Planning a foodie holiday to the Maldives? You have probably already heard about the legendary fish curry, and yes, it absolutely deserves that fame. But here’s the delicious secret: the local cuisine has so much more to offer, and your taste buds are in for a tropical holiday of their own!

A Morning Fave
If you want to start your day like locals do, mas huni is the way to go. It features shredded smoked tuna and grated coconut, mixed with onions, chilli and a little bit of lime… simple, fresh and unbelievably satisfying. Scoop it up with warm roshi (a kind of flatbread) and wash it all down with a hot cup of kalhu sai (black tea) or kiru sai (milk tea). Breakfast goals achieved!

Seafood Delights
Not surprisingly for a nation surrounded by the ocean, seafood is everywhere here, from local cafes to luxury restaurants in Maldives. Of course, succulent lobster is a perennial favourite and is on the menus at dining venues of private resorts like Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. You also get dishes made with prawns, fish, crab and more, while seafood (especially tuna) features in teatime snacks such as masroshi and gulha, too.

Soup for the Soul
You may have heard of “chicken soup for the soul”, but in the Maldives, chicken soup is replaced with garudhiya, the ultimate comfort in a bowl! It’s a fragrant broth with fresh tuna cubes, curry leaves, garlic, onions and chilli, finished with crispy fried onions and lime. Light yet warming, it’s perfect on rainy days and refreshing enough for sunshine-filled afternoons.

A Delicious Dessert

Image by zhaona1206 from Pixabay

For something sweet (though you don’t have to wait for after your meal!), saagu bondibai or sago pudding is well worth savouring. These soft, chewy sago pearls are cooked with coconut milk and condensed milk until creamy and dreamy. A hint of rose and cardamom ties it all together… you will go back for seconds and maybe thirds… don’t worry, no judgement here!