Michelin-starred Chef Maye Cissoko
Luxury travel today is defined not merely by breathtaking destinations but by extraordinary experiences that linger long after the journey ends. This July, the pristine shores of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives are set to welcome a truly exceptional culinary event as acclaimed French Michelin-starred Chef Maye Cissoko takes residence at the award-winning island resort for an exclusive gastronomic showcase.
Known for his refined approach to French cuisine, unwavering pursuit of excellence, and ability to transform the finest ingredients into memorable sensory experiences, Michelin-starred Chef Cissoko brings with him a culinary philosophy rooted in precision, creativity, and emotion. His specially curated menus promise a harmonious blend of French gastronomic artistry and the freshness of island-inspired ingredients, offering guests a rare opportunity to savour Michelin-level dining against the backdrop of one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
From signature creations such as truffle-infused scallops to delicately crafted seafood dishes inspired by tropical flavours, the residency is ready to celebrate the meeting of two worlds… French culinary heritage and Maldivian hospitality.
As discerning travellers increasingly seek meaningful, experience-led luxury, this exclusive collaboration underscores Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s commitment to elevating every aspect of the guest journey… from turquoise lagoons and pristine beaches to world-class gastronomy that rivals the finest dining destinations across the globe.
In an exclusive tête-à-tête with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Michelin-starred Chef Maye Cissoko shares insights into his July residency at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, culinary philosophy, the inspiration behind his specially curated Maldives menu, the art of blending French excellence with island flavours, and why unforgettable luxury is ultimately created through taste, emotion, and shared experiences.
Over To Michelin-starred Chef Maye Cissoko
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a dream escape for luxury travellers. What does the addition of a Michelin-starred culinary experience bring to the resort, and how does it redefine the way guests experience the Maldives?
Chef Maye Cissoko – Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has always been a destination where luxury is defined by authenticity and exceptional service. The addition of a Michelin-starred culinary experience elevates this promise even further, transforming a stay into a true sensory journey.
More than just fine dining, this collaboration brings creativity, storytelling and cultural exchange to the resort. It offers guests the opportunity to connect with a chef’s vision, discover unique flavours and experience the Maldives through a new angle.
By combining the natural beauty of the islands with culinary excellence, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi redefines luxury as an immersive experience where every element of the journey (from the lagoon to the dining table) becomes part of an unforgettable memory.
Chef Maye, your cuisine is known for balancing precision with creativity. When curating this exclusive menu for the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, what inspired you most… the destination, the local ingredients, or the spirit of island living?
Chef Maye Cissoko – I designed the menus with the intention of adapting my cuisine to the destination. As a result, I will be offering a cooking style that is even more focused on freshness, highlighting seafood products, which is already a natural inclination of mine, having grown up in Normandy, near Deauville.
I do not know the Maldives yet, but I have had the opportunity to travel to tropical climates and have observed that people tend to seek different dining experiences there. One looks for more lightness, delicacy and finesse.
This is already very much part of the DNA of my cuisine. However, I pushed it even further when creating these menus.
Your menu features standout dishes such as truffle-crusted scallops and Maldivian sea bass. Is there one dish that you feel truly captures the essence of this collaboration with Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, and why?
Chef Maye Cissoko – I began my journey in the culinary world doing the washing and have since gone on to earn a Michelin star. So, for me, being invited to a residency in the Maldives is something quite extraordinary.
Being able to present some of my signature dishes – such as my truffle-infused scallops – which I have developed and refined throughout my career, makes this collaboration particularly meaningful. It reflects the trust that Sun Siyam has placed in me and in the expression of my cuisine.
Today’s luxury traveller is increasingly seeking unforgettable experiences rather than just beautiful destinations. How important is gastronomy in shaping a guest’s memories of a place like Sun Siyam Iru Fushi?
Chef Maye Cissoko – For me, of course, as a Chef, cooking is an integral part of discovering a country. And I can’t imagine traveling or going on vacation without this aspect playing a major role: discovering local ingredients, how they’re prepared, and how they’re seasoned with local spices. And vacations are also, above all, about having time, taking your time including around the table. So, for me, vacation memories are intimately linked to the memory of sharing and culinary discovery.
In a paradise like Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the cuisine must live up to the setting. You cannot eat something ordinary in an extraordinary place. One necessarily enhances the other. Nothing should be bland in such a setting.
French culinary artistry meets Maldivian paradise in this residency. How did you weave local flavours and ingredients into your signature style while staying true to your Michelin-starred roots?
Chef Maye Cissoko – I drew on Chef Putu’s deep knowledge of his island and the ingredients it offers to create a memorable culinary experience for our guests. I then adapted my culinary style to suit these ingredients, playing with textures and crunchy elements to highlight the freshness one would expect in these latitudes. High standards guide my cooking, whether it’s in the heart of the French countryside or in a Maldivian paradise. Just because we’re eating by the beach doesn’t mean that seasoning and cooking techniques shouldn’t be precise.
Many guests may be experiencing Michelin-level dining for the first time during this residency. What emotions or impressions do you hope they take away from the table?
Chef Maye Cissoko – For me, cooking is above all a time for sharing. So, what I hope for most of all is that our guests experience a moment of perfect harmony… a blend of a heavenly setting, quality service, and refined cuisine. I want everything to come together seamlessly, so that the experience remains unforgettable in their minds, whether they’re sharing this moment with family or on their honeymoon. This destination is often the trip of a lifetime, a dream. We must therefore meet the expectations that guests have for this destination and live up to their dreams in every way—right down to the plate.
Beyond the spectacular setting and exquisite menu, what do you think makes this collaboration between Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and a Michelin-starred chef truly special in today’s luxury travel landscape?
Chef Maye Cissoko – Luxury isn’t always about fine dining. Sometimes, people just want to impress others or show off by buying expensive food. I want these culinary experiences to be truly centered on flavor… not just on showmanship or the preparation of high-end dishes. …Because you can create a delicious meal with ordinary ingredients. And you can also make mundane, uninteresting dishes with luxurious ingredients. So, I’ll strive to bring it all together… working with fine ingredients to enhance flavor – so that luxury serves gastronomy.
Luxury today is all about exclusivity and storytelling. If you could describe this culinary residency at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in just three words, what would they be… and why?
Chef Maye Cissoko – Taste – Paradise – Excellence.
The taste in paradise. The taste of paradise. The idea is to combine French culinary excellence and Michelin standards with a paradise-like setting and Maldivian hospitality and expertise, to create a complete experience that awakens the senses of taste.
