Joanna James
Complementing the pristine beaches, clear waters, and luxurious resorts of the Maldives is another vital facet enticing visitors to its shores. The close ties with the neighbouring countries had inspired Dhivehi Cuisine to become what it is with a unique blend of spices, herbs and ingredients.
This is a popular dish and many restaurants serve it with their unique style and skills. Once the lobsters are selected enjoy your drink and the heady conversation until the tantalizing dish in its flavour oozing softness is presented in style. Relished by many visitors, your chosen beach resort in Maldives as well as many others will turn out this preparation to perfection.
A favourite snack enjoyed by all, it is similar to a bread roll stuffed with a delicious mix of flaked tuna fish, grated coconut sauteed in a mix of onion, ginger, garlic, chilli flakes and curry leaves. Once the filling is made and seasoned with salt and a dash of lime it is spooned onto small circles of thin dough made with flour and warm water. Rolling up the dough around the filling to make soft round Masroshis, they are cooked on a pan until golden brown on each side. A yummy snack indeed.
This dessert is made out of Saagu seeds also known as sago seeds made from the pith of tropical palm trees. This concoction is a slow boiling of Saagu seeds with creamy coconut milk till soft and laced with condensed milk with a dash of rose essence and cardamoms. A heavenly fragrance accompanies this delicious sweet enjoyed by locals and visitors. A much-sought-after local dessert well enjoyed by guests at Embudu Village.
This is a dish of mixed vegetables amply showcasing the Indian and Sri Lankan inspiration in Dhiveli cuisine. Unlike most other curries in the Maldives made with varieties of fish, this uses beans, pumpkin, carrots, cauliflower and sweet potato etc. Using spices, curry leaves and herbs and simmered in coconut milk till tender this flavour oozing dish is ideal with steamed rice or the flatbread of the Maldives Roshi.
An inviting smell and a colourful ensemble are the results of Maldivian Tuna fish curry made with coconut milk, hot peppers, chilli and other spices simmered till the fish is cooked and the curry is thick and emanates a mouthwatering aroma. Another favourite curry to be enjoyed in the Maldives with steamed rice or Roshi.
If you are a lover of tea you are in luck as Maldivians take tea drinking seriously. If you are yet to acquire the taste, this is the ideal opportunity for it. Enjoy a steaming cup of Kalhu sai or Kiru sai for black tea and milk tea respectively. You can start your day with a cup of tea or enjoy it during the day with a snack such as a couple of Masroshi.
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.
