5 Must-Try Dishes in Maldives

This is the most popular breakfast dish in the Maldives and for a good reason. Mas Huni is a simple but tasty mixture of shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, onion, chilli, and lime. It is usually eaten with roshi, a thin flatbread like chapati, and a cup of black tea. This dish offers a great way to start one’s day and the complete meal is also very filling and will keep you energised for your activities. Mas Huni is widely available in local restaurants, guesthouses, and some resorts, and you can even make it yourself with fresh ingredients once back home!

If you have a sweet tooth, you will love Kiru Bokiba, a traditional Maldivian cake made with rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom. Baked in a tray and cut into square-shaped pieces, the cake has a soft and moist texture as well as a rich and fragrant flavour. It is often served as a snack or dessert and can be found in local cafes and bakeries; the perfect accompaniment to this cake would be a cup of tea or coffee, especially in the afternoon. Suffice it to say, it is a delicacy that will melt in your mouth and make you crave more!  

No trip here is complete without trying some of the country’s mouthwatering curries. Maldivian curries are usually made with coconut milk, curry leaves, and a variety of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, chilli, and ginger. You can choose from different types of curries, be it with fish, chicken or different vegetables including eggplant and pumpkin. The curries are generally served with rice or roshi and provide a great way to experience the diversity and richness of Maldivian culture and cuisine. Of course, there are plenty more local culinary delights to try and resorts like SAii Lagoon Maldives are ideal for those looking for foodie adventures.

A quintessential dish to try for those in search of the best food in Maldives, Garudhiya is a clear fish broth / soup made with tuna, water, salt, and sometimes a few slices of onion and chilli. The soup is boiled until the fish is cooked and the broth is flavourful. Once done, it is served with roshi or rice, lime, chilli, and fried onions. It is a simple but satisfying dish that showcases the freshness and quality of Maldivian tuna, while also offering health benefits since it is low in fat and features omega-3 fatty acids thanks to the fish.

If you are looking for a crunchy and savoury snack, you can try fried yams, a common street food in Maldives. Interestingly, yams are amongst the few root vegetables that are grown in this nation. To prepare this snack, the yams are peeled, sliced, and deep-fried until golden and crisp. They are then sprinkled with salt and chilli powder and served hot. They are a great accompaniment to tea or coffee, or to enjoy on the go and may even become an option you favour over traditional potato chips!