Joanna James
Maldivian food culture may seem straightforward and unadventurous to the uninitiated, but the island nation's culinary treats are as diverse as its geography. Here are the main 4 categories of food Maldivian cuisine can be divided into.
The scenic islands of the Maldives boast a cuisine that is heavily influenced by the Indian subcontinent; particularly Kerala in India and also Sri Lanka, but with its own unique turns and twists. With peppers, chillies, and a host of other spices, the flavours are usually rather hot and spicy, yet quite delightful to taste!
The first category in Maldivian food is reserved for its traditional dishes that have been enjoyed by generation after generation of locals with recipes handed down through the annals of time to the present day. Whether one is dining at a Maldives restaurant in a venue such as OZEN Life Maadhoo or a cafe in Male, one is likely to come across some of these dishes at one point or another. These include everything from the aromatic fish broth known as Garudiya to Roshi flatbread. The Mashuni salad, which is a combination that's made using tuna fish combined with chilli, onion, and coconut shavings is another staple in most local homes along with Rihaakuru, a brown fish paste. Kavaabu, which is a deep-fried dish that is made using tuna, lentils, rice, and coconut is another firm favourite in addition to fried banana cakes known as Dhonkeyo kajuru. Sai or Maldivian tea is perhaps the most conventional beverage in the island nation with Raa or toddy coming in at second as the preferred alcoholic substitute among locals.
Holidaymakers will find that they must venture down to the capital city of Male to experience the country's thriving street food scene as resort islands do not allow street food vendors to frequent the islands. Hedhikaa is a very traditional and widely available snack that's compared to samosas in terms of both flavour and concept. Available in tiny cafeterias in Male, this popular "short eat" is the perfect pick-me-up any time of the day. Those who love seafood infused street food will also appreciate the Bis Keemiyaa, which is a pastry that contains a hardboiled egg and tuna as stuffing. Travellers will also come across many localised versions of popular Indian street food items in Male due to the heavy influence of Indian cuisine on the local culinary school as well as the many Indian immigrants that call the Maldives home.
As an archipelago that boasts rich marine life, the abundance of seafood has had a great impact on the number of seafood dishes in the local canon. Theluli Mas is a special Maldivian way of frying fish that is usually applied to swordfish, octopus, groupers, and jobfish. Those who love grilled king prawns will also find that it is served in nearly every major local restaurant while steak in the Maldives also comes in the form of a thick slice of tuna that's served alongside rice and veggies.
Banbukeylu Harisa is arguably the most sought-after curry among vegans who visit the islands as this curry made of steamed breadfruit, coconut milk, and onions is simply delicious. Dhon Riha, which is a tuna curry infused with cinnamon, ginger, and mango, is another local delicacy for curry lovers.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
