Joanna James
The island nation that put itself on the tourism map thanks to its picture-postcard beaches, the Maldives is also home to a delectable cuisine that's just as exquisite. Sample your way through an assortment of traditional Maldivian dishes and let the foodie inside of you wallow in indulgence.
A popular grab-and-go snack, Gulha is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with different varieties of smoked fish, desiccated coconut and onions. The dainty treat can be found at any cafe or street food stall around the corner.
The finger-licking creamy fish soup, Garudhiya, is a staple in the Maldives. The local-favourite tuna fish rules this flavoursome delight.
Satisfy your savoury cravings with a mouthful of Kulhimas. The spicy dish made with tuna, onion, grated coconut and hot pepper is often served with Maldivian flatbread.
A combination of fish, starch and coconut, Mas Riha is a traditional fish curry relished by locals. Tuna or swordfish are the usual types of fish that go into delectable Mas Riha.
Start your day with a bowl of Mas Huni, a traditional Maldivian breakfast. It is a simple dish where tuna and other ingredients are mixed in a bowl.
The golden-brown fried dough, Masroshi, is a popular quick bite in the Maldives. The dough ball that makes up Masroshi is stuffed with a filling of smoked tuna and flattened before frying.
Bread for Maldivians, Huni Roshi is a traditional flatbread. Huni Roshi is often complemented by the previously mentioned Mas Huni and Kulhimas.
Bis Keemiya is basically another form of a pastry, which closely resembles the famous Indian samosa. Deep-fried and filled with tuna, onion, garlic and ginger, Bis Keemiya is a mouthwatering crispy treat.
Finish off your culinary indulgences with a bowl of Sago. Saagu Bondibai, commonly referred to as Sago pudding, is a popular Maldivian dessert.
Featuring banana flowers as the main ingredient, Boshi Bashuni is a remarkable dish that combines features of both a salad and salsa. Boshi Bashuni is super nutritious, just as the delectable delight it is.
A thick fish sauce, Rihaakuru requires great skill and involves a series of slow-cooking procedures. Nevertheless, every spoonful of the dish is totally worth the effort and time.
Why satisfy yourself with regular lobster when you can taste scrumptious live lobster? Indulge in the authentic Maldivian experience and let your taste buds feel the difference.
The Maldivian cuisine is full of surprises, and Kulhi Boakibaa is yet another remarkable dish. A smoked tuna fish cake, Kulhi Boakibaa, never fails to leave tourists amazed.
Just as nourishing as it is delicious, Aluvi Boakibaa are slices of sweet heaven. The dainty treats make for a simple dessert as well as a quick bite.
Sai is Dhivehi for tea. Maldivians enjoy tea the same way most parts of the world do, and it is often complemented by some sweets.
A blend of white rum, apricot brandy, orange and pineapple juice, Maldivian Lady is a must-have thirst quencher that completes your tropical island getaway. Sip a glass of Maldivian Lady as you bask in the sun and unwind on pristine sands.
Alcohol is a forbidden fruit in this island nation. But this should be no worry for tourists spending their vacation at one of the Maldives resorts. Honeymoon suites, including the likes offered by Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, won't keep you from indulging in a glass of premium cocktail as tourists are permitted to on resort grounds.
Trade your french fries for some Maldivian style yam fries. These spicy and crunchy delights make for some great eats to munch when frolicking on the beach or strolling through the Male streets.
Taking its name from the Maldives island "Biyadhoo", Biyadhoo Special is an exquisite refreshment of alcohol and fresh juice.
The Maldives is never short of sweet snacks and Gulab Jamun is yet another quick bite you can grab on the go.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
