Joanna James
The Maldives is a tropical archipelago with dreamy shores, alluring serenity, and an enticing array of pleasures. Be it the subdued luxury of the resorts to blissful spa treatments which are enhanced by authentic dishes, snacks, and juices. Savour some of the outstanding ones during this holiday.
Mas means fish and Huni means grated coconut, there is little doubt that Mashuni is the typical Maldivian breakfast as this important meal is not complete without Mashuni. Made using canned tuna produced in the Maldives, tuna, onion and chilli are finely chopped and combined with grated coconut. Zest of a lime or two is added based on the quantity for flavour and seasoned with salt. Some chefs may also add boiled sponge gourd or thora fish for enhanced taste This breakfast dish is served with Maldivian flatbread roshi. The combination of Mashuni and Roshi are irresistible favourites at breakfast and is a unique part of dining in Maldives.
There is an array of delicious beverages to be savoured on these islands which are christened with alluring names. Coconut Kiss is a mocktail with the juice of orange and pineapple blended with coconut cream, the blissful goodness is appreciated by many guests at Embudu Village, Maldivian Sunset is a mix of grenadine, orange juice and tequila carrying a slight punch, whilst Maldivian Lady is a mix of white rum and apricot brandy with grenadine and pineapple juice. The tropical sweetness of the fresh fruits combined with a dash of liquors or liqueurs makes heavenly beverages. These are only a handful of the beverages offered at various parts of the archipelago.
Also called sago pudding this is a favourite Maldivian dessert enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Taste it once and you will be hooked by its creamy goodness and awesome taste. Snowy white pearls of sago are warmed with creamy coconut milk with lashings of cardamom and rose essence until it becomes thick in consistency and laced with condensed milk. Served with chopped tropical fruits or dried fruit with shavings of roasted cashew, this is a delightful dessert.
This a thick and creamy Maldivian Fish Curry made using chunks of diced tuna, with chillies, onions, cinnamon and other spices such as pepper, turmeric, fennel, hot peppers, cumin etc and cooked with coconut milk on a slow fire for all the spices to be absorbed and till the gravy becomes thicker and full of flavour. Not only locals but many visitors to the Maldives relish Mas Riha which is consumed with steamed rice of Roshi, the Maldivian flatbread for lunch and even dinner.
Quite similar to the samosas from India, Pakistan, Indonesia etc. this is a crusty and light pastry filled with different succulent fillings such as shredded cabbage, tuna and egg or spicy vegetables with potato or minced meat and potato according to the chef’s creativity. Either baked or deep fried this is a light snack or can be a part of a meal with a suitable sauce or dip.
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