How to Explore the Best of Maldives Cuisine at Luxury Resorts – Must-Try Dishes and Experiences for Any Foodie!

More than just turquoise waters, powdery white beaches, and the ultimate in luxury holidaying, the Maldives is also a place where island flavours come alive. Beyond its postcard-perfect views, luxury resorts in the Maldives invite its guests to embark on a culinary journey that is rooted in heritage and creativity. This guide explores how one can truly savour the best of Maldivian cuisine while enjoying world-class hospitality. 

1. Savouring Traditional Maldivian Dishes

At many luxury resorts, chefs draw inspiration from the Maldives’ fishing heritage and island lifestyle to craft dishes that honour tradition while elevating presentation. Classic meals such as mas huni, a breakfast dish of tuna, coconut, onion, and chillie served with warm flatbread, often appear on resort menus with subtle refinements. Some resorts may add freshly baked artisanal roshi or pair it with tropical fruit juices for a refreshing balance.

Signature curries such as rihaakuru, which is a thick, flavourful tuna-based paste, are reimagined into fine dining experiences. Guests may find that the five-star resort they are staying in, might serve it alongside coconut-infused rice and locally grown vegetables sourced from their own island gardens. This ensures that Maldivian flavours are introduced to international palates in a delicate but meaningful manner. 

2. Immersive Dining Experiences Beyond the Plate 

Luxury resorts in the Maldives have perfected the art of pairing culinary excellence with unforgettable backdrops. Guests can dine in an underwater restaurant, surrounded by colourful marine life as they indulge in courses of Maldivian lobster or reef fish carpaccio. 

For a more intimate experience, many resorts offer sandbank dinners – perfect for honeymooners – where a private chef prepares a meal under the stars on a secluded patch of sand. When it comes to romantic dining, Maldives resorts go above and beyond to create a scenic and unique experience for guests, with one such property being the OBLU SELECT Lobigili. 

3. Dining on Freshly Sourced Seafood

The Maldives’ oceans are teeming with all sorts of marine life, and luxury resorts make the most of this by curating sea-to-table dining experiences. Fresh tuna, reef fish, lobster, and prawns often arrive directly from nearby fishermen, ensuring that every bite is fresh and flavourful. 

Many resorts are known for their commitment to sourcing locally and sustainably. Guests may be invited to witness the daily fish market or even participate in choosing seafood for their evening meal. 

4. Experiencing Global Flavours in an Island Setting 

While Maldivian flavours shine, luxury resorts also cater to international palates, often combining global influences with local ingredients. Guests may find Japanese sushi prepared with a Maldivian twist involving freshly caught tuna rolled with tropical fruits. 

At high-end resorts, guests can enjoy themed dining nights, with each night featuring a different cuisine. This variety allows guests to experience the Maldives’ cultural crossroads, as the islands historically absorbed influences from Arab, Indian, and Southeast Asian traders. 

5. Learning Through Cooking Classes and Local Market Tours 

For those who want to go a little deeper, luxury resorts often organise cooking classes led by Maldivian chefs. Guests can learn how to prepare dishes like garudiya, a traditional fish soup, or discover how coconuts are grated and used to make creamy and delicious curries. These hands-on sessions allow guests to learn the necessary skills to recreate flavours of the Maldives long after they have gone back home. 

Some resorts even arrange excursions to nearby islands, where visitors can explore local markets and see how Maldivian communities source and use ingredients. Meeting fishermen, tasting freshly made snacks like bondibaiy (sweet rice pudding), and chatting with locals provide visitors with an enriching cultural connection and a chance for them to appreciate the local flavours a bit more.