Joanna James
Found in abundance, coconuts in its scraped or milky form finds its way into several dishes native to the Maldives. It has a unique texture and rich taste that works well either sweet or spicy.
A very common snack in the Maldives, Bajiya is derived from the Indian influences in this island and tastes something like a Maldivian version of a Samosa. It is slightly different however for it is covered in a sort of yeast based rotti dough and is also baked rather than fried. The filling is where you find the coconut. Bajiya like many other things in Maldives is made using shredded fish which is stir fried with some onion, green chillies and of course the coconut. Bajiya has a characteristic triangular shape and is based consumed in the evening with a coconut milkshake on the side. Yum!
If you are staying in Maldives for a while, you would have definitely tasted the famous Mas Huni. Almost a staple for breakfasts here, Mas Huni is made using smoked tuna which is combined with coconut, spices, onions, capsicum and green leaves. You can't eat Mas Huni plain for it is actually a side that goes well with bread or roshi. Roshi is a Maldivian version of rotti that is made using wheat flour, some oil and warm water. Once flattened and baked, you get a thin form of a rotti that is ever so soft and can easily be torn up. You could alternately use a little coconut oil and bake the Mas Huni inside roshi balls which creates the famous golden brown 'Masroshi'.
A very simple yet scrumptious dessert, the Gabulhi is a must try if you would like the sweet side of Maldives' 'coconuty' treats. Gabulhi is simply the tender stage of the coconut that is consumed with coconut syrup – that is all it is. You could alternatively modify this basic dish and create variants such as 'Gabulhi Boakibaa' which is actually a sweet coconut cake that is best eaten at tea time.
The Dhon Riha is the highlight of the coconut based dishes in Maldives where the coconut flavour is contributed in the curry of the dish. This absolutely heavenly coconut based curry perfectly complements warm steamed rice and is delightful during lunch time. In any local household, every afternoon you will likely find the Dhon Riha. This is actually a skipjack tuna curry that is thoroughly mixed with plenty of coconut. To further add to its flavours, mangoes are chopped and thrown into the gravy which contributes to its mouth watering sour taste. To sample well-cooked curries of a similar genre try dining in Maldives at popular places such as the restaurants in Adaaran Select Meedhupparu and other resorts. The highly talented chefs will whip up an amazing array of delicacies that will leave you craving for more.
Have you ever tried coconut flavoured pudding? That's exactly what Banbukeyo Bondibai is. Made out of breadfruit and coconut cream, this dessert has a delightful taste and an all the more appealing texture.
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