Joanna James
Maldivian cuisine draws inspiration from the flavours of its neighbouring countries, particularly India and Sri Lanka. Fish and coconut too play a major role in Maldivian cuisine. Try these 10 dishes that define Maldivian cuisine during your next trip there.
Fish is the most important staple in this island nation and tuna is especially popular in most dishes. Mas Huni is often considered the national dish of the Maldives. This delicious delicacy comprises finely shredded tuna, coconut, onion, chilli, and lemon. It is eaten mostly with roshi, a flatbread resembling a chapati.
This traditional soup is a must-try for everyone who visits the Maldives. A fragrant broth that is a favourite among Maldivians and tourists, is made using a range of spices and herbs with fish, mainly tuna or swordfish. This exotic dish has been passed down through generations and is often served with rice, lemon slices, onion, and chilli.
Since the nation is surrounded by water, fish is one ingredient that plays a key role in many of the dishes connected to Maldivian cuisine. Walk into any restaurant in the Maldives and you will have a selection of seafood items, especially dishes made up of a variety of fish, available on the menu. The basic fish curry served almost everywhere is creamy as well as spicy. It is often paired with plain rice but can also be served with Maldivian flatbread, paratha, bread, and naan.
Resembling the Indian samosa or the Chinese spring roll, Bis Keemiya is a pastry with a filling that includes fish, onion, hardboiled eggs, and sauteed shredded cabbages. Bis Keemiya is also referred to as the Maldivian egg roll in versions where fish is omitted from the filling.
Maldivian Live Lobster is a dish that is synonymous with this island nation. The difference lies in the methods that are adopted in preparing the dish. Those who are staying at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi can relish this delicacy at the Copper Pot Food Truck available at the property.
Imagine crunchy shredded banana flowers mixed with coconut, turmeric, lime, onion, curry leaves, and spices. This healthy dish is perfect for breakfast along with Maldivian flatbread roshi and an aromatic cup of tea.
Sago is another ingredient that is frequently used in Maldivian cooking. This vegetarian pudding is a blend of sago, coconut milk, condensed milk, rose essence, and cardamom. This sweet and creamy delicacy is a dish you won't want to miss.
This popular delicacy comes with mint chutney, papaya, cucumber, and coconut. It is a bite-able goodie and is one of the yummiest snacks you can grab on the go.
Almost anyone would fall in love with this goodie which is a popular sweetmeat in India. Made with milk powder, flour, butter, or ghee to form a dough and deep fry in oil, these soft berry-size balls are submerged in sugar syrup later.
Aluvi Boakibaa is made using cassava and coconut and simply melts in your mouth. Loved for its extremely soft texture, this is one dessert that is at the top of anyone's list when it comes to desserts that need to be tried out during a Maldivian vacation.
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.
