5 Maldivian Dishes You Need to Know - Top 5 Local Dishes Every Traveller Must Sample in the Maldives

Often regarded as a favourite among vegetarian tourists who frequently holiday in the Maldives, Boshi Mashuni is actually salad made using the banana flower. Listed as a starter or appetizer in most local restaurants, Boshi Mashuni remains a crunchy and savoury addition to any meal thanks to its use of fresh ingredients. Shredded into thin strips, the banana flower is blanched with a number of spices such as chilli, cumin, curry leaves and turmeric and ingredients including freshly grated coconut shavings. Rich in fibre and essential nutrients, this healthy snack is a great pick-me-up any time of the day.

Served in nearly every household at least once a day, Garudhiya is an aromatic, fishy broth that's considered a comfort food for most Maldivians. Locals living abroad often reminisce about this childhood staple that's consumed across the islands due to its simple ingredients and easy preparation method. All one needs to make this umami-flavoured broth at home is fresh tuna, curry leaves, garlic, chilli and onions. Fresh tuna is a must for this dish as it is what lends the flavour to this dish which is slow-cooked over the flame till all the flavours are mixed together.

This is Maldives' own version of the samosa and those who are fans of the Indian variant of this popular snack are bound to find Bis Keemiya just as delicious if not more enticing. Rolled in the fashion of a Chinese spring roll, this particular samosa is also a pastry puff that doubles as a bite-size savoury treat. The filling is typically made using eggs, cabbages and onions which make Bis Keemiya a big hit at local parties and a well-loved assortment to have during tea time.

Known for its cooling properties, Sago is a staple in Asian cuisine owing to this very quality which makes it a wonderfully soothing dish to enjoy in hot and humid climates. This Maldivian pudding has a delectably rich texture thanks to the use of palm stem seeds, coconut milk, condensed milk and rose water. The latter is added to infuse the dessert with an irresistible aroma for this spongy after-meal treat. Prepared during special occasions and served in local restaurants, visitors based at OZEN Life Maadhoo or any other resort won't have to look far to find a Maldives restaurant with its own incarnation of this sweet dish.

Considered a "short-eat" or an appetizer, this crispy fish cake requires fresh tuna fish and finely grated coconut. The two elements are mixed together before being fried in vegetable oil until it turns a golden colour. Best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, this crunchy fish cake is unlike any other Western variant of fish cakes served in the form of burger patties and side dishes.