Joanna James
If you are a foodie heading to the Maldives, then you can look forward to some truly gastronomic treats. Here are five restaurants well worth checking out on your holiday.
A well established and popular bistro, Seagull Cafe House can be found in the capital city of Male. Diners can expect to find everything from Maldivian cuisine to Western favourites on offer here with burgers, pasta, wraps and curries all on the menu. The seafood dishes are amongst its specialities along with its ice cream which has gained quite a reputation. Seagull Cafe House actually has two levels; the upper floor features a terrace and views of the busy city streets below, while downstairs one will find a garden area in which to unwind and enjoy a laid back meal with family, friends or visiting clients.
Part cafe, part restaurant, part live music venue, the Jazz Cafe is another popular dining venue in Male one can go to for good food and entertainment. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, this cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a menu that offers patrons a wide range of cuisine be it Maldivian, European or Thai. What are some of the dishes one can try here? If you are craving for typical Western style fast food you can order beef burgers, while for a touch of exotic flavour one can look to order the prawn arrabbiata. Of course, just as appealing as the meals are the live jazz performances on offer which add to the charm of the Jazz Cafe.
If you are looking for Maldives restaurants away from the city and on an island resort, then Battuta is one place you can try. The signature restaurant of Dhigali Maldives, this charming dining venue is actually named after the famed Moroccan traveller, Ibn Battuta. As one might expect the menu features delectable Asian fare and in keeping with its name, the restaurant serves dishes that have a connection to Ibn Battuta's travels in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The perfect complement to the meals is the fine wines and premium beverages on offer.
Serving delectable Maldivian and Asian cuisine along with dishes that have Mediterranean influences, Aioli Restaurant is another dining venue in Male worth visiting. One of the dishes that foodies can look to try would be what is locally known as "addu kukulhu reha" which is a traditional chicken curry which can be enjoyed with rice. The restaurant has two dining rooms as well as a balcony area for those looking to have their meal in an al fresco setting.
The first floor of Male's ferry terminal is where you will find The Sea House, a delightful restaurant where one can enjoy an array of Asian dishes. Set amidst wonderful ocean views, this dining venue is a great place to try everything from Thai green curry to the traditional local breakfast meal known as "mash uni roshi" which features tuna, chilli and coconut. The Sea House also hosts sushi brunch events which are ideal for those in the mood for some Japanese cuisine.
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