HORECA Oman 2025 recently concluded with a spectacular showcase of talent and innovation in the hospitality and food service industries. Among the many accolades awarded, the Gold winners stood out for their exceptional skills and dedication. Here’s a closer look at some of the top performers who took home gold medals across various prestigious competitions:

The Hospitality Salon Culinaire

Fantasy & Fairytales category saw impressive creations, with Pinnagaspitiya Gedara Lionel Ravindra Kumara Karunarathna, Executive Sous Chef at Barcelo Mussanah Resort, and Asela Kumar, Sr CDP at The Chedi Muscat, both earning Gold for their imaginative displays.

In the sweet categories, Grand Hyatt Muscat (Habrout L.L.C) had a strong showing with Minnat Mohammed Jahoor securing Gold for Three Plated Dessert Presentation and Fatima Rajraji for Best Macaron. Abhilash Yadav, Demi Chef de Partie from Muscat Beach Property Management CO.LLC (Intercontinental Muscat), also won Gold for Best Macaron, while Lahiru Priyaruwan Wirasekara Kurundukarage, Chef De Partie (Pastry) from Barcelo Mussanah Resort, was recognized for his Themed Celebration Cake Theme: Fantasy & Fairytales.

Chocolate lovers rejoiced as Asad Nasser Salim Al Salti, Commis 2 at Muscat Beach Property Management CO.LLC (Intercontinental Muscat), and Ghefira Passa Aulia, Demi Chef de Partie at Jumeirah Muscat Bay, both received Gold for Best Éclair (Chocolate). For croissants, Mahesh Panjala, COMMIE 3 at The Chedi Muscat, and Nilantha Jayarathne, Chief Baker at Jumeirah Muscat Bay, shared the Gold for Best Croissant (Chocolate Hazelnut).

The demanding Three Course Set Dinner Menu saw Gold medals go to Damith Charuka Rajamanthri, Commis I from Barcelo Mussanah Resort, and Jayantha Dissanayaka, Chef De Partie at Kempinski Hotel Muscat.

Traditional Omani flavors were celebrated in the A’Saffa Omani Traditional Dish – Chicken category, with Gold winners including Shatha Marhoon Khamis Al Hamadani (Commis 3) from Muscat Beach Property Property Management CO.LLC (Intercontinental Muscat), Ali Adel Abd Elminem Dora (Demi Chef de Parti) from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Muhammed Talha (Demi chef de partie) from dusit D2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, and Ammar Yasir Mubarak Al Harthi (Sous Chef) from Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Meat competitions also highlighted top talent. Shamim Akhand, Junior Sous Chef at Grand Hyatt Muscat (Habrout L.L.C), and Wai Yan Min Htet, Commis at Shangri- La Barr Al Jissah Muscat, both won Gold in the Aussie Beef & Lamb Meat Competition. The Chef’s Palette Burger Challenge (Aussie Beef) saw Zhanarys Arnabek, Commis 1 at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, take home the Gold.

Other notable culinary Gold winners include Shahad Khalid Juma Al Ghabhsi (Commis 3) from Muscat Beach Property Management CO.LLC (Intercontinental Muscat) for Cold Canapés and Tapas, Chandra Sekhar Peddi (Chef de Partie) from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar for the Mystery Basket Competition, and Harish Singh (Demi Chef de Partie) from Grand Hyatt Muscat (Habrout L.L.C) for the Barilla Pasta Challenge.

Beyond cooking, HORECA Oman recognized other crucial aspects of hospitality. Anan Tumya, SOUS CHEF at The Chedi Muscat, and Wajira Karunarthna, Carpenter at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, both demonstrated incredible skill in Fruits and/or Vegetable Carving.

Barista, Latte Art, and Mocktail Competition

The burgeoning coffee scene was celebrated with AlMutaz Alsaqri, Ratio Manager at Ratio Cafe, taking 1st Place in the HORECA Barista Competition Oman, and Sandesh Moktan, Barista at Orto cafe, winning 1st Place in the Latte Art Competition. And Deepak Jaisar, Head Bartender, securing 1st Place in the Mocktail Competition.

Art of Service and Bed Making

In the art of service category, The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort shined with Faithamae Laureano, Head Waiter, winning 1st Place in the Art of Service Competition.

Finally, the essential skill of hotel operations was highlighted with Lalan Miah, Room Attendant at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, winning 1st Place in the Bed Making Competition.

HORECA Oman 2024 truly showcased the incredible talent and passion within the Sultanate’s hospitality sector. Congratulations to all the Gold winners for their outstanding achievements!