Joanna James
Known for its sublime beaches and private island resorts, Maldives has some amazing culinary discoveries on offer too. If you are a foodie or are just looking to savour new flavours when on holiday, here are some of the key dishes to try on your visit.
If you love trying new soups, then "garudhiya" is well worth adding to your list. It is a kind of fish broth that is quite popular amongst the locals and has its own simple yet distinctive taste. Apart from fish (usually fresh tuna), it contains other ingredients like chillies, onions and garlic as well as some lime; it is usually eaten with rice or a Maldivian flatbread called "roshi".
Did you know banana flowers can be used for making dishes too? In this case, it is used to create a delightful banana flower salad! Locally known as "boshi mashuni", this dish features shredded banana flowers which have some crunchiness as well; it is mixed with ingredients like coconut, Maldivian chillies, lime, turmeric and curry leaves which blend to create a healthy and yummy salad.
Did you know banana flowers can be used for making dishes too? In this case, it is used to create a delightful banana flower salad! Locally known as "boshi mashuni", this dish features shredded banana flowers which have some crunchiness as well; it is mixed with ingredients like coconut, Maldivian chillies, lime, turmeric and curry leaves which blend to create a healthy and yummy salad.
It is hard to pick just one great curry since there are so many delectable options to choose from! Be it at local eateries or restaurants at resorts the likes of Adaaran Club Rannalhi, check to see what curries are on the menu. Fish curries be it "kandu kukulhu" or "mas riha" are popular as is a chicken curry called "kukulhu riha"; vegans will be glad to know you get lots of veggie curries to try too.
When it comes to enjoying breakfast in the Maldives, dining would not be complete without the dish known as "mas huni". Tuna, a key ingredient for most dishes, is used to make this as well and is mixed with grated coconut, spiced up with chilli and onions and given a zesty flavour with some lime. It is generally eaten with freshly baked "roshi", while some hot tea makes the ideal accompaniment.
When hunger suddenly strikes, "masroshi" is a great remedy; this traditional snack is made using dough that is stuffed and then fried. The dough consists of flour, salt, oil and warm water and is rolled and flattened before the various stuffing is added; this can include coconut that has been grated, smoked tuna, ginger, onions, chillies and garlic; fried in a pan till golden brown, "masroshi" is best eaten hot and makes for a perfect teatime snack.
No list of foodie delights would be complete without some dessert! Another of the popular dishes in Maldives, "saagu bondibai" is a yummy sago pudding that is bound to have you asking for a second serving. Sago is a kind of starchy extract from tropical palm stems that has a unique texture; it is mixed with ingredients like condensed milk and coconut milk to make this dessert which also features a heavenly combination of rose essence and cardamom that enhance the flavour.
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