UMA is led by an extraordinary team of restaurateurs who have returned to Perth having worked in some of the world’s best independent restaurants. Masters of their craft, the team are dedicated to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Alongside them, an exceptional front-of-house team brings the spirit of South American hospitality to life through attentive service and genuine connection.
OUR TEAM
MEET OUR CHEFS
Head Chef, UMA
Born in Chile, Chef Javiera Gomez began her culinary journey at just 20, blending creativity with a deep respect for fresh, local ingredients. Her early career took her from launching her own catering company to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), where she immersed herself in sea-to-plate traditions and the art of storytelling through food.
Her pursuit of global flavours led her to Spain’s renowned two Michelin-starred kitchen of Disfrutar, where she mastered intricate tasting menus and refined her technical craft. Returning home in 2018, she brought Chile’s diverse regions to life in a celebrated Santiago restaurant before her love of travel carried her to Australia.
Across the Whitsundays, Melbourne, and Cairns, Chef Javiera expanded her repertoire in prestigious kitchens, rediscovering her passion for the grill and the bold, expressive flavours of South American cuisine.
Now leading the kitchen at Pan Pacific Perth’s award-winning UMA Restaurant, she brings together tradition, innovation, and personal heritage. Her dishes are vibrant, soulful, and inspired by the colours, music, and warmth of South America - each plate crafted to share a piece of home.
Chef Javiera continues to deepen her connection to the region, recently travelling to Peru to explore new techniques and ingredients. Her dedication and leadership earned her a nomination for Emerging Female Leader at the 2024 Australian Hotels Association Awards.
“I hope you feel the warmth and happiness of the dishes we create at UMA, crafted with pure love.” - Chef Javiera Gomez
JAVIERA GOMEZ
Executive Chef, UMA & Pan Pacific Perth
Chef Xerxes Bodhanwala began his culinary journey at 14 in his mother’s cafe in Bangalore, India, where early summers were spent preparing sandwiches, juices, and simple desserts. Those formative years led him into restaurant kitchens as a prep cook, where long days slicing onions and mushrooms sparked a deeper passion for the craft.
At 17, he moved to Sydney to study Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu, an experience that opened his eyes to the breadth of the culinary world. Alongside his studies, he worked across tapas bars, steakhouses, busy breakfast cafes, and fine‑dining restaurants. His time at Morena under Chef Alejandro introduced him to Peruvian and Latin American cuisine — a discovery that would shape his future direction.
At 23, he returned to India to open his own restaurant with the support of his mother and wife. Leading a successful business for five years taught him the realities of creativity, financial responsibility, and leadership — lessons that continue to guide him today. After selling the restaurant, he returned to Australia, where Chef Alejandro invited him to lead the kitchen at UMA.
As UMA grew, and through the challenges of the pandemic, Chef Xerxes became a key part of the Pan Pacific Perth team. Today, he serves as Executive Chef for the entire hotel while continuing to guide UMA’s culinary vision. His style is defined by bold flavours, refined rustic presentation, and a love for spice, acidity, and seasonal colour.
At UMA, he champions a vibrant sharing‑style experience built on expressive flavours, fresh ingredients, and an extensive South American wine selection. Known for his restless energy and passion for the craft, he remains driven by the same motivation that began his journey — the joy of cooking and creating memorable dining experiences.