When dining in Maldives, every bite is a celebration of vibrant flavours and rich cultural influences. As you explore this tropical paradise, prepare to indulge in an evocative culinary journey that your taste buds will love too! Here is more on what you need to know about the local cuisine.

Diverse Influences

The culinary heritage of the Maldives is a melting pot of influences from Southeast Asian, Indian, and Arabian traders who traversed its azure waters throughout history. This unique blend of cultures has infused local cuisine with an array of spices and cooking techniques, creating a rich blend of flavours that captivates the senses. From fragrant curries to succulent grilled seafood, there is much to look forward to when dining at a restaurant in Maldives where each dish tells a story worth savouring!

Key Ingredients

At the heart of traditional Maldivian cuisine lie three key ingredients: coconut, fish, and starches containing grains and vegetables. Coconut, in its various forms – grated, milk, or oil – lends a rich, creamy texture to many dishes. Meanwhile, fish, freshly caught from the surrounding waters, takes centre stage in curries, soups, and grilled delicacies that can be enjoyed at resorts like OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. Starches such as rice and tubers provide sustenance and balance to the meal, completing the trinity of flavours that define local gastronomy.

Popular Dishes

No culinary journey in the Maldives would be complete without sampling beloved traditional dishes. One such dish is Mas Huni a traditional breakfast staple made from shredded smoked tuna. Curries are also popular including those made from fish (such as Kandu Kukulhu and Mas Riha), chicken (Kukulhu Riha) and various vegetables. You can additionally look to try Boshi Mashuni made from banana flowers as well as Saagu Bondibai, a yummy sago pudding.

Festive Food

Kulhi Boakibaa
Kulhi Boakibaa – Image via Deviant Art

The vibrant culinary scene in Maldives comes alive during key festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr (Kuda Eid) known for its celebratory feasts following Ramadan, a sacred month where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Some of the popular culinary creations during this time are Kulhi Boakibaa which is eaten for breakfast and short eats referred to as Hedhikaa eaten as snacks. For lunch, rice dishes like folaa and biriyani are popular along with chicken dishes and a local jelly known as haluvidhaa.