06 Most Authentic Maldivian Cuisines – Island Flavours

All the ingredients of a tropical island are found in this taste-bud tingling dish. Tuna, an island favourite, grated coconut and spice go into the preparation of this dish. A very authentic Maldivian dish, Mas Huni is best enjoyed with a flat roti called roshi some onion salsa and a glass of fresh coconut water. One dish to order when patronising Maldives restaurants, mas huni can be enjoyed as a savoury breakfast.

Packed with loads of nutritional value, Garudhiya is a very traditional Maldivian soup; perfect to enjoy on the deck of your private villa, at Amilla Fushi Maldives, or any other sunny resort on the archipelago. The dish is simply made by boiling a nice chunk of tuna in salt to create a clear broth enhanced with the flavours of lime and other island spices. A not to be missed authentic Maldivian dish!

Another traditional favourite that's almost a daily staple in many Maldivian homes, Rihaakuru is a dark, chocolate coloured gravy made from a base of fish; in fact, the dish is a by-product of tuna. The thick molasses-like dish is perfect to be mopped up with roshi roti followed with a hot cup of refreshing kalhusai.

The Maldives cannot claim curries to be traditional Maldivian dishes, but the island nation has certainly fine-tuned the thick exotic curries to offer one a burst of idyllic island flavours. Thick coconut cream, spices and chunks of delicious fish or vegetables go into creating the delicious curries found at the Maldivian restaurants of the luxury resorts. Not to be missed are the authentic fish curries, chunky chicken curries and exotic vegetable curries which are spicy, thick and totally heavenly.

Now, this article has not forgotten your sweet tooth, bondi takes the place of the perfect desert. The dishes main allure is its aroma which is said to come from a flower called huvandhumaa. The distinctive flavour of bondi is its biggest allure and one bite promises to have you hooked. Bondi may be the perfect dessert but, ask a Maldivian and he will tell you it's the ideal appetiser.

Tea houses located across Male, the capital island are noted for their variety of snacks, which are perfect to enjoy with a cup of warm tea as ocean breezes blow and you feel total bliss. Snacks are perfect if you are the type looking for small meals, locally called Hedhi Kaa snacks are varied. Some must tries include, Gulha a sphere shaped spicy bite, the super crispy Ba Jiyaa and the lovely pink coloured sweet snack called Haluwidhaa.

And what do you wash down all this fab cuisine with? Plenty of exotic drinks, of course! Kurumba or fresh and chilled coconut water, karaa fani which is sweet watermelon juice, guava juice and hydrating exotic mango juice are just a few of your choices.
Enjoy!