As a major trading port located at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean the Maldivian islands have always been influenced by the islands and nations around its sunny fringes.  As a country that is a collective of over 9000 coral islands fresh seafood is also a pleasant reality for all Maldivians and those who are fortunate enough to visit the emerald isles. It is a combination of these two facts, the overseas influences and abundance of seafood that separates and elevates Maldivian cuisine a cut above regional food preparation styles as a truly distinct gastronomical tradition.

Maldivian food has often been dubbed a mouth-watering amalgamation of Sri Lankan, Indian, Arabic and oriental tastes with various trading partners introducing the country to different spices and ingredients over the centuries. There are however three ingredients that no Maldivian dish can do without and that is coconut milk, seafood and starches. Used in almost all Maldivian curries and delicacies coconut milk and coconut oil are the true staples of Maldivian cuisine. Fish varieties such as the likes of Skipjack Tuna, Wahoo, Little Tunny, Bigeye Scad, Mahi-Mahi and other types of tuna such as frigate tuna and yellow fin tuna are also essentials that are incorporated into almost every recipe.

Rice is another must-have either in boiled form or made into tubers like taro while potato varieties such as tapioca and sweet potato are also used along with screw pines or breadfruits. Balancing the taste elements of spicy and mild with sweet and sour spices Maldivian cuisine enchants diners with varied preferences and satisfies the taste buds with every bite.

Must-try items while holidaying in Maldives include the national dish known as the Garudhya tuna soup which is both a comfort food and a treasured delicacy as well as short eats such as Hedika, fatafolhi, gulha, bajiyaa and kavaabu.

Travellers in search of luxury hotel resorts in the Maldives should look no further than the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas scattered across the islands. As a renowned member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group the one of a kind luxury resorts under the Anantara flagship leave little to the imagination when it comes to resplendent rests.