20 must-try dishes and drinks in the Maldives
Does the thought of sitting in a restaurant overlooking the beach, with a glass of wine in hand, inhaling the aroma of smoked tuna warm you up on vacation? Do you think that the main bonus of tourist trips is the opportunity to make a voyage through local eateries, arranging tastings of original dishes and drinks? If so, this article is for you!
We bring to the attention of gourmets planning a holiday in the Maldives, a list of popular dishes, snacks, the best and most unusual desserts, various drinks - and the addresses of those establishments "catering", where you can find all these delicious things. Believe me, the listed delicacies will delight your taste buds and expand your understanding of the world's culinary traditions!
Please note that the approximate prices are given in the local currency, i.e. Maldivian rufies (MVR). Exchange rate may vary, but usually 1 MVR is about 4 Russian rubles and 30 kopecks. However, it is more convenient to use dollars or euros - they are everywhere, in cash or electronically (plastic cards in Maldives can be paid almost everywhere without "bothering" currency exchange).
1. Garudhiya
A traditional treat of the Maldives, its culinary "calling card". And at the same time - one of the main dishes in the diet of the locals. Garudiya is an aromatic fish soup, which is usually prepared from freshly caught fish, water and salt. It is served with lime, rice, hot chili peppers, and onions.
Where can I try it?
- Cafe Iberry, Hulhumale (from 8:00 to 12:00);
- Jazz Cafe, Male (Fridays from 2 p.m. to noon the following days, other days from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.);
- Muraka, Mirihi Island Resort (for dinner, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.).
Approximate cost: 50 to 200 MVR (depending on the institution)
2. Mas Huni
A very popular food in the Maldives, which is prepared in most large and small restaurants or cafes. Mas Huni is shredded smoked tuna served with coconut, lemon, and onions. It is a must-try dish!
Otherwise you will never understand how breakfast of native Maldivians differs from our usual sandwiches, eggs or European oatmeal. The islanders eat their tuna exclusively with chapati, thin unleavened flatbread like pita bread, or rice bread, which they call "roshi.
Where can I try? Yes, practically everywhere! For example:
- The Sea House Maldives, Boduthakurufaanu Magu (4:30 am to noon);
- Crystal Sands, Maafushi (6:00 to noon);
- In any of the small restaurants in the Western Harbor area of Malé (Raaveribe Maizaan).
And simply - in any local "catering" establishment, if you look there in the morning hours and ask to be served a traditional "Maldivian breakfast".
Approximate cost: 50 to 250 MVR.
3. masroshi
A very unusual counterpart to the familiar shawarma, prepared in accordance with the tastes of the islanders. You take a sheet of chapati and wrap it with minced smoked tuna and coconut. Curry and other spices are added for a special flavor. The smell is such that it is impossible to pass by without drooling!
Where can I try it?
- Cafe Rio, Male (practically around the clock, from 5:00 am to 1:30 the next morning);
- Findhandi restaurant, Komandoo (from 7:30 am to noon);
- Lonuveli Restaurant, Hulhulmale (8:00 am to noon).
Approximate cost: 7 - 50 MVR
4. Bis Keemiya
Another culinary masthead for gourmet tourists. Bis Keemiya is reminiscent of samosas or spring rolls. It is an interesting dish that is great as a hearty snack. It is a kind of "envelope" made of dough filled with tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, chopped onions, and lightly fried and shredded cabbage. Want something on 100% authentic? Bis kemia would be perfect!
Where can I try it? Absolutely everywhere! In the Maldives, Bis Keemiya is sold in the manner of Russian pirozhki - from every street stall, in any small cafe Male and Hulhulmale (the latter are usually open from 8 am to 10 pm).
Approximate cost: 2 - 10 MVR
5. Boshi Mashuni (Boshi Mashuni)
Boshi Mashuni is a banana flower salad, a cross between a spicy Mexican salsa and a fruit and vegetable spread. The main ingredients are shredded slices of fresh coconut and crunchy banana flowers dressed with lots of spices.
The latter include curry, turmeric, cumin, Maldivian chili pepper, and lime juice and slices. The combination is spicy, moderately spicy and very fragrant. You won't find a dish like this anywhere else except in the Maldives.
Where to try?
- Cafe Iberry, Hulhumale (from 8:00 to 12:00);
- Crystal Sands, Maafushi (6:00 to noon);
- Cafe Rio, Male (open from 5 a.m. to 1:30 the next morning).
Approximate cost: 50 to 100 MVR.
6. Fried Yams
The yam is one of the few crops grown in this amazing island nation. It resembles the potato in some ways, but is richer in minerals and vitamins and therefore much healthier.
In general, fried yams are quite a popular food in the Maldives. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is usually served with a variety of sauces that perfectly set off the main flavor of the dish and make it especially spicy.
Where to try?
Any cafe in Raaveribe Maizaan, West Harbor area in Male (they are all usually open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Approximate cost: 10 to 35 MVR.
7. Maldivian Live Lobsters
Frozen/defrosted lobster, which you can buy at any store with a relevant profile, does not stand up to freshly caught lobster at all!
The Maldives knows all about how to prepare these crustaceans so that their tender meat melts in your mouth. The more so since the lobsters are caught right here, off the coast. The freshest product and rich culinary tradition results in a dish that leaves a lasting impression!
Where to try?
- Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (opens at 6:30 a.m. and is open until 11:30 p.m.);
- Edge Restaurant, Niyama (dinner here is from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.);
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (open from 11:00 to 14:30 and from 18:30 to 22:30)
Approximate cost: 250 - 400 MVR.
8. Sago pudding (Saagu Bondibai)
Sago used to be quite a popular product in Russia, but then suddenly disappeared from all the shelves. The fact is that this "artificial" cereal is made from the cores of flowering palms (which in our country, of course, do not cultivate).
The people of the Maldives are more fortunate in this sense, which is why sago is one of the most popular foods on the islands. To understand why it is so popular, you only need to try sago pudding once. The grits are boiled in sweet coconut milk and sweetened with sweetened condensed milk, cardamom, and rose petals. The dish is completely vegetarian, but amazingly delicious and nutritious!
Where to try?
- Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (opens at 6:30 a.m. and is open until 11:30 p.m.);
- Epicure, Niyama (open 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.);
- Lighthouse Restaurant (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Approximate cost: 200 - 500 MVR.
9. Reef Fish Cutlets
Reef fish is very popular in the Maldives and is prepared in many different ways. One option is spicy fish cutlets breaded in coconut, served with chutney sauce, papaya and cucumber. In general, it's better to taste once than to see a hundred times in a picture.
Where to try?
- Ufaa Maldivian restaurant, COMO Cocoa Island (lunch - from 12:00 to 15:00, dinner - from 19:00 to 23:00);
- Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (open from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm)
Approximate cost: 300 - 500 MVR per serving.
10. Gulha (Gulha)
Gulha in the Maldives is what is called a "short meal" or "evening snack. It is usually served with freshly brewed tea or coffee. The dish resembles small dumplings the size of a walnut. The one-bite-sized ball of dough is stuffed with tuna, onions, chilies, and grated coconut pulp.
Where to try?
- Faruma Restaurant, Diffusi Island;
- Lighthouse restaurant (open from 11:00 to 23:00);
- Sunset Corner, Thoddoo (open from 6:00 to noon)
Approximate cost: 2 to 10 MVR.
11.Kulhi Boakibaa fish pie
Kulhi Boakibaa is a festive dish in the Maldives. The islanders' families prepare it on special occasions, but in restaurants and cafes you can find this fish cake any day. This "cake" is made of layers of smoked tuna, coconut pulp, onions, and ground rice.
Where to try?
- SeaLaVie cafe, Ukulhas (opens at 9:30 a.m., open until 11 p.m.);
- Salathai Cafe, Male (from 3 p.m. to noon the following day);
- Findhandi Restaurant, Komandoo (7:30 am to 12 noon)
Approximate cost: 50 to 100 MVR.
12. Aluvi Boakibaa Sweet Cake
This delicate cake, which truly melts in the mouth, is made in the Maldives from sweet cassava and coconut. The dish is completely authentic and is a big hit with the locals, so visiting gourmets should pay attention to it without fail.
Where to try?
- any City Bakery, the "city bakery" (they are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily);
- Salathai Cafe, Male (from 3 p.m. to noon the following day);
- Fine Bake by Suzi (open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Approximate cost: 50 - 70 MVR.
13. Fish curry
Most popular dishes in the Maldives include fish. The local curry is no exception. It is creamy, flavorful, and spicy. The main ingredients are striped tuna, small tuna, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna, bigeye mackerel, mackerel, and mahi-mahi fish. The dish is served with boiled rice, special Roshi rice breads, and various local tortillas.
Where to try?
- Sunset Corner (open from 6:00 to 12:00);
- Kaalamaa restaurant, Maafushi (from midnight to 14:30 and from 19:00 to 21:30);
- Cafe Sea Breeze, Bandos (guests are welcome here 24 hours a day)
Approximate cost: 15 to 75 MVR.
14. Rihaakuru
A local culinary specialty is another fish dish made according to a very unusual recipe. Rihaakuru is a spicy, thick paste made by stewing fish for a long time, which is a favorite of the indigenous population. How do you eat it? You have to tear off a piece of roshi bread, dip it in rihaakuru, and then put it in your mouth - repeat with great pleasure until you are completely full!
Where to try?
- Cafe SeaLaVie, Ukulhas (from 9: 30 to 23:00);
- Iberry Café, Hulhumale (8:00 to noon);
- Jazz Cafe, Male (open Fridays from 2 p.m. to noon the following days, other days from 8 a.m. to midnight.
Approximate cost: 50 - 150 MVR.
15. Maldivian Vegetable Curry or Tharukaaree Riha
Tired of the various fish dishes, try the vegetable curry. This dish is a clear proof of the influence of Indian and Sri Lankan culinary traditions on Maldivian cuisine. Vegetarian curry is made of sweet potatoes, pumpkins, beans, carrots and other vegetables flavored with local spices. The resulting combination is amazingly delicious and healthy.
Where to try?
- Amore, Guraidhoo (8:00 to 23:00);
- Various street cafes in the West Harbor, Male area (usually open around 8:00 a.m. and open until 10:00 p.m. daily).
Approximate cost: 25 - 50 MVR.
16. Tea (Sai, Tea)
The Maldivians have a strong respect for the British tea tradition. They consume large quantities of kalhu sai (black tea) or kiru sai (tea with milk), which are served with sweet and savory snacks.
Where to try? Again, anywhere! Well, for example:
- Tea House, Furanafushi Island (open noon to 9 p.m. - except Wednesdays);
- My Maldives Cafe, Male (from 7:00 to noon);
- The Royal Garden Café, Male (8:00 to noon);
- Family Room cafe, Male (open from 9:00 to 23:00)
Approximate cost: 10 to 35 MVR.
17. Maldivian Lady cocktail
Alcoholic cocktail Maldivian Lady is a fresh, tropical aroma and bright fruit flavor. The drink is made of white rum, apricot brandy, grenadine, orange and pineapple juice. Just imagine: you are sitting under the night sky, in the cool breeze, sipping this wonderful nectar. A real paradise!
Where to try?
- Raabondi Restaurant, Horubadhoo Island;
- Kakuni Restaurant bar, Meerufenfushi (open from 8 am to 1 am);
- Sea Fire Salt, at the Anantara Dhigu Hotel (6:30 am to 11:30 pm)
Approximate cost: 200 to 350 MVR.
18. Biyadhoo Cocktail Special
The drink owes its name to one of the popular Maldivian hotels. The Biyadhoo cocktail is a tonic combination of strong alcohol and freshly squeezed juice. It is served in a traditional glass with a straw. It contains one part vodka, one part pineapple juice and two parts melon liqueur - plus a slice of pineapple. The most flavorful recipe for a great mood!
Where to try?
- SIP Sunset Bar (10:00 to 23:00);
- Moodhu bar or restaurant (open around the clock)
Approximate cost: 200 - 350 MVR.
19. Lucky & Al cocktail
The premium cocktail is one of the most expensive in the Maldives. It is said to be a symbol of the "Prohibition" era in the United States. Lucky & Al is a combination of elite spirits (Lero cognac from the 1930s, Vieil Armagnac and Salon champagne). It is clear that such a cocktail cannot be cheap - it is a kind of legend, a nectar for the elite.
You can try Lucky & Al only at the Avi Pool bar, on the island of Velaa, which is privately owned. The cost per glass is about one hundred thousand MVR - just under half a million rubles.
20. Gulab Jamun (Gulab Jamun)
But this dessert, originally from India, is available to everyone. The dish is delicate balls of powdered milk and flour, fried in butter and then soaked in pink sugar syrup. It's a popular treat in the Maldives and worth ordering just to understand the islanders' tastebuds!
Where to try?
- Tandoori Flames, Hulhumale (11:00 to 23:30);
- Belle Amie Bistro (8:00 to 23:00);
- Samsara Restaurant, Bolifushi Island
Approximate cost: 50 - 70 MVR.
In conclusion, a few important "culinary" recommendations for tourists.
Despite the fact that alcohol is available to vacationers in almost all resorts in the Maldives, alcohol is actually forbidden to the local population living under Shariah law.
Tipping waiters in restaurants is considered good manners, but it is not obligatory, as a 10% service charge is always added to the bill.
The best time to satisfy your hunger between lunch and dinner is at the end of afternoon prayers (around 4 p.m.). This is when cafes and restaurants serve the freshest snacks.
In the Maldives, it is recommended to consume only bottled drinks, as tap water is simply desalinated seawater. Consumption is small, a standard 1.5-liter bottle will cost only 10 MVR.
Although most people in the Maldives speak good English, you may run into a language problem in some of the small cafes. Just in case, it's worth learning the names of the food and drinks listed above - so you can order them.
And lastly, what better way to get a taste than to read about culinary masterpieces? Of course - to taste them in person! Even newlyweds honeymooning in the Maldives should remember: there is no greater love than the love of food!
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