Top 10: Must-Try Dishes In The Maldives
The Maldives isn't just a destination full of pristine beaches and gin-clear turquoise waters; the islands are also home to a lively culinary scene that reflects centuries of tradition.
Maldivian cuisine blends influences from India, Sri Lanka, and the Arab world, with fresh seafood and coconut taking the spotlight. Here are our top ten must-try dishes to indulge in during your luxury Maldivian vacation:
Garudhiya
This fragrant traditional fish soup is the heart of Maldivian cuisine, with locals enjoying it daily. Made with fresh tuna, water, salt, and sometimes curry leaves or lime, garudhiya is deceptively simple yet incredibly flavorful.
It's typically served with rice or roshi, lime, chili, and onions on the side. For a creamier version, kiru garudhiya incorporates coconut milk, resulting in a gentle yellow broth.
Mas Huni
Often called the national breakfast of the Maldives, mas huni combines shredded smoked tuna with grated coconut, onions, chili, and lime juice. This fresh, zesty mixture is eaten with roshi and sweetened tea. It's light and satisfying for island mornings.
Huni Roshi
Another breakfast staple that pairs perfectly with mas huni is huni roshi. Roshi is a thin, soft flatbread similar to roti or chapati. It's cooked on a griddle and has a subtle flavor that complements the bold, spicy dishes of Maldivian cuisine.
Fihunu Mas
Typically, whole reef fish or tuna is marinated in a blend of chili, garlic, ginger, and curry leaves, then grilled over an open flame to result in Fihunu Mas. The charred exterior and tender, flaky interior make this a must-try for seafood lovers.
Kulhi Boakibaa
This savory fish cake is a popular snack throughout the islands. Made from smoked tuna, rice flour, coconut, onions, and curry leaves, kulhi boakibaa is baked until golden and served in thick slices. It's perfect as an afternoon snack with tea or as part of a larger meal.
Rihaakuru
This thick, dark fish paste is pure umami. Made by boiling tuna for hours until it reduces to a concentrated paste, rihaakuru is used as a condiment or flavor enhancer. Mix it with rice, add it to curries, or simply spread it on roshi. It's an acquired taste, but absolutely worth trying.
Bis Keemiya
These triangular pastries are the Maldivian equivalent of samosas. Filled with spiced tuna, cabbage, onions, and hard-boiled eggs, then deep-fried until crispy, bis keemiya are irresistibly crunchy and flavorful. They're sold as street food and make for excellent quick bites between beach sessions.
Bajiya
Similar to Indian pakoras, bajiya are deep-fried pastries with a distinctive shape, uniquely wrapped to create a flower-like appearance. Filled with fish, onions, coconut, and curry leaves, these golden parcels are found at local cafés and are perfect for snacking.
Maldivian Fish Curry (Kukulhu Riha)
While chicken curry is also popular, the fish version showcases the islands' seafood expertise. Made with tuna or reef fish in a rich coconut milk curry with curry leaves, pandan, and spices, this dish is aromatic, creamy, and absolutely delicious with steamed rice.
Saagu Bondibai
For something sweet, try this creamy sago pudding made with tapioca pearls, coconut milk, rose water, and cardamom, then topped with nuts. It's refreshingly different from typical desserts and offers a perfect end to a spicy meal.
Taste the Maldives by Sea
From beachside banquets to private chef experiences on board, discover why the Maldives is as delicious as it is beautiful. Speak with IYC's expert consultants to design your culinary adventure today.
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Since launching in 1995, Soneva has pioneered an entirely new style of responsible luxury travel. It has shown how sustainability and indulgence can go hand-in-hand, from dedicated organic gardens and Eco Centro waste-to-wealth centres at the heart of each resort, to working with independent non-governmental organisation Soneva Namoona to eliminate single-use plastic and introduce sustainable waste management across the Maldives – run in partnership with marine plastic foundation Common Seas.
The Maldives conjures up a postcard-perfect vision of swaying palms, powder-white sands, and turquoise lagoons. This Indian Ocean archipelago truly is a tropical paradise. However, it isn't just a destination to spend days on the beach; there is plenty more on offer within the islands.
Southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean lies 1,190 islands, lush with tropical elements; this archipelago is known as the Maldives. The Republic of Maldives is a cultural melting pot due to its history and location. Barely noticeable on a world map, the splattering of its islands and atolls cover a 90,000 square km region between India, Southwest Asia, and East Africa.