Joanna James
The Maldives isn't just about idyllic private resorts and fun water sports; it's also a paradise for those with a sweet tooth! The local cuisine offers a yummy array of desserts that are both unique and flavourful. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with these tropical treats.
Kiru boakibaa, a traditional Maldivian milk cake, offers a true taste of the islands. The base is typically made with ground rice flour, although some variations use corn flour. Coconut milk forms the heart of this delightful dessert, infused with the warm notes of cardamom and cinnamon. For added flavour enhancement, some recipes use rosewater, while others opt for the delicate fragrance of jasmine water. Whatever option is chosen, a most yummylicious cake is what you can expect!
The use of ghee, for githeyo boakibaa, adds a rich depth of flavour to this unique cake. Ground rice, coconut milk, and sugar form the base, but the real intrigue lies in some unexpected ingredients. Sea almonds and onions, fried in ghee, add a delightful textural contrast, while a touch of cinnamon and cardamom provides a hint of spice. Jasmine water traditionally infuses the batter, although some variations use rosewater for a delightful floral note.
Saagu bondibai is a heartwarming pudding made with sago pearls; these translucent spheres are a staple in Maldivian households, derived from the sago palm. This main ingredient is simmered in coconut milk with additions such as fragrant cardamom, and delicate rosewater. Some creamy condensed milk adds a delightful touch of sweetness, making this dessert as comforting as it is delicious. It’s the perfect dessert after a day of enjoying the many captivating things to do in Maldives at private island resorts like OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and is bound to be a new dessert favourite!
This heavenly dessert is a local favourite, and for good reason! Dhandi aluvi boakibaa is a coconut and sweet cassava cake with a texture so soft it practically melts in your mouth. The combination of grated coconut, cassava, sugar, and fragrant jasmine water creates a divine combination of flavours and textures. Baked to a golden-brown perfection, this cake is a must-try for any visitor to the Maldives. During Ramadan, dhandi aluvi boakibaa takes centre stage on dessert tables, but you can find it readily available in many restaurants and cafes throughout the year.
Hailing from the southern Addu Atoll, Addu bondi is a unique local culinary creation. This heavenly treat features shredded coconut and jaggery (unrefined sugar made from palm or cane) that offers a rich sweetness, while jasmine water is also added. The mixture is then heated, moulded into cylinders, and wrapped in dried banana leaves. Peeling back the cover reveals this hidden ‘treasure’, ready to be sliced and savoured!
Dhonkeyo kajuru is a Maldivian twist on the classic fritter. These golden morsels are made with ripe bananas mashed and mixed with baking powder, grated coconut, flour, sugar, and a bit of vanilla. Shaped into balls and deep-fried until golden brown, dhonkeyo kajuru has a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey centre. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a meal, these fritters are a delightful way to experience the taste of the Maldives.
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.
