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One of Maldives Cuisine
14 Nov, 2024

A Culinary Journey Through the Maldives: Traditional Maldivian Cuisine

 

When people think of the Maldives, they often imagine stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. But beyond the scenic beauty, Maldivian cuisine offers a unique and flavorful experience that reflects the islands’ history, geography, and culture. Known for being predominantly halal, Maldivian cuisine is a wonderful choice for Muslim travelers seeking both delicious and permissible meals. Influenced by South Asian, Arab, and East African traditions, Maldivian cuisine is a must-try for food enthusiasts. Here’s a look at the essential ingredients, signature dishes, and food culture that make dining in the Maldives a culinary adventure.

Maldivian dishes are defined by a few staple ingredients that are widely available across the islands. Tuna is the star of Maldivian cuisine, especially skipjack tuna, which is caught fresh from the Indian Ocean. Maldivians use tuna in various forms, such as dried, smoked, or fresh, and it appears in many popular dishes. Beside that, coconut is abundant in the Maldives and is used in everything from cooking to garnishing. Freshly grated coconut, coconut milk, and coconut oil add a unique depth to Maldivian dishes. Maldivian dishes are infused with spices like cumin, turmeric, cardamom, curry leaves, and chili, giving them a flavourful punch. The use of fresh spices reflects influences from Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines. Other than rice, locals also enjoy starchy root vegetables like sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro, adding variety to their meals.

In addition, here is signature Maldivian dishes you must try:

  1. Mas Huni

Often enjoyed as a breakfast dish, Mas Huni is a flavorful combination of tuna, grated coconut, onion, and chili. It’s usually served with roshi and makes for a refreshing start to the day.

  1. Garudhiya

A hearty fish soup, garudhiya is made with tuna, water, and salt, and often flavored with curry leaves, onion, and chili. Served with rice, lime, and sometimes fried fish, it’s a comforting dish that showcases the simplicity of Maldivian cooking.

  1. Fihunu Mas

Grilled fish is a staple in the Maldives, and fihunu mas is a popular dish made by marinating fish with chili paste, curry leaves, and other spices before grilling it. It’s typically served with rice and salad.

  1. Boshi Mashuni

This unique salad combines banana flowers with coconut, chili, lime, and spices, resulting in a refreshing dish that balances flavors and textures. It’s a great way to sample local produce and fresh ingredients.

  1. Rihaakuru

Rihaakuru is a thick, flavorful fish paste made by boiling tuna for hours until it reduces to a concentrated paste. It’s often served as a condiment with rice or roshi and is a staple on most Maldivian dining tables.

The Maldives also offers a range of refreshing drinks, many of which are made with tropical fruits such as tea, raa, and coconut water. Tea is a popular drink in the Maldives, especially black tea, which is often served with hedhikaa snacks. A traditional local drink, raa is a natural toddy made from the sap of palm trees. It’s slightly sweet and mildly fermented, making it a unique drink to try on the islands. With coconuts readily available, fresh coconut water is a common and refreshing drink, perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat.

Maldivian food culture is shaped by dining and an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Traditionally, meals are shared with family and friends, and dining is often a relaxed, social affair. Many Maldivians also take pride in growing their own herbs and sourcing local ingredients to prepare traditional dishes. While most luxury resorts offer international cuisine, they often combine Maldivian dishes into their menus, giving visitors a taste of the local flavours. Exploring Maldivian food culture is a journey into the heart of the islands, offering visitors a taste of the traditions, lifestyle, and history that make the Maldives unique.

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