Joanna James
The Maldives, an Indian Ocean nation, has a remarkable dining scene that foodies fall in love with. These are some of the must-try Maldivian dishes for a vacation that's complete.
A traditional fish soup loved in the Maldives, Garudhiya is a simple dish. It’s made by boiling tuna in salted water until the fish is completely cooked. The basic recipe includes only salt and fish, but flavour-craving locals like to add a bit of chilli, curry leaves, and onions for a more robust flavour. Garudhiya is usually served with freshly cooked rice, accompanied by a wedge of lemon, chopped onions, and chilli. Some also add a bit of coconut to the soup to give it some body. It’s made with fresh fish, so it’s healthy and full of protein. During your time in the Maldives, be sure to give it a try.
Another simple yet delicious Maldivian dish you must try is Mas Huni. It’s typically eaten for breakfast, but you can have it any time of the day. It’s made by mixing tuna, coconut, onion, and chilli – both fresh tuna and canned ones work. Some people also add a squeeze of lemon to give it a burst of extra flavour. Maldivians like to eat Mas Huni with roshi, which is a type of flatbread. Locals scoop up Mas Huni with pieces of roshi, followed by a cup of tea. It’s a great way to start the day. Where can you try it? It isn’t exactly a restaurant special, but depending on the resort you’re staying at, you should be able to try it. Some of the Maldives restaurants do offer local flavours as well as international dishes. Restaurants featured by SO Maldives, for example, are often creative with their food offerings.
It looks like a samosa, but it has a much softer pastry. Bis Keemiya comes with a filling of cabbage, onion, egg, and sometimes tuna. All these ingredients are put in a thick dough and fried until golden brown. It’s deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Maldivians love to have it as a tea-time snack. You can also dip it in sauce.
Another simple yet delicious Maldivian delight, fried yams are a must-try. They’re made by slicing yams into thin pieces and then frying them until crispy and golden brown. Some places serve thicker wedges. Fried yams are served with a bit of salt on top, and there’s sometimes a side of sauce as well.
A delicious Maldivian dessert, Saagu Bondibai is made with sago pearls, coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom. First, sago pearls need to be boiled until they become soft and translucent. Then, coconut milk and sugar are added to make a creamy pudding. A little cardamom is also added for a warm flavour. It’s smooth, rich, and has a slightly chewy texture. Saagu Bondibai is served both warm and chilled. You can have it any time you want, but in the Maldives, it’s a special food enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. It’s absolutely delicious and known to cool down your body.
Maldivian Lady: It’s a tropical cocktail you’d gulp down in a moment. It’s fresh, fruity, and aromatic. Made with white rum, apricot brandy, grenadine, orange juice, and pineapple juice, Maldivian Lady is sweet and refreshing and the ideal drink for the Maldivian weather. You can enjoy it on a warm evening while relaxing on the deck and enjoying the ocean breeze.
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.
