How to Discover Hidden Vegan Gems in the Maldives: A Comprehensive Vegan Food Guide

Enjoying delicious food is part and parcel of a great holiday in the Maldives. Vegan and vegetarian food made using fresh ingredients and local spices that emanate aromatic flavours truly enhances this experience. As you plan for your next vacation in the exotic Maldives archipelago identify the traditional vegan specialities already available in addition to seeking out resorts that serve those vegan gems.

Introduction

Just as much as the Maldives is known as a slice of paradise, the many luxury resorts and private islands are known to offer superior service and indulgence to their valued guests. Most resorts in the Maldives are known for offering International Cuisine and they also excel in seafood dishes. 

However, as there are more and more travellers opting for vegan and vegetarian food most properties are geared for vegans with plant-based food being included in the menus of restaurants in the Maldives. These resorts are also known for providing bespoke service to their guests hence special dishes may also be served with prior request. As a proactive visitor check with the resort in advance and discuss your requirements so that you enjoy your vegan food just as much as you enjoy your time in the Maldives. Read on to find the best vegan dishes.

Mas Huni (Vegan)

Although the usual Mas Huni is made with Tuna the Vegan version is made with tofu mixed with grated coconut (coconuts are ubiquitous in the Maldives and are used in many dishes), diced onions and chilli peppers. When the dish is done it becomes a creamy and savoury broth with a tongue-tingling taste. It is served with freshly made roshi. The duo makes it a complete and satisfying meal enjoyed not only by vegans but also by others. Eaten for breakfast this is usually washed down with hot tea or coffee.

Roshi – This is the traditional flatbread of the Maldives made with wheat flour, water and salt. It is an ideal accompaniment for vegetable dishes and curries.

Xavier Romero-Frias, Mas huni-roshi087, CC BY-SA 3.0

Maa Laa Ruz 

This is a delightful dish for vegans. Made with rice, and a mix of vegetables. Creamy coconut milk, curry leaves, chilli and a mix of traditional Maldivian spices. The mix of ingredients is cooked over a slow fire until the rice is cooked, and the dish is aromatic. This flavourful rice dish is a great favourite of the locals and is usually eaten with a fresh salad, it is equally enjoyed by visitors.

Foni Boakibaa

This will be a wonderful snack for vegans. This traditional Maldivian dish is made using grated coconut, diced onions, ginger and garlic, chilli, salt to taste and flour to bind the ingredients and spices. Baked until golden and crispy in an oven, it is crunchy as you bite into it, however soft and moist inside. Although eaten as a snack most of the time, it can be a meal with a freshly made green salad.

Saagu Bondibai

This is a delicious Maldivian dessert loved by locals and is ideal for vegans. Sago pearls are boiled in water till they become transparent. Thereafter cooked in creamy coconut milk with pandan leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, sugar according to taste and a dash of rose flavour. This is a sought-after dessert for Vegan guests using Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

Bis Keemiya

This is a much-loved snack in the Maldives and its unmistakable triangular shape makes it well-known. The crispy and deep-fried snack is packed with vegetables, herbs and spices making it vegan-friendly and a filling snack. Bis Keemiya is served accompanied by a dipping sauce, an ideal snack to enjoy with a book or when you are lounging on the sun deck.