Calling all foodies and gourmands! The Maldives beckons, not just with its enchanting island getaways, but also with a unique and flavourful cuisine. Here’s all you need to know before embarking on a delicious journey to experience the flavour-filled world of Maldivian food!

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Cross-cultural Influences
Maldivian cuisine features a fascinating array of flavours, reflecting the island nation’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. For centuries, it served as a vital link on major maritime trade routes. Arab traders, Indian merchants, travellers from neighbouring Sri Lanka, African sailors, and even European explorers all left their mark on the local food scene. This culinary fusion has resulted in a unique and delectable Maldivian cuisine that is both familiar and refreshingly exotic.

Key Ingredients in Cooking
Traditional Maldivian cuisine revolves around three key ingredients – the humble coconut (called ‘kurumba’ in Dhivehi), the bounty of the sea (namely fish), and a variety of starches. Coconuts are used in all their forms – milk, oil, and even grated flesh – adding a touch of sweetness and richness to many dishes. Fish, unsurprisingly for an island nation, takes centre stage, with tuna being the primary choice.  Starches come in various forms, from fluffy white rice to fruits like breadfruit and tubers such as sweet potatoes.

Ideal Dining Venues
There are many dining venues to choose from with the best resorts in Maldives leading the charge. Such properties boast multiple restaurants, serving both local and international favourites. For a truly immersive culinary experience, consider an all-inclusive plan at resorts like Adaaran Select Meedhupparu that allows you to sample a wide variety of dishes without breaking the bank. Also, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the food scene on local islands, where you can sample authentic street food and interact with local cooks.

Some Must-Try Dishes
No Maldivian culinary adventure is complete without sampling some iconic dishes. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of mas huni, a mix of shredded tuna, coconut, and onions, best enjoyed with roshi (a flatbread). Other favourites include garudhiya, a light and flavourful tuna soup as well as kandu kukulhu (tuna curry) and kukulhu riha (chicken curry) served alongside rice.

Don’t forget to try boshi mashuni, a refreshing banana flower salad, or hedhikaa, a collection of delightful, deep-fried snacks. For a sweet ending, indulge in saagu bondibai, a creamy sago pudding, or dhandi aluvi boakibaa, a delectable cassava and coconut cake. Suffice it to say, you are bound to ask for more!