The Maldives is known for its gorgeous islands, and luxury resorts also go all out to ensure the best experience for tourists, but there is something else that puts the Maldives on the map.
Culinary Adventures
The Maldives is among the top bucket-list destinations in the world. Its breathtaking tropical beauty is what most travellers are after, but the promise of unique culinary adventures also keeps tourists coming to explore the islands.
Resorts feature onsite dining facilities, from restaurants to cafés, and there are many more culinary experiences to explore.
Going on a fishing tour, where local fishermen share insights on how to catch your own fish and then have it cooked for your dinner, is admittedly not something you get to experience everywhere.
What if you could learn to create a local dish or two yourself? You can! Imagine surprising your friends back home with a flavourful Maldivian dish.
Flavours of the Local Cuisine
To fully grasp the culinary essence of the Maldives and understand where it comes from, you need to have an idea of where the country is located. The Maldives is a collection of islands located along the equator. They’re in the north-central Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka and India.
Owing to its location, Maldivian cuisine shares flavours and ingredients with its neighbouring countries. For instance, rice is a staple, along with ingredients like coconut, curry leaves, cumin, chili, and cardamom. All these create a flavour profile that’s sweet, tangy, and spicy. These are flavours that are characteristic of Sri Lankan and Indian cuisines as well.
The Maldives is surrounded by water, so fish is a key part of the local cuisine. Tuna is a favourite, with different types like yellowfin, frigate, and little tunny making appearances in local dishes. Other fish types, like wahoo and mahi-mahi, are also included in flavourful, rich curries.
Where can you try all these yummy-sounding dishes? Restaurants in the Maldives, offered by resorts such as NH Collection Maldives Havodda, of course!
Market Tours
Take a tour of the local markets in Malé to gather ingredients. You’ll discover the things that make Maldivian dishes so flavourful.
With stalls brimming with spices, fresh produce, and fish, a market tour allows you to dive deep into the local way of life. Also, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who’ll share insights and tips on choosing the best.
Cooking Classes
Taking a cooking class in the Maldives is an excellent way to soak up the local culture. It allows you to be part of the culture, not just observe it.
These classes often take place in scenic settings where you can learn to make exotic dishes as well as enjoy the tropical beauty surrounding you. You’ll be guided on how to choose the ingredients, how to chop, peel, and cook, and how to use spices to flavour the dish.
Resort Dining
Island resorts offer the best dining experiences in the Maldives. They’re creative with their culinary offerings too.
While Maldivian food is the essence of it, resorts often regale their guests with diversity. There will be a range of Maldivian dishes to try, but you might also find more familiar flavours.
You’ll indulge in these flavours in a setting that’s sublime. You could dine on the beach, on the deck of your villa, by the pool, all while wrapping yourself in the tropical embrace of the Maldives.
Floating Breakfast
This is the ultimate culinary indulgence.
You’ll be awakened from your deep slumber in your villa. You open the doors, and there awaits a wicker basket full of local goodies, pancakes, juice, coffee, and tea, floating in the pool.
It’s a breakfast that’ll not only fuel you for the day but also offer breathtaking views – it’s relaxing, decadent, and unforgettable!
Dining Under the Stars
Here with your partner? Then dining on the beach under the stars is a must! It’s a magical experience that combines delicious food, champagne, and the magic of the night.
Most resorts tailor dining experiences to suit your preferences. Chances are you’ll have your own private waiter attending to your needs and serving a multi-course meal with the freshest local seafood, tropical fruits, and delicious Maldivian delicacies.
Want to try something familiar? Let the resort know, and they’ll create a meal that reminds you of home.
Bars
You might have heard that drinking isn’t allowed in the Maldives. While that’s true, resort islands are permitted to serve drinks. In fact, some resorts offer several onsite bars around the island and serve a diverse range of drinks. They all feature the most stunning locations too.
