Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, a flagship property of IHG Hotels & Resorts and part of the FNPF-owned IHG Fiji Hotels, is delighted to announce the appointment of Executive Pastry Chef Samuel Hutabarat. With an impressive background in the culinary world, Chef Hutabarat brings a wealth of international experience and expertise to the hotel, and is set to elevate Suva’s patisserie offerings to new levels of excellence.
Experience Culinary Excellence at Grand Pacific Hotel Suva
Originating from Indonesia, Chef Hutabarat has built a distinguished career, working at renowned hotels and restaurants across the globe. His past roles include key positions at esteemed establishments such as Conrad Dubai (Hilton Hotels & Resorts), Millennium Hotel Convention Center in Kuwait, and The Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Chef Samuel’s extensive global experience, particularly in the Middle East and Pacific regions, uniquely positions him to make a significant impact on the culinary landscape in Fiji.
Chef Hutabarat’s appointment at Grand Pacific Hotel Suva is part of the hotel’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences. Lachlan Walker, Portfolio General Manager of IHG Hotels & Resorts, FNPF-Owned Hotels, expressed his enthusiasm for the chef’s arrival:
“Grand Pacific Hotel Suva is thrilled to welcome Chef Samuel Hutabarat. His impressive career and exceptional skills in pastry making will be a tremendous asset to our team. We are confident that his innovative approach and dedication to quality will elevate the patisserie experience for our guests, setting new standards of excellence.”
Chef Hutabarat’s career has been marked by several milestones, including catering for world leaders, working with renowned luxury hotels, and contributing to high-profile events such as the APEC SOM 2018 and APEC Leaders’ Summit. Notably, he also played a key role in the team that earned the prestigious Best Brunch award at Traiteur Restaurant in Park Hyatt Dubai. He also had the honor of catering for Indonesian President Joko Widodo during his State Visit.
At Grand Pacific Hotel Suva, Chef Samuel will oversee all aspects of the pastry operation, including menu development, quality control, and staff training. He is committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Chef Hutabarat will also play an instrumental role in mentoring local pastry talent, helping to cultivate a new generation of pastry chefs trained to international standards. Through personalized mentorship programs and collaborative initiatives, Chef Samuel aims to empower Fijian talent to excel in the art of pastry making and to represent Fiji on the world stage.
“I am excited to be part of the Grand Pacific Hotel Suva team,” said Chef Hutabarat. “The opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with the local team, while creating new and exciting pastries for our guests, is something I truly look forward to. I am passionate about nurturing talent and creating an environment where both guests and colleagues can experience the very best in patisserie.”
Guests at Grand Pacific Hotel Suva can look forward to enjoying an array of delectable creations at the GPH Bakery, which is open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The bakery’s menu will feature an exquisite selection of pastries such as baked cheesecake, opera cake, chocolate tarts, and other indulgent treats—all carefully crafted by Chef Hutabarat and his team.
Grand Pacific Hotel Suva and Chef Samuel Hutabarat are excited to offer these exceptional culinary experiences, continuing to raise the bar for luxury dining in Fiji.
FURTHER READING: For those interested in exploring this topic further, additional resources and in-depth materials are provided below when available; otherwise, no further reading is included at this time.:
REFERENCES: This guide is based on over a decade of research and firsthand experience living in Fiji. It incorporates extensive knowledge gained through long-term residence and ongoing engagement with the region. Images and text have been sourced from official references, which are acknowledged below, to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness.
FOOTNOTES: Additional details, clarifications, or sources referenced in this article are included as Footnotes below the text when applicable; otherwise, no Footnotes are provided.