine, KANDU introduces a “Modern Dhivehi Ocean-to-Table” philosophy, bridging island traditions with refined, modern techniques. Drawing from generations of island cooking, from the quiet wisdom of grandmother recipes to the distinct flavours of each atoll, the experience unfolds as a culinary journey across the archipelago.

KANDU offers a multicourse tasting menu designed as a narrative map of the Maldives, with each course reflecting the character and ingredients of a specific atoll. Traditional staples such as coconut, tuna, breadfruit, and native herbs are reimagined with precision and creativity, offering a refined expression of Maldivian flavour shaped by regional memory and contemporary technique. Dishes include Kandu Kukulhu with Yellow fin tuna, mas bhai, theluli fiya, kanamadhu, moringa and kulhafilaa; Bashi Hiki Riha with smoked eggplant and marigold; Kulhi Kaajaa with Skipjack tuna, chili and lime; and Boashi Crisp made with banana flower, taro, anbu asaara, and pandan. 

Guided by the Indian Ocean as a living larder, KANDU emphasises a deep connection to place through ethical sourcing and sustainability. The restaurant partners directly with local fishermen for daily catches, supporting local communities while minimising environmental impact.

The beverage programme highlights fresh, tropical, and largely non-alcoholic creations, presenting modern interpretations of traditional drinks such as Raa, Sai, and Kashikeyo-inspired cocktails, alongside inventive serves like a Bilimagu Whisky Sour. A curated selection of wines further enhances the dining experience.

Designed to reflect the natural textures and tones of the Maldives, KANDU features warm, earthy materials, open-air seating, and artwork spotlighting collaborations with local artists. The ambiance is complemented by a relaxed yet cosmopolitan soundtrack of downtempo and ambient music infused with subtle Maldivian influences.

“Maldivian cuisine has always been deeply personal to me. With KANDU, we wanted to honour the flavours many of us grew up with and reframe them through a more contemporary lens. This is a menu shaped by memory, by the ocean, and by the incredible produce of our islands. It is a celebration of where we come from, and where Maldivian cuisine can go next,” says Abdulla Rifzan, Chef de Cuisine at KANDU, known to many as 'Rippe'.

Bold yet thoughtful, KANDU offers a new perspective on destination dining, honouring the past while sharing the evolving story of Maldivian cuisine with the world.

To book, email reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, tel. +960 4000555, or visit patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands 

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Notes to editors

High-res images can be found here. 

ABOUT PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS

Within the spellbinding beauty of the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll lies Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, the first – and flagship – luxury resort under Patina Hotels and Resorts, a transformative luxury brand from the award-winning Capella Hotel Group.  

Just a 45-min speedboat ride from Malé, sophisticated villas and contemporary studios crafted from nature’s materials and pure creativity blend harmoniously with breathtaking outdoor spaces, interspersed with a stunning range of 13 culinary concepts that showcase diverse cuisines from Nordic-Japanese fusion to plant-based creations. 

A private sanctuary that inspires immersive experiences, Patina Maldives is a transcendent journey into a destination of deep cultural character, connecting conscious travelers through originality, discovery and togetherness.    

ABOUT PATINA HOTELS & RESORTS

Patina Hotels & Resorts is the transformative luxury brand of Capella Hotel Group. Pioneering a fresh perspective in luxury hospitality, Patina is a destination within the destination, highlighting the energy and common passions that bring like-minded people together and foster meaningful connections with themselves and their surroundings. Patina embodies an evolving journey, transforming moments into lasting marks for the guests just like the Patina Effect. Following Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, and Patina Osaka, the brand continues its thoughtful expansion with Patina Tianjin and Patina Sanya, marking the brand's debut in mainland China, where creative perspectives open minds and leave Infinite Imprints.  

For more information, visit www.patinahotels.com

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