The HORECA Oman 2025 winners have been revealed, spotlighting the finest talents in Oman’s hospitality sector. From chefs and bakers to baristas and service professionals, this year’s edition celebrated innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for culinary heritage across the Sultanate.
Winners of the open showpiece & themed celebration cake
In the Open Showpiece Theme: Fantasy & Fairytales, the gold medals were awarded to Pinnagaspitiya Gedara Lionel Ravindra Kumara Karunarathna, executive sous chef at Barcelo Mussanah Resort, and Asela Kumar, senior chef de partie at The Chedi Muscat for their imaginative and intricate creations. Barcelo Mussanah Resort also secured gold in the Themed Celebration Cake category, thanks to Lahiru Priyaruwan Wirasekara Kurundukarage, chef de partie (pastry), whose show-stopping cake brought fantasy to life through precise craftsmanship.
Pastry & dessert winners raise the bar
Demonstrating finesse and innovation, Minnat Mohammed Jahoor, demi chef de partie at Grand Hyatt Muscat, claimed gold in the Three Plated Dessert Presentation. The Best Macaron title was awarded to both Fatima Rajraji, demi chef de partie at Grand Hyatt Muscat, and Abhilash Yadav, demi chef de partie at Intercontinental Muscat. In the Best Éclair (Chocolate) category, Asad Nasser Salim Al Salti, commis 2 at Intercontinental Muscat, and Ghefira Passa Aulia, demi chef de partie at Jumeirah Muscat Bay, impressed with their refined textures and bold flavors.
Baking category winners impress with Flaky Perfection
Excellence in laminated dough was on full display as the Best Croissant (Chocolate Hazelnut) competition crowned Mahesh Panjala, commis 3 at The Chedi Muscat, and Nilantha Jayarathne, chief baker at Jumeirah Muscat Bay, as joint gold medalists for their beautifully layered, indulgent croissants.
Creative cuisine & Omani dish winners shine
The Three Course Set Dinner Menu gold medals went to Damith Charuka Rajamanthri, commis I at Barcelo Mussanah Resort, and Jayantha Dissanayaka, chef de partie at Kempinski Hotel Muscat, each delivering elegant and balanced menus. Honoring Omani flavors, the A’Saffa Omani Traditional Dish – Chicken category recognized several winners: Shahad Khalid Juma Al Ghabhsi and Shatha Marhoon Khamis Al Hamadani, both commis 3 at Intercontinental Muscat; Ali Adel Abd Elminem Dora, demi chef de partie at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar; Muhammed Talha, demi chef de partie at dusit D2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar; and Ammar Yasir Mubarak Al Harthi, sous chef at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.
Meat & mystery basket winners deliver under pressure
In the Aussie Beef & Lamb Meat Competition, gold medals were earned by Shamim Akhand, junior sous chef at Grand Hyatt Muscat, and Wai Yan Min Htet, commis at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Muscat, who both impressed with flavorful, expertly cooked proteins. The Mystery Basket Competition showcased creativity under pressure, with Chandra Sekhar Peddi, chef de partie at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, taking home the gold.
Food presentation winners show technical brilliance
Innovation met flair in the Chef’s Palette Burger Challenge, where Zhanarys Arnabek, commis 1 at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, earned gold. In the Barilla Pasta Challenge, Harish Singh, demi chef de partie at Grand Hyatt Muscat, stood out with his technical mastery. The Fruits and/or Vegetable Carving category awarded gold to Anan Tumya, sous chef at The Chedi Muscat, and Wajira Karunarthna, carpenter at Hotel Indigo Jabal Akhdar Resort & Spa, who both showcased exceptional artistry.
Service & beverage winners set the standard
Service and beverage excellence were highlighted through Faithamae Laureano, head waiter at The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort, who claimed first place in the Art of Service Competition, and Deepak Jaisar, head bartender at The St. Regis, who impressed judges in the Mocktail Competition. In the HORECA Barista Competition Oman, AlMutaz Alsaqri, ratio manager at Ratio Cafe, claimed the top spot, while Sandesh Moktan, barista at Orto Cafe, was awarded first place in the Latte Art Competition for his precision and creativity.
Room Service Winner reflects hospitality finesse
Closing the competition with a focus on guest experience, Lalan Miah, room attendant at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, won first place in the Bed Making Competition, showcasing attention to detail and service excellence that define world-class hospitality.
The HORECA Oman 2025 winners represent the very best of the Sultanate’s hospitality scene. Their achievements reflect a growing dedication to quality, innovation, and cultural pride, reaffirming Oman’s position as a rising force in the regional culinary and service industries.
