The Maldives are a chain of gorgeous tropical islands in the Indian Ocean and one of the world’s top tourist destinations. The Maldives aren’t just a wonderful place to enjoy the luxurious beach lifestyle, they are also home to one of the world’s most excellent and overlooked cuisines! Maldivian cuisine, which is locally called Dhivehi cuisine, is a mouth-watering fusion of South Asian influences, in particular nearby India and Sri Lanka. Considering the entire country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, it’s no surprise that seafood is in the spotlight, which together with coconut and other fresh tropical fruits and herbs makes for a truly unique and delectable way of eating.
To enter the scrumptious world of Maldivian Dhivehi cuisine simply step into a Maldives resort restaurant where you can begin your flavourful journey. If you are someone who is serious about enjoying fine food, then the Maldives is a must, although we will attempt to describe some of the island’s amazing dining experiences, you really must try it for yourself, hopefully we will inspire you to do that!
The Maldivian island chain is dotted along the equator in the north-central Indian Ocean, southeast of the Middle East and southwest of India and Sri Lanka. Because of its proximity to those regions, the island’s traditional foods share a large number of the same ingredients, spices, and flavours with the cuisine of its neighbours. Many Maldivian dishes are rice-based and include ingredients such as coconut, cardamom, cumin, curry leaves and chilli. These combine to echo the tangy, spicy, aromatic, and sweet flavour notes one would associate with dishes of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Sri Lankan origin.
Considering that the Maldives are a maritime nation completely surrounded by water, fish is naturally the main staple of the cuisine, in particular tuna. There are a variety of different tuna species endemic to the region, including frigate, little tunny, and yellow, while other varieties of fish include mahi mahi. and wahoo. Fish is commonly the main ingredient in Maldivian soups, snacks, curries, and breakfast dishes!
If this will be your first time to enjoy Maldives food, try some of these favourites to get started!
Mas Huni – This is a traditional Maldivian breakfast dish that features fresh tuna along with coconut, chilli, onion, and lime eaten on an Indian style flatbread called roshi. This hearty breakfast meal is traditionally served with a cup of hot, sweetened tea.
Garudhiya – Another traditional menu item, this is a simple, clear fish broth that features pieces of fish, and some other ingredient options to add additional flavour like lime, chilli, and onion. The locals enjoy their steaming hot Garudhiya with rice or roshi flatbread.
Fihunu Mas – This is a baked or barbecued fish that is first coated with a spicy paste made of cloves, cumin, ginger, coconut, peppercorn, chilli and salt before it is cooked to a delightfully crispy texture and makes a great finger food.
Kulhi Riha – A hearty fish curry made with smoked tuna in a coconut milk base, seasoned by pandan leaf, garlic, cumin, cloves, and chilli, then served with roti or rice.
Are you hungry yet? Come to the Maldives and bring your appetite!
