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What is the food like in the Maldives?

The Maldives brings way more to the [dinner] table than just seafood.
The Maldives are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Did you know the total count of these miniature islands is almost 2,000? They’re not only famous for having some of the whitest sands and best diving spots in the world, though. The Maldives are also renowned for having some of the world’s most delicious cuisine, too. Maldivian food is a mixture of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and oriental flavours, so it’s the ideal place to visit if spicy food is your thing. Here, you can try everything from freshly caught seafood, to fragrant curries, and zesty soups that’ll melt in your mouth. So, if you’re planning to visit these other-worldly atolls and want to know more about the food, we’ve put together a guide of local dishes you can try out.

MAS HUNI

It’s not unusual to eat fish for breakfast in the Maldives. In fact, most of the locals do – and it’s a great way to start the day as fish is packed with nutrients. The most common breakfast here is called mas huni. This dish is a combination of smoked tuna, onion, coconut and chilli. It’s usually mashed altogether, and comes with a side of flatbread called roshi, so you can savour every last morsel. It’s really tasty, and keeps you fuelled up until lunchtime.

FISH

Thanks to the rich waters that surround the Maldives, it’s no secret that fish is the staple dish here. And the most common fish you’ll get to sink your teeth into is tuna. Usually, it’s served smoked or boiled, along with herbs and spices. There are plenty of types to try out, too. The Maldives is home to four different types of tuna, including yellow fin, skipjack, little tunny and frigate.

When it comes to Maldivian cooking, tuna is used frequently in soups. It’s usually accompanied by fresh chillies, onion, curry leaves, all lapped up in a velvety broth. It’s one of those dishes that can be eaten at any time of the day, too. If you decide to visit the Maldives capital city, Malé, the fish market should definitely top your itinerary. Here, you can watch the day’s catch being bought into the bustling harbour. It won’t take you long to spot tuna, octopus and grouper – they’re all huge in size.

COCONUT

Coconut is another key ingredient used in Maldivian cuisine. It’s one of the most common fruits found in the atolls, so you’ll find it in most dishes. It’s normally used as frying oil, and is also grated on top of dishes like tuna curry. Also, if you need to quench your thirst, coconut water is a great option for cooling you down, plus it tastes delicious.

HEDHIKAA

Hedhikaa means ‘snack’ in English, and there are quite a few that you’ll come across when visiting this place. Some of the Maldives’ favourites include bajiya, which is a pastry stuffed with fish, coconuts and onion. There’s also kulhi boakiba, which is a deep fried fish cake, and finally, theluli mas, fried fish which is saturated in lime juice and chillies.

DINE BELOW THE SURFACE

Did you know the Maldives plays host to the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant? At the Hurawalhi aquarium-style restaurant, not only will you dine five meters below the water’s surface, but you’ll also get unbeatable views of brightly-coloured coral reefs and tropical marine life, too. The menu is nothing short of mouth-watering, either. For dinner, the menu lists red mullet and Angus beef steak, topped off with berry tarts and piña coladas for dessert. You’ll need to make reservations before your visit.

Ready to visit the Maldives?
Browse our holidays to the Maldives.

Also have a read of our article What to do in the Maldives to find out more about what goes on behind the beaches.

Author: Olivia Hunt

Last updated: 03.05.2017.

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