Niyama Private Islands Maldives unveils the world’s first Nikkei underwater dining menu
Eating at one of the Maldives’ famous underwater restaurants is a bucket-list goal for many visitors to the archipelago. But now, Niyama Private Islands Maldives has upped the ante by creating a unique sub-aquatic tasting menu. It is the world’s first underwater Japanese-Peruvian dining experience, and combines Japanese culinary techniques with Peruvian flair.
This type of cuisine, known as Nikkei, was inspired by Japanese economic migrants who relocated to Peru a century ago. Available by reservation only, the Nikkei tasting menu at Niyama features five courses. The courses showcase the finest sustainable ingredients from the rich marine life of the Indian Ocean surrounding the resort, and further afield.
The underwater restaurant at Niyama is called Subsix. It was named Subsix because the aquarium-like structure is located six metres (19ft) below the surface of the ocean. It’s also 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the resort island, in Dhaalu Atoll, so access is for Niyama guests-only, via speedboat.
Highlights of the $250USD per person menu include a scallop ceviche, locally caught wahoo tartare and buttery cod. Guests can elevate the experience with a curated selection of sake or fine wines. The Nikkei tasting menu, which is only available for lunch, was conceived by Executive Chef, Thierry Vergnault. He trained at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, and subsequently expanded his repertoire with positions all over the world.
Chef Thierry said: “With a setting as extraordinary as Subsix, nothing less than an extraordinary menu will do – one that intrigues all five senses and excites the palate with every bite. And as with all our restaurants, we take great pride in showcasing fresh, quality ingredients straight from the beautiful waters that surround”.
Subsix opened just over a decade ago, while the world’s first underwater restaurant (located five metres below the surface), opened at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in 2005.
For more information, visit www.niyama.com.
