From 16 to 28 July 2026, the Vakkaru Maldives is expected to welcome renowned Danish Chef Jesper Koch in what will be the start of a partnership that will extend into the latter part of this year with a more elaborate culinary program. One of Denmark's most respected culinary figures, Chef Jesper has over three decades worth of experience in both hospitality and gastronomy as well as entrepreneurship.
As part of his July stay at the Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Jesper will collaborate with the culinary and service team in a series of training and workshops, ahead of a more elaborate culinary program later on this year. The programme includes training sessions in the kitchen, service classes, coffee & hospitality classes as well as collaborative sessions with the chefs at Vakkaru. From these interactions, Chef Jesper will be able to share his wealth of knowledge and experience as he possesses many years’ worth of experience in running restaurants, as an entrepreneur, mentor as well as judge in many prestigious culinary competitions.
Although the main objective of this collaboration is team development and exchange of culinary skills and knowledge, visitors to the Vakkaru Maldives hotel during this time will also get a chance to experience some of the things that are about to happen. Guest cooking classes will be conducted on 22nd and 25th July by Chef Jesper while a management cocktail reception will also give a chance to celebrate this collaboration. In preparation for this visit, Chef Jesper Koch had something to say about the collaboration, “Vakkaru Maldives is a unique combination of exquisite gastronomy, authenticity and great hospitality. I am looking forward to enjoying the natural beauty of the Baa Atoll Maldives and collaborating with the creative culinary team to inspire each other using Nordic tradition. I am excited about this collaboration and meeting the guests.”
Speaking about the new partnership, Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, the General Manager of Vakkaru Maldives said: “At Vakkaru Maldives, we feel that great dining starts with curiosity, knowledge and passion for hospitality. The visit of Chef Jesper will allow our staff to interact with one of the best chefs of Scandinavia and give our guests the chance to learn about his unique cuisine in advance. It is the start of an in-depth collaboration, and we are looking forward to welcoming him once again.” Recognized for his commitment to using high quality ingredients as well as his unique interpretation of the Danish culinary traditions, Chef Jesper became one of the most recognized chefs in Scandinavia. Having worked in the restaurants, which were awarded Michelin stars, he was elected Danish Chef of the Year and competed in the Bocuse d'Or contest representing Denmark, received Honorary Diploma of the Danish Gastronomic Academy and was elected “Chef’s Chef” by the Danish Gastronomy Foundation. Also, he is known as one of the judges in the Danish version of MasterChef TV show.
