Joanna James
For those of you who are planning a working holiday in the Maldives or perhaps even a relaxing vacation, you will need to know that most of the items on the menu will be Maldivian dishes. But don't worry, you'll love them all once you've read this list.
The star ingredient of this dish is the banana flower which is chopped and mixed with curry leaves, fresh coconut, cumin turmeric and other spices. This is usually served as a starter dish and is an amazing start to your meal. The lime and Maldivian chilli mixed into the salad give the dish a taste similar to salsa salad. You've got to try this when in the Maldives!
The Maldives isn't a completely infertile land and the yams grown here are proof that. Just like potato chips, the Maldives makes a delicious snack of fried yams too. it's usually fried just right so that it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is an ideal snack to have while you explore the local islands by foot. You can probably find them at small cafes and eateries.
When it comes to shellfish like lobster, it tastes best when cooked alive. This would be a perfect dish for a romantic dinner by the ocean at resorts like Grand Park Kodhipparu. Try not to miss out on this amazing delicacy when in the Maldives.
So, how about a refreshing Maldivian sweet for a change? This is a sweet made from sago which is quite a popular ingredient used in local cuisine. Sago is boiled in coconut milk and sweetened with sugar. It is the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
Reef fish in the Maldives are seen in dozens which make it a commonly used ingredient as well and the locals prepare it in a cutlet. Imagine tandoor masala flavoured reef fish in a crispy coating of batter and breadcrumbs! Simply yum now isn't it.
Chopped onions, tuna and shredded coconut is thrown into a pan and cooked with various spices before it is filled into a dumpling-like dough and steamed. Take one bite and you can lose yourself in the intense flavours of this Maldivian short eat. Try this starter when dining in the Maldives.
This is a rather simple dish where tuna is the main ingredient and is boiled with salt. The boiled fish is served with a bowl of rice and lime. It is a staple dish in the Maldives and is served even at many Maldives hotels. Try it so you'll know what most locals eat almost every day.
This is a fish salad and made from tuna yet again. Coconut is shredded, onions are chopped, and they are all mixed with the shredded tuna. The salad is then mixed with lime and served with a local flatbread or rice and is very light and refreshing on the palate.
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