Aravinda Leelarathna, born and raised in Colombo, is an accomplished pastry chef in UAE. For more than a decade in hospitality industry, he achieved a lot more than what he had expected.

In 2009, at the age of 23, he moves to UAE. Initially, he turned down the offer because of uncertainty, but eventually chose to take a leap of faith in his career. 

He started as a commis chef in pastry department at Le Meridien Airport Hotel. The first few days were challenging; however, it didn’t stop him from learning. Driven with perseverance and discipline, he climbed up the ladder of success.

He decided to join local culinary competitions and won several gold and silver medals. He became a senior member of UAE culinary team and participated as a jury to several local competitions.

 

2016

He participated Culinary Olympics in Germany Erfurt, where he won a silver medal. His plated dessert and petite four creations were a crowd puller, the result of his full hard work, passion, and dedication.

 

2018

He won first place during the World Chocolate Master Middle East regional selection, represented UAE in the finals in Paris, France and made to the top 20 finalists. Through this competition, he created his own 65% dark chocolate with Cacao Berry Noir Lab in Paris, and named it after his daughter, Ananya. He also owned a chocolate bonbon mold created with Chocolate World Belgium. In November 2018, he participated Culinary World Cup with the UAE National Culinary team in Luxemburg, winning two silver medals. From winning medals at local and international culinary competitions to having a signature chocolate and his very own chocolate bonbon mold, indeed 2018 was an eventful year for Aravinda!

 

2019

At the age of 31, Chef Aravinda had remarkable accomplishments. He was even dubbed as “Chocolate King” in gourmet magazine November 2019 issue.

 

2020

His most recent competition was the Arch Eatable in December 2020; partnered with an AUD architecture student, their “pixel” concept won first place.

 

2021

He Is representing United Arab Emirates for Global pastry chef challenge world final competition in 2021 (UAE) World rank 04. Best use of Dilmah tea in gastronomy 1st place. (Global pastry chef challenge world final competition in 2021 UAE)

 

2022

He participated culinary world cup in Luxembourg, where he won two gold and one silver medal.