Joanna James
Being surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the cluster of islands in the archipelago of the Maldives is rich in seafood. Complement this with the staples of rice and bread, the ubiquitous coconut and the rich flavours from neighbouring India and Sri Lanka, the Dhivehi cuisine is one worth relishing.
Being surrounded by the sea, fish is almost a staple, and this traditional fish soup is one prepared for special occasions with the recipe passed on from generation to generation. This soup is a sublime culmination of fish cut into cubes (usually tuna), mixed with salt, onions, garlic, and ginger along with spices and herbs and cooked with water and allowed to simmer till it gets thick. Try a dish of Garudhiya with steamed rice or bread relished by visitors at many of the best villas in Maldives.
Coconut grows in the Maldives and with the influence of South Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka, the Dhivehi cuisine includes coconut in different forms. Try Mas Huni made with shredded tuna mixed with grated coconut and chopped onion and with a sprinkling of lime, eaten with the local bread roshi this is a favourite breakfast item at resorts like Summer Island Maldives.
Eaten throughout the islands, these tiny Katlas can be addictive as they are small. Crisp on the outside and soft and tasty inside. Mashed potato and tuna are mixed well and seasoned before making little balls. Thereafter they are dipped in a beaten egg and bread crumbed before being deep fried.
Add a green variation to the dishes using a salad like Boshi Bashuni made using thinly cut banana flowers with a spice mix of curry leaves, cumin, grated coconut and fresh chilli.
Although Maldivian food is simple and tasty the enticing aromas are heavenly like in the local dessert Saaguu Bondibai. Sago pearls are cooked in coconut milk with pandan leaves and cardamoms and sweetened with condensed milk.
Fish curry is a favourite dish in the Maldives, using different varieties of fish and eaten with bread or rice. This curry is made with a mix of spices like chilli, turmeric, pepper, ginger, and garlic used as a paste. Marinade the fish in the paste and cook using coconut milk. A flavourful and filling meal.
Masroshi is a popular snack used by locals and visitors. Some may even enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This roti is filled with flaked tuna and grated coconut well mixed and cooked using a handful of spices like curry leaves, pandan, garlic and onion and cooked on a griddle.
This is a chicken curry using a dry roasted mixed spice cooked with marinated pieces of chicken. Spices include pepper, chilli, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, onion, garlic, ginger, cardamoms, and turmeric whilst the marinade uses lime, salt and pepper. The well-coated chicken is simmered with sauteed onions, pandan and curry leaves, an aromatic and tasty dish eaten with rice or bread.
An enticing pastry stuffed with a mixture of smoked Maldive Fish or tuna combined with grated coconut and chopped onions. These are seen all over the Maldives in cafes and shops.
Maldives offers plant-based dishes using coconut milk such as tharukaaree riha with beans, carrots, sweet potato, and pumpkin cooked in coconut milk with a mix of aromatic spices.
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.
