The Maldives isn’t just about breathtaking beaches and overwater bungalows; it’s a culinary paradise waiting to be explored. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to aromatic curries infused with local spices, the Maldivian food scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors. This bucket list features 20 must-try dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more long after you’ve left the azure waters.
Mas Huni: A Maldivian Breakfast Staple
Start your day the Maldivian way with Mas Huni, a traditional breakfast dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Imagine flaked tuna, mixed with grated coconut, finely chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime. It’s typically eaten with roshi – a thin, unleavened flatbread, akin to Indian roti. The combination of the savory tuna, the sweetness of the coconut, and the tanginess of the lime creates a delightful explosion of flavours in your mouth. You can find Mas Huni at almost any local café or guesthouse on inhabited islands. Expect to pay around MVR 30-50 (USD 2-3) for a generous serving. Pro Tip: Ask for some chopped chillies to add a spicy kick to your Mas Huni if you enjoy the heat!
Garudhiya: A Simple Yet Soulful Fish Soup
Garudhiya is perhaps the most ubiquitous dish in the Maldives, a testament to its simplicity and comforting qualities. This clear fish broth is made with tuna (usually skipjack), water, and salt. Sometimes, it includes onions, chillies, and curry leaves for added flavour. While seemingly basic, the freshness of the tuna is key to a good Garudhiya. It’s often served with rice, lime, and chillies for you to customize the taste to your preference. You can try garudhiya at local restaurants, and it is frequently offered as part of meal packages at resorts. The cost is typically between MVR 50-80 (USD 3-5). Experience: Don’t be afraid to squeeze a generous amount of lime juice to brighten the flavor. It makes all the difference!
Fihunu Mas: Grilled Fish, Maldivian Style
Fihunu Mas translates to “grilled fish” in Dhivehi (the Maldivian language); it is a must-try for seafood lovers. The fish, typically tuna, reef fish, or barracuda, is marinated in a blend of spices, including chilli powder, garlic, ginger, and curry powder, then grilled to perfection over hot coals. The result is a smoky, flavourful fish with a slightly crispy skin. It’s usually served with rice, salad, and a side of chilli paste. Many local restaurants offer Fihunu Mas, and you’ll often find it on the menu at resort restaurants as well. Prices vary depending on the type of fish used, but expect to pay around MVR 150-300 (USD 10-20) for a sizable portion. Recommendation: Find a local restaurant grilling fresh fish in the evening for the most authentic experience. The smoky aroma alone is worth the trip. Consider a side of sweet tamarind chutney to cut through the richness.
Boshi Mashuni: A Crunchy and Zesty Salad
For a refreshing and light option, try Boshi Mashuni, a salad made from shredded banana flower (boshi), grated coconut, lime juice, onions, and chillies. The banana flower has a slightly bitter taste that is balanced by the sweetness of the coconut and the acidity of the lime. It’s a popular side dish and is often served with rice and grilled fish. This salad is fairly common to see at local eateries. It is also possible to request the preparation of Boshi Mashuni at many small guesthouses found in local islands. Expect to pay MVR 40-60 (USD 3-4) for a generous portion. Tip: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to find a place that makes it to order.
Havaadhu Bis: A Spicy Tuna Curry
Havaadhu Bis is a rich and flavorful tuna curry that showcases the Maldivian love for spices. The curry is made with tuna, coconut milk, a blend of local spices (known as Havaadhu), onions, garlic, ginger, and chillies. The combination of spices creates a complex and aromatic flavour profile. It’s typically served with rice or roshi. You can find Havaadhu Bis at many local restaurants and guesthouses, particularly in the islands known for their spice production. The cost is typically between MVR 80-120 (USD 5-8). Practical Example: Try Havaadhu Bis at a restaurant on Addu Atoll for a truly authentic experience; this region is known for its spice cultivation.
Kulhi Mas: A Fiery Tuna Snack
Kulhi Mas is a spicy tuna dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. The tuna is cooked with a blend of spices, including chillies, garlic, ginger, and turmeric, until it is dry and flaky. It’s often served with roshi or rice and a side of vegetables. The heat level can vary, so be sure to ask about the spice level before ordering. Kulhi Mas is available at most local cafes and restaurants, with prices ranging from MVR 60-90 (USD 4-6). Insight: Order it with a side of cooling yogurt (like lassi) to temper the spice if you’re sensitive to heat.
Gulha: Savory Coconut Dumplings
Gulha are small, deep-fried dumplings filled with a mixture of smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions, chillies, and spices. They are a popular snack or appetizer and are often served during tea time. The crispy exterior gives way to a soft, flavourful filling. Gulha can be found at local cafes (known as “hedhikaa” shops) and are often sold by street vendors. You can buy them individually for around MVR 5-10 (USD 0.30-0.60) each. Tip: Look for Gulha that are freshly fried – they’re best enjoyed hot and crispy.
Bajiya: Spicy Vegetable Fritters
Bajiya are small, triangular-shaped fritters filled with a mixture of vegetables, lentils, and spices. They are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy and are a popular snack, especially during Ramadan. Bajiya are typically sold at local cafes and street food stalls, and cost around MVR 5-10 (USD 0.30-0.60) each. Recommendation: Pair your Bajiya with a spicy chilli sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy them as a quick bite while exploring local islands.
Keemia: Fish Rolls
Keemia are long, slender rolls filled with a mixture of fish, onions, ginger, garlic, and spices. The filling is wrapped in a thin pastry and deep-fried until golden brown. Keemia are a popular snack or appetizer and are often served with tea. You can find them at local cafes and street vendors for around MVR 10-15 (USD 0.60-1) each. Practical example: Many cafes offer Keemia alongside other short eats, making it convenient to try a variety of local snacks.
Bis Keemiya: A Flaky Pastry with Tuna
Bis Keemiya is a flaky pastry filled with tuna, hard-boiled egg, and thinly sliced onions. It’s seasoned with curry powder and a touch of chili. This savoury treat is baked until golden brown and perfect as a snack or light meal. It’s akin to a tuna pot pie, Maldivian style! This is another very common snack for locals and tourists alike and readily available at local shops and restaurants, with an approximate price around MVR 15-20. Experience: Find a local bakery that specializes in baked goods for the freshest Bis Keemiya.
Saagu Bondibai: Sago Pudding
Saagu Bondibai is a creamy and sweet sago pudding made with sago pearls, coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom. It’s a popular dessert in the Maldives and is often served during special occasions. You can usually find it at local restaurants that serve Maldivian cuisine, or inquire at your guesthouse for a homemade version. Expect to pay around MVR 50-70 (USD 3-5) for a serving. Tip: Try eating it chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
Bondi: Sweet Coconut Sticks
Bondi are sweet coconut sticks made from grated coconut, sugar, and pandan leaves. The mixture is cooked until it thickens and then shaped into small sticks. They are a popular sweet treat and can be found at local shops and markets, costing around MVR 20-30 (USD 1-2) for a small bag. Practical Example: These are perfect for a quick and easy snack while exploring the islands or as a souvenir to take home.
Aluva: A Sweet and Chewy Treat
Aluva is a traditional Maldivian sweet made from flour, sugar, and coconut oil. It’s similar to fudge, but with a unique chewy texture. It’s often flavored with cardamom or rosewater. Found in local markets and shops, it makes a great little gift to bring home, often costing about MVR 40-60 (USD 3-4) . Recommendation: Seek out Aluva that is freshly made; it should be soft and melt in your mouth.
Dhonkeyo Kajuru: Fried Banana in Coconut Batter
Dhonkeyo Kajuru are slices of ripe banana coated in a sweet coconut batter and deep-fried until golden brown. They are a popular snack or dessert and can be found at local cafes and markets. These are usually inexpensive snacks at about MVR 10-15 (USD 0.60-1) each. Insight: These are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the fryer. The sweet banana and crispy batter make for a delightful combination.
Breadfruit Curry: A Vegetarian Delight
While the Maldives is famed for its seafood, breadfruit curry offers a delicious vegetarian option. The breadfruit is cooked in a creamy coconut milk-based curry with spices, onions, and chilies. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that showcases the versatility of local ingredients. Many local restaurants offer breadfruit curry. If you have any special dietary requirements, you can check in advance if there is a vegetarian version available, usually for about MVR 70-100 (USD 5-7). Tip: The texture of breadfruit can vary, so try it prepared in different ways (fried, boiled, or curried) to find your favorite.
Lobster and Other Seafood
The Maldives is renowned for its fresh seafood, and lobster is a must-try if it’s within your budget. Grilled lobster, lobster thermidor, or lobster curry are popular choices. Many resorts offer lobster as part of their dinner buffets or in their à la carte restaurants. Prices can vary widely depending on the resort and the size of the lobster, but expect to pay upwards of MVR 500 (USD 30+) per serving. Aside from lobster, be sure to try other fresh catches like reef fish, tuna, and prawns. Experience: Consider a romantic beach dinner with grilled lobster under the stars for a truly unforgettable experience.
Reef Fish Curry
Reef fish curry is prepared similarly to Tuna curry. However, depending on the variety of reef fish used. The flavors vary. Typically, the spicier curries are the way to go with reef fish. The reef fish in a curry makes it tastier compared to just grilling or frying the fish. It is also very common to see alongside local dishes, such as roshi, for a reasonable price of MVR 70-100 (USD 5-7). Recommendation: Don’t be afraid to ask the locals what is the best fish for curry. They are sure to know this the most.
Theluli Mas
Theluli Mas, or fried fish, is a staple in Maldivian cuisine, renowned for its simplicity and delightful flavors that highlight the freshness of the sea. This dish typically features locally caught reef fish, expertly seasoned with a blend of spices such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili powder. The seasoned fish is then lightly coated in flour or semolina to achieve a crispy texture before being fried to golden perfection. The spice mix and the freshness of the fish lends together to create a great piece of fish, often served with a side of rice. The fish is usually served alongside a squeeze of lime and chili sauce that balances the deep fried flavor quite well for around MVR 100 (USD 6). Practical Example: Pairing the Theluli Mas with a simple vegetable curry adds a nutritious component to the meal, making it a balanced and satisfying choice.
Drinks: Raa and Sai
Don’t only consider the food, the drinks are quite good as well! Raa is a sweet, toddy-like drink that is tapped from palm trees. It’s a traditional Maldivian beverage, best enjoyed fresh. Finding it can be tricky as it’s not commercially produced everywhere, so ask around at local islands. Sai is just tea, though quite common among any occasion in Maldives! Whether its a quick getaway or lunch, the chances are that you will be offered a cup of tea with your meal. It costs very little to purchase tea, and is available almost everywhere across the country!
FAQ Section
What is the spiciest dish in the Maldives?
Kulhi Mas tends to be one of the spicier dishes, but the heat level can vary. Always ask about the spice level before ordering and don’t be afraid to request a milder version!
Are there many vegetarian options in the Maldives?
While seafood dominates Maldivian cuisine, vegetarian options are available, especially in resorts and larger restaurants. Look for dishes like breadfruit curry, vegetable curries, and Boshi Mashuni. Always inquire about vegetarian options if they are not explicitly listed on the menu.
Where is the best place to try authentic Maldivian food?
Local islands are the best place to experience authentic Maldivian cuisine. Look for local restaurants, guesthouses, and hedhikaa shops. Engaging in conversations with locals can lead you to hidden culinary gems and family-run eateries.
How much should I budget for food in the Maldives?
Food costs can vary widely depending on whether you are staying at a resort or exploring local islands. Resorts tend to be more expensive, while eating at local restaurants is much more affordable. Budget accordingly based on your travel style.
Is it safe to eat street food in the Maldives?
Generally, street food in the Maldives is safe to eat, but it’s always wise to exercise caution. Choose stalls that appear clean and have a high turnover of customers. Trust your instincts and avoid food that looks like it’s been sitting out for too long.
What’s a common staple in the Maldives?
Tuna is a very common fish used in most dishees. As its a fish so commonly found in the islands. Its usage can also be seen in several local dishes such as Mas Huni.
References
While direct references for specific dishes (recipes) were avoided, general information on Maldivian cuisine can be found on travel blogs and websites dedicated to Maldivian culture. For information on the Maldivian economy and tourism statistics, refer to official reports from the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Ministry of Tourism.
Ready to embark on a culinary adventure in the Maldives? Don’t just settle for the stunning scenery – dive headfirst into the vibrant flavors of Maldivian cuisine. This bucket list is your passport to an unforgettable gastronomic experience. So, grab your fork (or your fingers, as the locals do), be open to new tastes, and prepare to be amazed by the delightful culinary secrets the Maldives has to offer. What are you waiting for? Your taste buds will thank you!
