Maldivian cuisine, a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of the Indian Ocean, isn’t just about food; it’s a journey into the heart of Maldivian culture. Rooted in the islands’ unique geography and history, it blends the freshest seafood with fragrant spices, creating unforgettable flavors that tell stories of trade winds, bustling harbors, and generations of communal cooking.
The Cornerstones of Maldivian Food: What You Need to Know
Maldivian cuisine is built upon a few key ingredients that you’ll find in almost every dish. Let’s break them down:
Coconut: Think of coconut as the lifeblood of Maldivian cooking. It appears in countless forms – grated coconut for salads and stir-fries, coconut milk for curries and desserts, and coconut oil for frying and flavoring. Even the coconut palm itself is utilized for toddy, a traditional fermented beverage.
Fish: Surrounded by the bountiful Indian Ocean, it’s no surprise that fish is a staple. Tuna, reef fish, and skipjack tuna, in particular, are prevalent. You’ll find it grilled, fried, curried, smoked (“hikimas”), or even dried and used in salads.
Chilies: Maldivians love their spice! Chilies are used liberally to add a fiery kick to many dishes. Both fresh and dried chilies are commonly used.
Rice: Rice is the primary carbohydrate source, served alongside almost every meal. It’s usually plain, allowing the flavors of the curries and other dishes to shine.
Starches: In addition to rice, taro, sweet potatoes, and cassava are also sometimes used, particularly on islands outside of Malé where they may be more readily available than imported rice.
Mas Huni: The Ultimate Maldivian Breakfast
If you want a truly authentic Maldivian breakfast experience, you must try Mas Huni. This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish consists of shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions, and chilies, all mixed together and served with roshi (a type of flatbread similar to Indian roti). The smoked tuna gives it a unique, savory depth, while the coconut provides a hint of sweetness, and the chilies deliver that signature Maldivian kick. You’ll find Mas Huni served in local homes, guesthouses, and some restaurants. It’s the perfect way to start your day with a genuine taste of the Maldives.
How to Make Mas Huni (Simplified)
- Flake about 1 cup of smoked tuna (you can substitute canned tuna in a pinch, but it won’t be the same).
- Combine the tuna with ½ cup of grated fresh coconut, ½ finely chopped onion, and 1-2 finely chopped chilies (depending on your spice preference).
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with roshi or bread.
Cost: A typical serving of Mas Huni along with roshi can cost around MVR 50-100 (USD 3-7) in a local cafe.
Curries: A Symphony of Spices and Coconut Milk
Maldivian curries are a culinary masterpiece, blending fragrant spices with creamy coconut milk to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. Fish curry (mas riha) is, of course, a staple, but you’ll also find chicken curry, vegetable curry, and even egg curry. The types of spices used can vary from island to island, but common ingredients include turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chilies. The preparation often involves gently frying the spices in coconut oil to release their aromas before adding the fish or other ingredients.
Must-Try Maldivian Curries:
Mas Riha (Fish Curry): The quintessential Maldivian curry, typically made with tuna or reef fish.
Kukulhu Riha (Chicken Curry): A rich and flavorful chicken curry cooked in coconut milk and a blend of spices.
Vegetable Curry (Vegetable Riha): Often includes pumpkin, eggplant, greens, or various starchy vegetables.
Where to find the best curries: Local restaurants in Malé and on the inhabited islands offer a wide variety of curries. Some resorts also offer Maldivian cuisine nights where you can sample different curries.
Snacks and Short Eats: Hedhikaa Time!
In the Maldives, “Hedhikaa” refers to a delightful assortment of savory and sweet snacks enjoyed throughout the day, particularly during afternoon tea. These bite-sized treats offer a glimpse into the diverse flavors and culinary skills of the islands.
Popular Hedhikaa Items:
Bajiya: Thin, crispy lentil flour patties, often spiced with chilies and onions. Similar to Indian Pakora.
Gulha: Small, deep-fried balls made from fish (usually tuna), coconut, and spices.
Kavaabu: Deep-fried fish cakes, flavored with a variety of spices.
Bis Keemiya: A savory pastry filled with tuna, hard-boiled egg, and sliced onions.
Dhonn Rihaakuru Bondi: Small, round fritters made with fish paste, onion, rice and spices.
Foni Boakibaa: A sweet coconut cake, often flavored with cardamom.
Aluvi Boakibaa: A sweet cassava cake, often flavored with coconut.
Handulu Bondi: Sweet rice balls made with coconut and sugar.
Best Places to Try Hedhikaa: Local cafes (“hotaas”) are the best places to find a wide selection of Hedhikaa. They are usually made fresh throughout the day. In Male’ city you can find Hedhikaa near the local markets.
Cost: Hedhikaa is very affordable. Individual pieces typically cost between MVR 5-10 (USD 0.30-0.70).
The Art of Grilling: Barbecue Maldivian Style
Grilling fish is a popular cooking method in the Maldives, showcasing the freshness of the seafood. The fish is often marinated in a blend of spices, including garlic, ginger, chilies, and lime juice, before being grilled over hot coals. The result is a smoky, flavorful dish that’s perfect for enjoying on the beach or at a casual gathering.
Tips for Grilling Fish Maldivian Style:
Choose fresh fish: The fresher the fish, the better the flavor. Look for fish with bright, clear eyes and firm flesh.
Marinate thoroughly: Allow the fish to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Don’t overcook: Fish cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to avoid drying it out. It is cooked when the flesh flakes easily with a fork.
Use hardwood charcoal: Hardwood charcoal provides a consistent heat and a smoky flavor.
Where can you experience Maldivian Grilling? Many resorts offer beachfront barbecue dinners. Check with your guesthouse or local island restaurants. Some locals may even offer to grill fish for you on the beach for a small fee.
Rihaakuru: The Umami Bomb of the Maldives
Rihaakuru deserves its own spotlight! This thick, intensely flavored fish paste is a Maldivian staple, made by slowly cooking tuna in water until it reduces to a concentrated, umami-rich paste. It’s often served as a condiment alongside rice, curries, or roshi, adding a powerful burst of flavor to every bite. It has a very distinctive taste, so it’s either really loved or disliked. If you don’t eat it in a curry, just take the smallest amount at first.
How Rihaakuru is Made (Traditionally):
- Tuna is simmered in saltwater for hours until it breaks down and the water evaporates
- The remaining liquid is strained and recooked to reduce to a dark paste
- This paste, known as rihaakuru, is then used as a flavouring agent in various dishes
Where to Find Rihaakuru: You can find Rihaakuru in local markets; try to taste it before you buy it.
Cost: A small jar of Rihaakuru can cost around MVR 50-150 (USD 3-10), depending on the size and quality.
Desserts: Sweet Endings to the Maldivian Feast
Maldivian desserts are generally simple but satisfying, often featuring coconut, fruits, and sweeteners like sugar or honey. Here are a few common options:
Bondi: Sweet coconut balls, often flavored with cardamom or rosewater.
Foni Boakibaa: A baked sweet cake made with coconut, and sometimes rice.
Aluva: A type of sweet treat or candy, the flavour varies.
Fruits: Tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, and bananas are often served as a simple dessert.
Drinks: Quenching Your Thirst the Maldivian Way
When it comes to drinks, the Maldives offers a range of options, from refreshing fruit juices to traditional beverages:
Raa: This is a traditional drink tapped from the sap of a palm tree. The sap is drunk fairly quickly before it begins to ferment.
Fresh Fruit Juices: With an abundance of tropical fruits, fresh juices are readily available. Mango, papaya, and watermelon are popular choices.
Coconut Water: Directly from the coconut, a refreshing and hydrating drink.
Black Tea (Sai): Drunk multiple times a day, typically in local island communities.
Coffee: A common drink. Instant coffee is most common.
Culinary Customs: More Than Just Food
Food in the Maldives is not just about sustenance; it’s deeply intertwined with social customs and traditions. Meals are often communal affairs, where families and friends gather to share food and conversation.
Key Things to Note:
Eating with Hands: Traditionally, Maldivians eat with their right hand. However, cutlery is readily available in most restaurants and guesthouses.
Respectful Eating: Always use your right hand to handle food (if eating with hands). Avoid wasting food.
Sharing is Caring: Offering food to others is a sign of hospitality and generosity.
Ramadan: During the holy month of Ramadan, observing Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. Many local restaurants may be closed during the day, but resorts cater to tourists’ needs. Be respectful of those fasting.
Experiencing Authentic Maldivian Cuisine: Practical Tips
Want to truly immerse yourself in Maldivian flavors? Here are some practical tips:
Venture Beyond Resorts: While resorts offer a taste of Maldivian cuisine, the most authentic experiences are found on local islands.
Eat at Local Cafes (Hotaas): These are budget-friendly and serve traditional dishes prepared with fresh ingredients.
Visit Local Markets: Explore the markets to see the fresh produce and seafood used in Maldivian cooking.
Take a Cooking Class: Some guesthouses and resorts offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Maldivian dishes.
Be Open to New Flavors: Maldivian cuisine can be quite spicy and unique. Be open to trying new things!
Ask Locals for Recommendations: The best way to discover hidden culinary gems is to ask locals for their favorite spots.
Staying on a Local Island
Guesthouses have become increasingly popular over the last ten years. As the local islands have slowly become open to tourism, guesthouses have sprung up to meet customer demand. This is an affordable way to see the real Maldives, instead of being isolated in a tourist resort. Staying on local islands also injects revenue in to the local economy. Many islands offer snorkelling tours, diving tours and visits to uninhabited islands.
How to choose a local island:
Consider its proximity to Malé (Velana) International Airport. The closer it is the cheaper (and faster) it will be to reach from the airport. The further islands require seaplane transfers which are very expensive.
If possible, check the island has more than one guesthouse. This is a sign that there is enough tourist infrastructure present.
Does the island have ATMs? Not all islands do. If there are no ATMs you may need to bring a lot of cash with you.
Be aware of local customs. Swimwear is generally not allowed on local beaches to women. Consider staying on an island that has a “bikini beach”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Maldivian cuisine:
What is the spiciest dish in Maldivian cuisine?
Many Maldivian dishes contain chilies, but some are spicier than others. Dishes that contain a lot of “githeyo mirus” (bird’s eye chilies) would be considered very spicy.
Are there vegetarian options available in Maldivian cuisine?
Yes, while fish is a staple, there are also plenty of vegetarian options available, such as vegetable curries, salads, and hedhikaa made with vegetables.
What is the most popular drink in the Maldives?
Fresh fruit juices and coconut water are very popular, as is black tea (sai).
Is it safe to eat street food in the Maldives?
Generally, yes. Look for vendors that appear clean and have a high turnover of food.
Can I find international cuisine in the Maldives?
Yes, resorts and restaurants in Malé offer a variety of international cuisines, including Italian, Chinese, and Indian.
What are the common fruits in Maldives?
The most common fruits in Maldives include mangoes, papayas, watermelons, bananas, and coconuts.
References
- Lonely Planet. “Maldives Food & Drink.”
- Visit Maldives. “Culture & Heritage.”
Ready to embark on your own Maldivian culinary adventure? Don’t just dream about the turquoise waters and pristine beaches – taste the real Maldives! Book a trip to a local island, explore the vibrant markets, sample the delicious hedhikaa, and savor the rich flavors of Maldivian curries. Start planning your unforgettable journey filled with the authentic tastes of the Maldives!
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