Maldivian Culinary Treasures: Uncovering the Best Food in Maldives

1. Mas Huni (Shredded Smoked Tuna)

When talking about food in Maldives, one cannot leave out Mas Huni. This is a typical breakfast dish that people who live here eat regularly. It is simple but has good taste; it contains shredded smoked tuna mixed together with grated coconut, onions and juice from limes.

We usually eat it with warm roshi (which means flatbread) plus having a cup of hot tea to drink alongside it. In the Maldives, you can find Mas Huni in most local cafés and restaurants. The cost is usually between MVR 25 to MVR 50 ($1.60 to $3.20) per serving. A top spot for getting real Mas Huni experience is Seagull Café of Malé that operates every day from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

2. Garudhiya (Fish Soup)

Garudhiya, a clear fish soup, is an essential food in Maldives. The recipe for this nutritious soup calls for tuna mixed with water and salt, along with different vegetables like onions, chilies and lime. People appreciate its plainness and soothing taste. Steamed rice or roshi are the usual pairings for Garudhiya.

This traditional soup is available in many local restaurants, costing around MVR 30 to MVR 60 ($1.95 to $3.90) per bowl. To savor the real Garudhiya, one can visit Shell Beans restaurant located at Hulhumalé and they work from 11:00 AM until 11:00 PM every day of week.

3. Kulhi Boakibaa (Fishcake)

In the food in Maldives scene, Kulhi Boakibaa is well-known as a snack or appetizer. These are fishcakes that have been made using smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions, chilies and lime juice. They shape this mixture into small cakes and cook them by deep frying until they become golden brown in color. Kulhi Boakibaa is very good for having a small bite or as an accompaniment dish.

These fishcakes are available in many cafés and street food places nearby, costing from MVR 10 to MVR 25 ($0.65 – $1.60) for each one. Taste the nice Kulhi Boakibaa at Malé’s Sala Thai restaurant that is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

4. Boshi Mashuni (Banana Flower Salad)

Boshi Mashuni, which is a salad prepared using shredded flowers of banana tree, grated coconut and lime juice mixed with onions and chilies, mirrors the creativity in Maldivian food. The salad gets its unique taste from the flowers of the banana plant – they provide a mild sweetness along with their crispy feel.

You can enjoy Boshi Mashuni as a side dish or light meal. This salad is available in local restaurants and cafés, with costs varying from MVR 40 to MVR 80 ($2.60 to $5.20) per serving. At Symphony restaurant located in Malé, you can experience the taste of Boshi Mashuni starting from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

5. Hedhikaa (Snacks)

Hedhikaa, an assortment of old-fashioned snacks, is a common element in the food culture of Maldives. These snacks are typically prepared using flour and coconut mixed together as well as different types of fillings like fish, nuts and sweetened coconut among others. A few well-liked Hedhikaa examples are gulha (dumplings), keemia (spring rolls), kulhi boakibaa (fishcakes).

These small snacks are great for eating in a hurry or as part of a big meal. You can get Hedhikaa at many nearby cafes, street food places and restaurants. They usually cost between MVR 5 to MVR 25 ($0.30 to $1.60) per piece. Have different kinds of Hedhikaa at Café Licious in Hulhumalé, from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM every day.

6. Rihaakuru (Fish Paste)

Rihaakuru, a strong fishy sauce, is an important part of the food in Maldives. It’s thick and brown paste made by cooking tuna slowly so it becomes dense and tasty concentrate. People use Rihaakuru to bring more richness and umami taste into dishes like curries, soups as well as salads among others.

Rihaakuru can be eaten as a spread on roshi or mixed with rice. You may discover it at local markets and grocery shops, with costs varying from MVR 50 to MVR 150 ($3.20 to $9.70) per bottle. For genuine Rihaakuru, visit the Moodhu Edhuru restaurant in Malé that is available between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

7. Foni Boakibaa (Rice Cake)

Foni Boakibaa, a rice cake that combines sweet and savory flavors, is one of the delights in the food of Maldives. This cake mixes rice flour with grated coconut and sugar, plus different fillings like fish or coconut. It gets pressed into molds then steamed until it becomes firm.

Foni Boakibaa is a popular choice for people who want to have something light between meals or as dessert. You can get these rice cakes from nearby bakeries and cafés, with prices being about MVR 15 to MVR 40 ($1.00 – $2.60) each piece. Enjoy Foni Boakibaa at the Royal Bakery in Malé, which opens from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM daily.

8. Masroshi (Chapati with Tuna)

On the food side, there is a typical breakfast or snack item found in Maldives called Masroshi. It includes a gentle, crisp chapati (flatbread) packed with mix made of smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions and chilies. The filling gets rolled up inside the chapati and cooked on grill or fried until it turns crispy.

Masroshi eats like a good and tasty snack, easy to have while moving around. You can buy Masroshi from most cafes and street food shops in the area for prices between MVR 15 to MVR 35 ($1.00 – $2.30) every piece. The Bombay Darbar restaurant is where you can taste the yummy Masroshi in Hulhumalé, it stays open from morning 7:00 AM till night time 11:00 PM.

9. Gulha (Dumplings)

Gulha is a kind of local dumpling which people like to eat as snack in the food in Maldives. These small-sized dumplings are prepared by mixing smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions, chilies and lime juice together. This mixture is then wrapped into thin dough made from flour and water before being cooked either through steaming or boiling methods.

Gulha is frequently enjoyed as a starter or light bite, and it’s great for dividing among groups. You can locate Gulha in many nearby cafes and street food stands, with costs varying from MVR 5 to MVR 20 ($0.30 – $1.30) per piece. Experience the real taste of Gulha at Sala Thai restaurant located in Malé city, it is open starting from 11:00 AM up until 11:00 PM.

10. Theluli Mas (Fried Fish)

Theluli Mas is a dish from Maldives that exemplifies the freshness of seafood in their food. Typically, it contains marinated fish (usually tuna or jobfish) which has been fried until crispy and golden brown. The fish is often soaked in a marinade of salt, pepper and lime juice before being deep-fried to give it an extra taste boost.

Normally, Theluli Mas is accompanied by rice, salad or roshi. You can find this food at many native restaurants and cafés with a cost from MVR 50 to MVR 150 ($3.20 – $9.70) per plate serving size. Enjoy crispy Theluli Mas at Shell Beans restaurant in Hulhumalé that remains open from 11:00 AM till 11:00 PM every day (source).

11. Roshi (Flatbread)

Roshi is a usual flatbread in the food of Maldives. It has delicate and light texture, prepared by blending flour with water, salt and occasionally coconut milk. People usually eat Roshi along with different dishes like curries, soups or salads (Maldives Food: 10 Best Dishes to Try). Additionally, it can be relished by itself, combined with a range of spreads or fillings.

You will locate Roshi in many nearby bakeries and eateries, having prices from MVR 5 to MVR 15 ($0.30 to $1.00) for one piece. Taste the newly baked Roshi at Moodhu Edhuru restaurant in Malé that is accessible all day long between 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

12. Huni Roshi (Coconut Flatbread)

Huni Roshi, a kind of roshi with grated coconut mixed in, gives a sweet and nutty taste to the bread. This flatbread is commonly eaten for breakfast in Maldives, usually accompanied by hot tea or coffee. People also top Huni Roshi with different things like jam, honey and Mas Huni as they enjoy it throughout the day.

Huni Roshi is generally available in many local bakeries and cafés. The cost per piece can vary from MVR 10 to MVR 25 ($0.65 to $1.60). You may enjoy the tasty Huni Roshi at Royal Bakery in Malé, which remains open from morning 7:00 AM until night time 10:00 PM.

13. Keemia (Spring Rolls)

Keemia, it’s a kind of spring roll that’s loved as snack or starter in the food culture of Maldives. These crunchy rolls are filled with smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions and chilies mixture; then they are wrapped in thin pastry before being deep fried until they turn golden brown. Keemia is usually served alongside sweet chili sauce or a spicy coconut chutney.

Keemia is available in many local cafés and street food stalls. The cost for each piece of Keemia can vary from MVR 10 to MVR 30 ($0.65 to $1.95). You must try the Keemia at Café Licious in Hulhumalé, it’s very crispy and tasty! This café opens from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

14. Kiru Garudhiya (Coconut Milk Fish Soup)

Kiru Garudhiya, a fish soup that is smooth and makes one feel good, known as the food that people like in Maldives. It is prepared with fresh tuna, coconut milk, onions, chilies and lime juice; these ingredients are cooked together until they mix their flavors. The outcome of this cooking process gives you a tasty soup which can be enjoyed for a lighter meal or as an initial dish.

People usually eat Kiru Garudhiya with steamed rice or roshi. You can enjoy this tasty soup at many local restaurants and cafés, with prices varying from MVR 50 to MVR 100 ($3.20 – $6.50) for each serving size. Get a real authentic taste of Kiru Garudhiya when you visit Symphony restaurant in Malé; it’s open from seven o’clock in the morning till eleven at night time.

15. Saagu Bondibai (Sago Pudding)

Saagu Bondibai, a sweet and creamy sago pudding, is favorite dessert in Maldives food. This pudding contains sago pearls (tapioca), coconut milk, sugar and different flavors like vanilla or cardamom. The mix gets cooked until it becomes thick and creamy; many times people add fresh fruits or nuts as garnish on top of it. Saagu Bondibai, a soothing and fulfilling dessert, is ideal for every event.

You will locate this treat in many nearby eateries and coffee houses. Its cost varies between MVR 30 to MVR 60 ($1.95-$3.90) per serving. Taste the gratifying Saagu Bondibai at Hulhumalé’s Bombay Darbar restaurant, accessible from 7:00 AM till 11:00 PM.

16. Aluvi Boakibaa (Sweet Potato Cake)

The cake called Aluvi Boakibaa is both sweet and savory, representing a special food of Maldives. It consists mashed sweet potatoes, grated coconut, sugar and spices like cinnamon or cardamom. The mixture is pressed into a mold before being baked until it becomes firm and turns into golden brown color. Aluvi Boakibaa is a common snack or sweet dish that goes well with tea or coffee.

You can find them at bakeries and cafés, costing between MVR 20 to MVR 50 ($1.30 – $3.20) for each piece. Visit Royal Bakery in Malé from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM to taste the yummy Aluvi Boakibaa!

17. Dhonkeyo Kajuru (Banana Fritters)

Dhonkeyo Kajuru, this delicious and crispy snack is a popular choice in the food of Maldives. It’s basically fritters made from ripe bananas that are mashed and combined with flour, sugar plus optionally grated coconut. The mix then gets deep-fried until it turns golden brown giving you that perfect crunchiness on outside! Dhonkeyo Kajuru, liked by many as a snack or after-meal treat, is great for fulfilling your craving for sweets.

You can discover these fritters in most nearby cafes and street food stops with costs that go from MVR 10 to MVR 30 ($0.65 to $1.95) per helping. Try out the tasty Dhonkeyo Kajuru at Sala Thai restaurant in Malé, they are available between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

18. Kandu Kukulhu (Chicken Curry)

Kandu Kukulhu, a flavorful and fragrant chicken curry, is one of the famous dishes found in the food of Maldives. This curry contains chicken pieces that are soft and cooked inside a thick coconut milk sauce. It also has spices like cumin powder, coriander seed powder along with turmeric and chili for taste.

The final product turns out to be an enjoyable curry dish which goes well when eaten with steamed rice or roshi. Kandu Kukulhu is available at many local restaurants and cafés, with a price range of MVR 80 to MVR 150 ($5.20 to $9.70) for each serving. You can experience the genuine taste of Kandu Kukulhu in Shell Beans restaurant located within Hulhumalé area, operating from 11:00 AM till 11:00 PM.

19. Handulu Bondibai (Sweetened Rice)

Handulu Bondibai, it is a pleasing rice dish that forms an integral part of desserts in the cuisine of Maldives. This sweet and comforting meal is prepared by cooking short-grain rice with coconut milk, sugar as well as different taste enhancers like cardamom, rose water and saffron. The cooking process makes the rice turn soft and creamy; it’s usually decorated with fresh fruits, nuts or shredded coconut. Handulu Bondibai is a very nice thing to eat that can be enjoyed at any time, commonly during big events and happy times.

You will find this dessert in many local restaurants and cafés, with cost ranging from MVR 40 up to MVR 80 ($2.60 – $5.20) for each portion they serve you there. The Symphony restaurant in Malé offers the chance to taste sweet-smelling Handulu Bondibai. The place is open from 7:00 AM until 11:00 PM so it’s ready for your visit anytime you like!

20. Lomi (Maldivian Salad)

Lomi, a salad usually served as a side dish in the food in Maldives. This fresh and healthy salad has different kinds of crisp vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, tomato and onion mixed together. It also includes grated coconut with lime juice and salt to give it taste.

This mixture results in a crunchy yet tasty salad that complements heavy or hot dishes nicely. Lomi usually comes with curries, grilled meats or seafood. You will get this salad in most of the nearby restaurants and cafés, priced between MVR 30 to MVR 60 ($1.95 to $3.90) per serving. Try some Lomi at Café Licious in Hulhumalé, it is open from 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM.

Tips for Getting the Best Experience from Food in Maldives:

1. Try local restaurants and street food stalls

To enjoy the real taste of food in Maldives, go to local restaurants or street food places. You will find there the most authentic and tasty dishes that are usually inexpensive.

2. Be adventurous with your choices

Cuisine from Maldives has many distinct dishes and flavors which you might not have experienced before. So, do not hesitate to taste new things and appreciate the variety of food in Maldives.

3. Enjoy fresh seafood

Being an island country, Maldives is famous for its seafood. You should taste dishes using local fish like Mas Huni, Garudhiya and Theluli Mas to experience the freshness and high quality of seafood from Maldives.

4. Pair your meals with traditional beverages

Maldivian food pairs nicely with drinks like coconut water, lime juice and traditional teas that are both refreshing and tasty. These beverages balance out the strong flavors found in Maldives’ foods.

5. Experience dining with a view

In the Maldives, there are numerous restaurants that provide breathtaking views of the ocean or vibrant surroundings. You can select these picturesque places to eat and increase your pleasure from food in Maldives.

6. Attend local food festivals and events

In the Maldives, we see many food festivals and activities taking place during different times of the year, where local cuisine is displayed. These events offer a chance to try various dishes and explore the lively eating customs on these islands.

7. Learn about the cultural significance of dishes

In the food of Maldives, you will find that many dishes carry cultural and historical importance. When eating these special meals, make sure to know about their stories and customs – this way your understanding for Maldivian cooking will grow deeper.

Frequently Asked Questions on Food in Maldives

What are the must-try dishes when exploring food in Maldives?

The Maldivian cuisine provides many dishes that you must try, such as Mas Huni (smoked tuna with coconut), Garudhiya (fish soup), Kulhi Boakibaa (fishcakes), Boshi Mashuni (banana flower salad), Theluli Mas (fried fish) and Kiru Garudhiya(coconut milk fish soup). The list also includes Kandu Kukulhu(chicken curry), Saagu Bondibai(sago pudding), Aluvi Boakibaa(sweet potato cake) and Dhonkeyo Kajuru(banana fritters).

Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available in Maldivian cuisine?

Even though the cuisine of Maldives is centered around seafood and meat, there are also choices for vegetarians and vegans. Traditional snacks such as Hedhikaa can be prepared without meat, and dishes like Boshi Mashuni (banana flower salad) or Lomi (Maldivian salad) are vegetarian by nature. Few restaurants provide vegetarian or vegan alternatives while some ingredients can also be swapped upon request.

How does the location and geography of the Maldives influence its cuisine?

The geography of the Maldives, with its many islands, has a big impact on the kinds of food available. Seafood is always abundant and coconut can be grown because of the tropical weather. Being near to India and Sri Lanka brings in spices such as cumin and coriander. The cuisine of areas with limited agricultural space is concentrated on ingredients that can be easily grown, such as sweet potatoes and bananas.

Do the Maldives have any food festivals or events highlighting local cuisine?

Yes, in the Maldives there are many food festivals and events. For instance, the Maldives Food and Hospitality Expo that happens every year in Malé shows local restaurants, hotels as well as food suppliers. The Maldives Culinary Challenge emphasizes on the abilities of local chefs to create traditional dishes. Special food events, like festivals with specific themes or markets that reflect the local culture, are held in resorts and hotels.

What are some traditional Maldivian beverages that pair well with the local cuisine?

Maldivian drinks, which are quite popular and appreciated here, match the bold tastes of this cuisine. Coconut water is one option that many people find very refreshing. Raa is a sweet and cooling drink made from coconut palm sap. For special occasions, we offer a drink called Sai which is spiced tea with milk and sugar. Lime juice can help balance the richness of dishes. Kurumba is a smoothie made from young coconut meat and it provides good nutrition.

Where can I discover more about the past and cultural importance of Maldivian cooking?

For knowing history and culture of Maldivian cuisine, go to the National Museum of the Maldives. You can also take culinary tours or cooking classes, talk with locals such as market vendors and restaurant owners, read books like “Maldivian Cooking” and “A Taste of Paradise”, and participate in food festivals or events for experiencing lively food culture.

Are there any unique dining experiences or restaurants that showcase food in Maldives?

Special dining experiences in the Maldives are eating at underwater restaurants such as Ithaa or SEA, having private beach or sandbank dinners provided by resorts, going to traditional Maldivian restaurants like Seagull Café and Shell Beans, and dedicated Maldivian restaurants at resorts with live cooking stations and a variety of local food and drink options available.

How can you maintain the freshness of Maldivian snacks or keep the ingredients safe while bringing them home?

For carrying Maldivian snacks or items back to your place, it is wise to select those which are not easily spoiled and have good sealing like packed snacks or bottled sauces. If there are loose things, put them in containers that can be sealed tightly or use vacuum-sealed bags. Make sure all items have a clear label on them and put these into closed plastic bags inside your luggage. For delicate things, wrap them cautiously and keep refrigerated items in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs.