Joanna James
The Maldives is famous for its picture-perfect beaches, perfectly blue ocean and luxury resorts, however, its cuisine is one of a kind. Here are a few dishes you need to try!
Tuna is used very often in most Maldivian dishes and is the main ingredient in Mas Huni, which is shredded smoked tuna coupled with grated coconut, a hint of lime and finely chopped onions. Mah Huni is an extremely popular breakfast dish and is often paired with Maldivian chapati known as Roshi. All restaurants, from luxury dining to street food vendors have their versions of Mah Huni!
If you enjoy fried food, this is a dish you'll not forget! Yams are found in abundance in the Maldives, therefore, fried yams is a dish that is quite popular. This much-adored snack is soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, the formula for all great snacks!
The Maldives is a pescatarian dream, and rightly so as this archipelago is surrounded by the ocean, making it perfect for a seafood diet! Fish curry is another dish that serves a perfect blend of spices and flavour. There are many types of fish used, such as yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, little tunny, wahoo and also mani-mani. Fish curry is usually eaten with either freshly cooked rice or Maldivian chapati.
Another Maldivian snack, Gulha is a dough ball stuffed with tuna, coconut, onions and chillies. The dough is made of either wheat flour or rice flour. Some variations of Gulha include the use of turmeric, curry leaves or lime juice to elevate the taste of the filling inside. Gulha is a popular evening snack and is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. You can request this dish when you stay at one of the many resorts by popular chains like Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in the Maldives.
If you enjoy a lip-smacking lobster once in a while, Maldives will not disappoint. Most of the time, the lobster is cooked right in front of you and served fresh, so you know it's the real deal! The freshly cooked lobster is usually soft and scrumptious. Many restaurants in the Maldives serve lobster in different styles, according to one's likes, dislikes and spice tolerance levels.
This popular dish is loved by all Maldivians and is a thick sauce created by cooking fish for a long time, on a very low flame. Rihaakuru is usually eaten with bread and is either light brown or dark brown in colour. This dish is also perfect for lovers of spice! Low in fats and carbs, with a high concentration of protein, this dish is a staple in many Maldivian households.
Bis Keemiya is very similar to samosas. This pastry is filled with either egg or tuna, together with onions and shredded cabbage. Authentic bis keemiya is a must-try, especially if you enjoy your snacks.
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.
