Joanna James
In the Maldives, an archipelago made up of over 1,000 coral islands, fishing is the nation's main industry while not much is cultivated there. Hence, the islanders rely on a variety of seafood and local ingredients to create deliciously exotic flavours. Here are five must-try dishes in the Maldives.
Flatbread is a popular starch in the Maldives, eaten for breakfast or dinner. It's a type of roti called roshi that's made with coconut and flour, similar to the pol roti in neighbouring Sri Lanka. Roshi goes well with the delicious coconut and fish salsas the locals make, as well as seafood curry like prawns and crabs or big chunks of tuna cooked in thick coconut cream. The simple roti is even great eaten hot with a dollop of butter melting in its middle or some jam to give it a sweet kick. If you are a breakfast person and look forward to an awesome breakfast buffet when on holiday, make sure you book your accommodation at the right type of resort. There are plenty of luxury resorts in the Maldives, however, the best usually belong to international chains offering properties like Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. The top resorts are often home to the best restaurants in the Maldives so you can savour local delights, as well as satisfy your cravings whenever you miss dishes from home.
This one is ideal when paired with roshi flatbread; mas huni is a type of salsa made with flaked smoked tuna, coconut shavings, shallots, Maldive fish, chilli, and other local spices and herbs. It's packed with flavour and offers a unique umami savoury kick. The dish is highly nutritious too and will be an exotic flavour you will want to recreate back home.
With seafood as its main ingredient, most of the traditional dishes in the Maldives are healthy and delicious. Garudhiya is a type of clear fish broth made with chunks of tuna, cooked with garlic, onions, curry leaves, and other spices. It's very flavoursome and is often eaten for breakfast as a wholesome start to the day. Different versions of the broth are available so you can choose from toppings of fried moringa leaves to the more exotic slices of mango that certainly add a delightful twist.
A festive snack that you can also enjoy at a tea kiosk on the capital island Mále, kulhi boakibaa is a fish cake that's made by mixing flaked smoked tuna, coconut, rice, garlic, ginger, onions, and other spices after which it's baked to form tasty cakes that pair perfectly with a steaming cup of sweet tea or coffee. There is nothing better than a plate of fishcakes, and a good beverage set up on the patio of your Maldives villa as you enjoy an evening relaxing watching the setting sun create dapples of light on the water.
Seafood certainly is a treat to experience in the Maldives, and one that stands out is the special Maldivian lobster dish, cooked fresh as you watch. A speciality at the top resort restaurants in the Maldives, the lobster is cooked on the spot, to retain its fresh flavour, and is served with a dash of lime and butter to allow your tastebuds to savour the unique flavours of the lobster meat.
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.
