Listly by Anastasia Smith
Prepare your taste buds for a tantalising journey through the culinary delights of Maldives. Beyond its stunning beaches and azure waters lies a vibrant food scene waiting to be explored. From fragrant curries to exotic seafood delicacies, Maldivian cuisine offers a veritable feast for the senses.
Kickstart your day in this tropical paradise as locals would by enjoying some freshly made Mas Huni, a traditional breakfast dish that packs a punch of fresh flavour from the sea. Its primary ingredient is shredded tuna which is mixed with grated coconut, onions, chillies, and a dash of lime. This hearty concoction is typically enjoyed with roshi (flatbread) and hot tea. It's a simple yet perfect blend of savoury and spicy flavours that will energise you for a day of adventure ahead!
For those looking for a wholesome dish, Garudhiya is a must-try culinary creation that captures the essence of Maldivian cuisine. This fragrant broth features fresh raw tuna that is simmered to perfection with the addition of ingredients like garlic, onion, chilli, curry leaves and some lime, resulting in a light yet flavourful soup. Sometimes served with steamed rice, lime, chillies, and sliced onions on the side, Garudhiya offers a comforting and nourishing meal that reflects the island nation's coastal heritage.
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavours of curries which are a staple in local cuisine. Made with fresh seafood or tender chicken cooked in creamy coconut milk and an array of spices, these dishes are a true gastronomic delight. Whether you are savouring the robust flavours of Kandu Kukulhu (tuna curry) or the fragrant notes of Kukulhu Riha (chicken curry), each bite is a culinary journey of discovery. Of course, you also get delicious vegetable curries with varieties including pumpkin, eggplant, and unripe green banana. When dining at a restaurant in Maldives on a private island resort such as OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi, check to see if such local foodie favourites can be enjoyed as well.
For a taste of the multicultural influences in the Maldives, try Bis Keemiya, a delightful fusion of a samosa and a spring roll. Encased in a crispy pastry shell, these savoury snacks are filled with a tantalising mixture of hardboiled eggs and shredded cabbage or other vegetables that have been sauteed in various spices. You also get versions with added fish or meat which offer whole new flavours. Served hot, Bis Keemiya is the perfect snack to enjoy on the go or as a tasty appetiser before your main meal.
Sink your teeth into the crispy goodness of reef fish cutlets, a popular street food in Maldives. Made with freshly caught tuna mixed with onion, boiled potato, egg, and aromatic spices and herbs, these cutlets are coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden-brown perfection. Whether enjoyed as a quick bite accompanied by chutneys or paired with rice and salads for a more substantial meal, reef fish cutlets are sure to satisfy your cravings for crunchy seafood goodness.
Round off your culinary adventure with a sweet treat – Aluvi Boakibaa, a delectable coconut and cassava cake. Baked to perfection, this moist and indulgent cake is infused not only with coconut and cassava but sugar and jasmine flower water as well, resulting in a heavenly dessert that will leave you craving for more. Whether enjoyed with a cup of Maldivian tea or as a yummy after-dinner indulgence, Aluvi Boakibaa is a must-try for any foodie visiting the Maldives.