Hi! I'm Shetland chef, Akshay Borges.
15 years ago I flipped a coin packed everything up and moved to Shetland all by myself from Edinburgh to work as a trainee chef.
I have been cooking and working with local produce and producers in Shetland for more than 15 years.
In 2025, my partner Charlene and I opened our home to welcome small groups of 4-8 guests (11 guests – if you don't mind getting cosy!)
guests for Shetland's very first chef’s table, a private dining space. I’d love for you to join us!
I’ll be serving up dishes made with the best local ingredients, produce from my garden, freshly caught seafood and wild foraged produce. Sustainability and reducing food miles are what I'm working towards every day.
My goal is not only to invite people into my home to showcase Shetland’s local produce but also to take my humble cooking to 'pop-up' kitchens in local community halls (Croft to Coast)
I also share recipes on social media and my life on this island on YouTube if you want to see more of my garden, my kitchen, or make some of my recipes at home, like my Masala Chai and Shetland Mussels in South Indian Rassam.
I have also been fortunate enough to be interviewed in newspapers, magazines and television, you can find out more about each of those here. A big focus of my cooking is on reducing food miles and waste, while letting Shetland's incredible local produce take centre stage.I’ll be sharing dishes inspired by my roots and shaped by this special place I call home. If you're looking for an exclusive event, book the private dining space for your visit to Shetland. I hope to see you there!
