The Maldives is not only a tropical haven for sun-seekers, beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, but foodies too! The nation’s culinary tradition has been shaped by its island environment and cultural heritage and here’s more on what you need to know before your visit.

Fish: The Ocean’s Bounty on Your Plate

Unsurprisingly, fish forms the cornerstone of Maldivian cuisine. The country is blessed with an abundance of tuna varieties, including little yellowfin, tunny, and skipjack. These versatile fish are prepared in a myriad of ways – cooked, smoked, cured, or sundried – ensuring a delightful variety on your plate. Other fish varieties like mackerel scad, wahoo, and mahi-mahi, are popular choices as well. Stay at all-inclusive resorts like OBLU Xperience Ailafushi which gives you plenty of opportunities to savour diverse fish dishes.

The Humble Coconut: A Multipurpose Marvel

The coconut, lovingly called “kurumba” in the local language, Dhivehi, is extremely versatile and features in various forms throughout Maldivian cuisine. Freshly shaved or grated coconut adds a delightful textural element to curries, while coconut milk forms the base for many savoury and sweet dishes as well as beverages and refreshing mocktails. Don’t forget coconut oil, the hero behind perfectly crisp deep-fried delicacies! When enjoying all day dining in Maldives see if you can recognise the taste of coconut in different dishes.

Starch: The Foundation of a Hearty Meal

Starches play a vital role in Maldivian cuisine, providing a base for hearty meals. Tubers like sweet potato, taro, and cassava are dietary staples, offering a comforting and filling foundation. Breadfruit, another island favourite, is often boiled and eaten. Rice, a ubiquitous grain across Asia, is a mainstay in the Maldives as well. It’s either boiled and enjoyed with flavourful curries or ground into flour that can be used for various culinary creations.

A Culinary Journey: Must-Try Maldivian Dishes

Maldives Cuisines
Image via Wikimedia Commons – User: (WT-shared) Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage, Meal Maldives, CC BY-SA 4.0

The cuisine in Maldives boasts a vibrant array of dishes that are sure to tantalise your taste buds. Start your day with a hearty serving of mas huni, a breakfast classic featuring shredded tuna. You can also savour garudhiya, a soul-warming fish soup. Also, try kandu kukulhu, a fragrant tuna curry simmered to perfection. If you are looking for a lighter option, masroshi is a perfect snack. Don’t miss boshi mashuni, a zesty banana flower salad, or saagu bondibai, a delightful sago pudding, for a sweet ending to your Maldivian culinary adventure!