Joanna James
With its immaculate beaches and crystal-clear oceans, the Maldives is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty. But this island paradise also has a rich culinary history that is worth experiencing! Maldivian food is a delicious blend of flavours influenced by its position in the Indian Ocean and centuries of trade. It includes everything from aromatic curries to fresh seafood.
The key ingredient of Mas Riha, the creamy, coconut-based national cuisine, is tuna from the plentiful local waters, which honours the Maldives' maritime history. With each delicious bite of this fragrant fish curry, which is served with crispy pappadums and steamed rice, guests are transported to the dreamy islands by the harmonic fusion of flavours.
A must-try mainstay of Maldivian cooking is gulha, a soupy fish stew made with tuna or red snapper. Its thick coconut milk base and aromatic spice blend produce a nourishing and incredibly fulfilling broth. Gulping down the tasty gulha is like receiving a warm hug from the tropical islands themselves!
Addictive Maldivian fritters known as baajiya are a veritable feast of tropical flavours. From sweet coconut and banana treats to robust tuna variants, these crispy morsels offer the ideal texture balance. With each bite, the flavour bursts from the rich, island-inspired marinade beneath the light, crispy surface.
Savour the Maldives' speciality of grilled fish, fihunu mas, which comes with a hint of smokey flavour. Every bite is a celebration of the fresh seafood bounty of the islands, accentuated by the irresistible aroma of the grill, whether you're enjoying the rich flavours of grilled tuna, juicy reef fish, or succulent lobster!
Savour the delicious bis keemiya, a Maldivian pastry packed with fish. A burst of flavour is present in every bite of these crunchy morsels filled with delicate fish, coconut, and spicy spices. With its mouthwatering blend of flavours and textures, bis keemiya, a popular snack in the area, excellently fulfils appetites.
Maldivian smoked tuna fish cakes, or Kulhi Boakibaa, are a delicious combination of flavours and textures. These golden fried patties, a favourite appetiser or snack, are made with rice flour, grated coconut, and the highly sought-after smoked tuna from the islands. Each bite offers a tantalising taste of the Maldives' culinary legacy—crisp on the outside and tender within.
Enjoy bondibai, the delicious rice pudding of the Maldives, to satisfy your sweet cravings! Warm spices like cardamom and rose water add a romantic touch to each spoonful of creamy coconut milk that tastes comfortingly tropical. You'll be hankering after more of this rich dessert's fragrant, sugary flavours.
The thick and fragrant fish paste known as rihaakuru is a staple of Maldivian cooking. This concentrated umami bomb is used as a seasoning or condiment in stews, curries, and other meals to impart amazing depth and richness—Savour the nuanced flavours of rihaakuru, which capture the maritime traditions of the islands in each bite.
All this mouthwatering cuisine can be sampled at local eateries across the island, and even in some of the Maldives best hotels and resorts. Many hotels and resorts, such as Adaaran Resorts, will provide you with cooking classes as well, so you can create the Maldivian magic that is their cuisine, on your own!
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.
