Joanna James
Shaped by the islands’ distinct culture coupled with its geographical location, the culinary scene in the Maldives represents an alluring repertoire of dishes and flavours well worth experiencing.
If you wish to begin your holiday in the Maldives with a burst of flavours and that too at the start of a brand new day, then look no further than the popular presentation of Mashuni. Doused in layers of freshness and spiciness, Mashuni is a combination of creamy coconut, smoked tuna, and the tanginess of lime and completed with a dash of chilli that certainly does cap off a truly mouth-watering affair. Complete this breakfast favourite by choosing from chapatti roti or fresh roshi which will come off as the perfect introduction to the culinary pleasures that lie ahead for the foodie at heart.
Should you have a soft spot for fish and broth, then a piping hot bowl of Garudhiya ought to do the trick for you in terms of setting the tone for the day ahead. Few dishes in the Maldives rival the pungent aromas and usage of spices and other condiments that are a hallmark of Garudhiya which is recognised as a traditional dish in this part of the world. Being a ‘must try’ during your travels and stays at accommodation providers in the likes of Embudu Village which is found on its resort island Maldives has to offer, Garudhiya features a good amount of ginger, garlic and curry leaves which successfully combine to enhance taste levels. What’s more? The journey doesn’t stop here as Garudhiya is often paired with a plate of steamed rice and wedges of lime that would make for quite the treat at any time of the day.
Categorised as a delicacy that boasts of finely balanced spices that warrant careful preparation long before it is served, Fihuna Mas will surely entice all you seafood fans out there. With a choice of reef fish or tuna serving as its chief ingredient, Fihuna Mas is one of the much-loved dishes in the Maldives that a visitor like you can sample. Upon choosing the type of fish, the meat is thereafter, marinated in a combination of ginger, garlic, chilli and turmeric that will certainly leave a lasting impression on your nostrils if you get too close. The final stage in its preparation involves the grilling of the fish over an open flame which results in a smoky appearance that will be too hard to overlook.
Showcasing semblances of saltiness and richness that marry the spicy nature of the dish in question, Kulhimas is renowned for its varying textures and flavours that will grow on you the more you partake of it. While tuna appears as its main highlight, diners will have the privilege of tucking into well-chopped onions, lime juice, smearing of tomato pace and a wide array of spices that come off as the base of Kulhimas.
Seen as a way to enhance and improve mealtimes in the Maldives, Rihaakuru is brought about on the back of a process of continuous boiling of the fish up until the point it depicts a thick paste. Its brown colour is unmistakable while its taste is unique and unquestionable and in short, a ‘go to’ whenever the time is ripe for a snack or complete meal.
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.
