8 Must-Try Traditional Dishes of the Maldives - Dive into the Flavours of Paradise

These crispy dumplings are a favourite among locals and expats. They're filled with grated coconut, tuna, onions, and chillies, and deep-fried to perfection. The dough can be made from rice or wheat flour and is often spiced up with curry leaves, turmeric, and lime juice. Enjoy them as a snack with tea or coffee.

This is a popular dessert, especially during celebrations. Made with sago, coconut milk, condensed milk, and cardamom, it has a creamy texture and a hint of rose water. It's the perfect treat to cool off after exploring Male.

Mugu Riha, also called lentil soup, is a beloved side dish among the people of the Maldives. This tasty dish mainly consists of lentils and coconut milk. To make it, you add various ingredients like carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and curry leaves, as well as a mix of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric. You can enjoy Mugu Riha hot, and it goes great with rice or flatbread. If you're a vegetarian visiting the Maldives, this is a must-try dish.

This aromatic fish paste is a staple in every Maldivian kitchen. It's a by-product of tuna processing and is used in various dishes. Some versions are spiced up with chillies, curry leaves, and onions, and it's often enjoyed with rice or chapatti.

Garudhiya is a comforting fish soup made with fresh tuna, curry leaves, garlic, chilli, and onions. It's a beloved dish among Maldivians. You can specially request this dish while dining at a restaurant in Maldives. 

These crispy fish cutlets are a common snack in the Maldives, found in hotel buffets and Maldives restaurants. They make for a perfect afternoon treat. With a golden-brown crust and a flavourful filling of mashed fish, potatoes, and aromatic spices, these cutlets are a delightful blend of textures and flavours that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Don't forget to dip them in a tangy, homemade chilli sauce for that extra zing!

A traditional Maldivian breakfast dish, Mas Huni is a fresh sambal made with smoked tuna, grated coconut, chillies, and onions. Some versions also include Moringa pods for added nutrition. It's typically enjoyed with rice or flatbread. The vibrant medley of flavours in Mas Huni, with the smokiness of the tuna, the creaminess of coconut, and the heat of the chillies, is a culinary awakening for your senses. It's a perfect way to start your day with a burst of Maldivian energy and a taste of the local culture.

Often called the Maldivian samosa, Bis Keemiya is a pastry filled with shredded cabbage, hard-boiled eggs, and onions. It's a light and delightful snack, commonly sold by street food vendors in Male. Don't forget to treat your taste buds to this delicious snack while enjoying a fine tropical getaway at a property such as Atmosphere Kanifushi.