Joanna James
Being an island nation, the Maldives certainly offers an array of local dishes with fresh ingredients from the sea. Furthermore, coconut and yams are also important ingredients you will come across if you opt to try Maldivian cuisine. Here are a few Maldivian dishes you just might like.
A staple breakfast in the Maldives is Mas-huni, a blend of tuna and coconut. It involves combining smoked tuna meat with a puree of onion, capsicum, lemon juice, and salt, followed by the addition of coconut pulp. Typically enjoyed with roshi bread, Mas-huni can also be baked into round, golden pies with a crust, known as Masroshi.
For enthusiasts of miso or dashi, this recipe is a must-try. Indulge in the flavorful traditional Maldivian fish soup, simmered with citrus fruits and spices. Fresh tuna is the main ingredient which adds the base flavour to the broth. The fish cubes are boiled in a flavorful mix of onions, curry leaves, garlic, and chilli, with the entire dish elevated by crispy fried onions and a squeeze of freshly extracted lime juice.
Imagine the union of a curry puff, samosa, and roll, and you'll grasp the essence of Bis Keemiya. Delicately fried, these pastries are filled with a mix of tuna, chopped cabbage, hard cheese-infused eggs, and onions, resulting in a delightful blend of flakiness and chewiness. Once again, this spicy treat highlights tuna as its main ingredient emphasising the importance of this type of fish in local cuisine. Bis Keemiya is not only effortlessly prepared but also lends itself well to diverse fillings, including vegetarian options. Widely popular when it comes to Maldivian dining at luxury resorts in the Maldives, this culinary gem is readily available for those seeking an authentic and traditional taste of the islands. It is also a great treat to have for tea time on your visit to the islands.
This is more of a healthy dish and comes somewhere between a salsa and a salad. Mas huni is prepared with blanched banana flowers, finely chopped onions, Maldivian chillies, the zest of lime and lime juice, tuna and grated coconut. All these ingredients are mixed and sometimes served with roshi or just as a salad.
Kulhi Boakibaa, a savoury tuna cake, is a testament to the Maldivian love for tuna presented in diverse forms. A fusion of tuna, coconut, rice, chilli, ginger, and garlic creates a flavorful batter baked to golden perfection. More than just a cake, Kulhi Boakibaa is a delightful snack or side dish, offering a taste of Maldivian snack culture. Grab a slice from a local bakery or café to indulge in this savoury treat.
This is one of the most loved sweet treats in the Maldives and is available on the dessert menus of many resorts like VARU by Atmosphere. Sago is a starchy pearl that is taken from the heart of the palm stalks. This is boiled in a mix of wet ingredients which include coconut milk, condensed milk and rose water. Cardamom is also added for more flavouring for the dish. It is best enjoyed as a dessert after a good meal.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
