Savoring Sweet Paradise - Exploring Maldivian Desserts

Bondibai, a sweet and sticky rice pudding made with coconut and condensed milk, is a beloved traditional dish enjoyed on celebratory occasions in the Maldives and can easily be found in the menus of Maldives all-inclusive resorts such as the renowned Kuramathi Maldives. Its distinct flavour is achieved through the addition of cardamom, cinnamon, and pandan leaves. Locals typically use a ratio of 2 cups of sugar to every 1 cup of rice when making Bondibai. For a sweet and spicy twist, Maldivians often pair it with chilli tuna. While there are many variations of the dish, three options, in particular, are highly popular among the Maldivian population.

If you're looking for a delicious and unique sweet snack, look no further than Zileybi (also known as Jilebi). This delectable treat is a popular dessert in the Maldives and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. To make Zileybi, start by preparing a batter with all-purpose flour, baking powder, vanilla essence, cinnamon, pandan leaves, and cardamoms. Then, use a piping cone to pour the thick paste into hot oil, creating the signature spiral shape that sets Zileybi apart from other Maldivian sweets. Once the spirals are crispy and golden, they are soaked in a thick, sugary syrup that makes them irresistibly sweet and sticky. Whether you're a fan of traditional Maldivian cuisine or simply looking for something new and delicious to try, Zileybi is a must-try dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Addu Bon’di, a delicious local confection, hails from the Addu atoll in the southern part of Maldives. This appetizer, resembling a brown cylindrical candy, is made of scraped coconut, jaggery, coconut syrup, and dried banana leaves. The presence of jasmine and huvandhumaa extracts adds an irresistible aroma to this popular snack. To serve, simply cut it into multiple pieces. However, before indulging in this Maldivian delight, you must first peel off the banana leaf cover to reveal its cigar-like shape.

Naroh Falidha is a unique Maldivian delicacy that you don't want to miss! Made with a blend of jasmine water, coconut honey, palm toddy (dhiyaa hakuru), and breadfruit, this dessert is shaped like a doughnut and is also known as the Maldivian Donut. Despite its delicious flavour, Naroh Falidha is not widely known among locals and is often overlooked. So, if you happen to come across it, be sure to try this rare and delightful treat!to come across it.

Pirini, a popular Maldivian dessert similar to the Indian sweet Kheer, is made with rice and condensed milk. To prepare it, grind rice into a coarse powder and add it to a pan with water, sugar, and pandan leaves. Once cooked, add condensed milk and vanilla essence, then transfer the mixture to a tray and sprinkle cinnamon and cardamom powder. Locals often enjoy this dish on Fridays and sometimes use semolina instead of rice for a quick snack. Berabo Pirini is a regional version that features grated pumpkins. For the best taste, refrigerate Pirini overnight before serving.