The Maldives is not just a paradise for the beaches; it’s also a destination for food lovers. From fresh seafood to distinctive Maldivian specialities, each dish showcases a unique flavour of the islands, making every meal a memorable culinary adventure.

Rihaakuru

This dish is a local fan favourite and has been a part of many generations of Maldivian ancestry. Rihaakuru is a dark, spicy, and thick paste that is concocted by cooking fish along with salt. It is cooked down till a fully dark paste forms. The rest of the unwanted parts are extracted.

Garudhiya

This is an authentic Maldivian dish that truly is a part of the culture of the Maldivians. Most of the top restaurants in Maldives offer this dish, but it has to be made quite precisely. Some may view Garudhiya as a soup, but it’s a clear curry made of tuna chunks, pepper, chilli, and other aromatic spices.

Mas Roshi

Stuffed with smoked tuna, shredded coconut, and local spices, this Maldivian ‘roti’ is the perfect accompaniment to heavy curries or broths. Mas Roshi is found throughout the islands as a popular street food, as well as a breakfast item at some hotels like Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. 

Mas Baiy

This rice dish is an absolute favourite among the locals and is most commonly enjoyed on Fridays during lunch after prayers. The rice has a yellowish texture and is paired with tuna, coconut milk, and various other spices to make it an absolute must-have!

Boakibaa

Image by NaoYuasa from Pixabay

This teatime snack is basically a fish cake and is a spicy treat to snack on during tea. Depending on how it’s made, the cake can be of different types, some soft, while others are hard, and some spicier, while others are less spicy!