Joanna James
Fish is the base for many dishes in Maldives. Various species create gastronomic delights but this is not all; restaurants in Male offer international favourites like Indian, Malaysian and Japanese.
Shell Beans is a café chain that has been operating in the Maldives for over 10 years; and as you may have guessed the place is a favourite attracting a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. The café has two branches on Male Island; one is overlooking the Male jetties on the northern corner of the island while the other is placed on the opposite side in Ameenee Magu. There is a relaxed ambience at this eatery favoured by young Maldivians and expats. The menu is varied and offers plenty of local and international favourites such as teriyaki beef and Tandoori chicken but a must try is the cafe's signature dish the 'croissantwich'. The best probably is Shell Beans coffee; dubbed to be the best on the island. Hence a relaxing stint here nursing a coffee and some delicious cake are little pleasures to look forward to.
Situated across two levels the Seagull Café House is a forerunner in Male's café culture. The bistro is aesthetically split with the ground floor having a lovely garden vibe with a tree as the centre around which patrons dine; the upper floor has a tree growing through the middle of the floor and offers beautiful views of the streets below. The food is varied with the menu featuring a fine selection of Maldivian, Western and Indian cuisine. Highly recommended are snapper steak with mango salsa and the roast turkey breast with Normandy cream. And as a bonus, this place is tipped to serve Males best ice cream boasting 30 flavours in all including the exotic coconut, mango and pineapple.
If you find yourself hankering for South Asian food the Aioli Restaurant serves up the best with a fine Mediterranean twist. Located in a quiet alley just off Ameer Ahmed Magu the classy restaurant offers stylish wooden furniture and a chic cream background. There are two restaurants as well as an open-air balcony for enjoying a meal under the gaze of the sky. The varied menu offers many treats; choose from the likes of 'addu kukulhu reha' which is a traditional Maldivian chicken curry and fried cuttlefish accompanied by a lovely Spanish yellow rice.
The freshest ocean treats including lobster and gourmet fish delicacies are offered at this fine dining restaurant that's part of Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Maldives. The plush eatery which is just one of the luxury restaurants in Maldives offers comfortable interiors and magnificent views of the ocean while the menu sports Asian specialities and fusion cooking that is a treat to indulge.
Maldivian and international favourites are offered at this trendy restaurant. Focusing on healthy fresh dishes the café specialises in the likes of prawn Arabi Atta and succulent beef burgers. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner the place has regular gigs featuring talented local musicians rendering jazz, soul and rock numbers.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
