The Maldives is a sun-kissed paradise. With its luxury resorts and beaches, the Maldives draws people from every corner of the world, but there’s something more to this stunning island country.
Maldivian Cuisine
Also called Dhivehi cuisine, Maldivian cuisine is all about simplicity. Islanders make the most of what they can find around the islands and create the most delicious concoctions of tropical flavours. The Maldives, being a country surrounded by the ocean, incorporates seafood as an integral part of the cuisine. Tuna, especially, is a star component.
Coconut is another ingredient commonly used in Maldivian cuisine. Milk made from scraped coconut is used to enrich curries. Maldivians also use lots of spices to flavour their food. If you’ve tried Sri Lankan and Indian dishes, you’ll quickly notice traces of these cuisines in Maldivian food.
While the local cuisine takes centre stage, you can also treat yourself to a variety of other cuisines during your time in the Maldives. From Japanese to Australian dishes, Maldivian resorts regale their guests with a spectacular culinary experience.
Where to Eat
Due to the Maldives’ unique geographical setup, resorts typically stand on their own individual islands. You’ll be spending the better half of your vacation on one resort island, which means most of your needs are catered to by the resort you’ll be staying at. This is not to say that you won’t find independent cafes and restaurants; you will, especially in Malé, the capital. However, most restaurants in the Maldives are housed within resorts.
As you’ll be spending a lot of time at the resort, it’s best to stay in a place like Naladhu Private Island Maldives, which features onsite dining facilities. These resorts often offer a range of unique dining experiences you can only enjoy in the Maldives, such as beach dining and destination dining. Some resorts even offer cooking classes for those who’ve fallen in love with the local cuisine and want to learn how to make a dish or two.
Fine Dining
Even though the Maldives doesn’t have a reputation as a foodie haven, you can treat yourself to different kinds of delicious food in various styles during your vacation.
For breakfast, you can enjoy a delicious spread right in your room or on the porch while taking in stunning ocean views. For lunch, you could visit a different island and dine at another resort.
If you’re here with your romantic partner, consider a beachside dinner experience where you’ll have your own private chef preparing your food just the way you like it. A table will be set up on the beach, with the soft glow of candlelight and the sea breeze creating a romantic atmosphere. You can savour delicious local or international dishes while enjoying your partner’s company.
Traditional Maldivian Dishes to Try
One of the must-try local dishes is Garudhiya, a delicious, fragrant fish soup often eaten with rice and served with lime, chilli, and onions.
Masroshi is another must-try. It’s similar to chapati, the Indian flatbread, and comes with a filling of tuna and onions. Although considered a snack, it can also be enjoyed as a main meal.
Bis Keemiya is a snack quite similar to a spring roll or samosa. It’s a pastry stuffed with tuna, egg, onions, and sautéed cabbage. The delicious flavour combination will make you want to go for seconds.
Saagu Bondibai, or Sago Pudding, is a beloved Maldivian dessert. It’s made with sago, coconut, or condensed milk. For added flavour and fragrance, rose and cardamom are included. You’ll find something similar to this in Sri Lankan cuisine too.
Is There Street Food in the Maldives?
The street food scene in the Maldives isn’t as vibrant as in countries like Thailand, but Malé, the capital, does have roadside stalls and carts offering various local snacks and drinks, such as coconut water and fruit juices.
Dining Etiquette
There are some local dining practices you might not be familiar with. For example, locals use their hands to eat instead of cutlery. While there may be exceptions, eating with your hands is completely ordinary in the Maldives. So, do not be surprised when you see locals using their hands to scoop up food. You’ll also notice that locals only use their right hand to eat, as it is considered more sanitary than the left hand.
The Maldives is an Islamic country, so meat like pork isn’t part of the local palate. Also, during Ramadan, which is an important religious event in the country, locals fast during the day. Dining establishments in the capital may close during this period to respect religious customs. However, resorts operate as usual and serve meals in their restaurants.
One thing to keep in mind is that you won’t find any bars or clubs in the capital, as alcohol is prohibited in Islam. However, resorts are licensed to serve alcohol, so you can enjoy a drink while watching the sun go down. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?
