Most people come to the Maldives for the ocean. But the food is just as worth exploring. Maldivian cuisine draws on flavours from the Mediterranean, Persia, India and Sri Lanka, with fish, coconut and spices doing most of the heavy lifting. Here’s where to start.

Mas Huni for Breakfast

Mas Huni is a mixture of grated coconut, flaked tuna, onion, chilli and lime juice, usually served alongside warm roti flatbread as a breakfast dish. It’s simple, fresh and genuinely hard to put down. If you only try one thing, make it this.

Finding the Right Place to Stay 

Tracking down authentic Maldivian food takes a bit of effort, depending on where you’re based. Places like SO/ Maldives offer a range of dining experiences, and for food travellers keen to explore traditional flavours alongside the international options, the best restaurant in Maldives for local cuisine is often located in a resort on a local island.

Garudhiya at Lunch

Garudhiya is a traditional Maldivian fish soup made with fresh chunks of yellowfin tuna or skipjack, seasoned with ginger, garlic, black pepper and lemon juice. It is the national dish of the Maldives and is best eaten with steamed rice and a squeeze of lime on the side.

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Finish With Something Sweet

Bondibai is a sweet porridge made with breadfruit, rice or sago and is a favourite during local festivities like Eid. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t look like much but stays with you long after you’ve left the islands.