How to Experience Authentic Maldivian Flavours with Traditional Dishes

The Maldives is a collection of islands that come together to incorporate various cultures, traditional cooking techniques, and local (specific to particular islands) ingredients in order to make dishes that are among the most flavourful in the South Asian region. The stunning beaches and local wildlife add a truly unique backdrop when tasting the local delicacies, as the salty wind coming in from the ocean enhances your flavour journey across the Maldives.

Mas Huni

Mas Huni is a staple Maldivian breakfast, and it boasts a unique combination of shredded tuna, grated coconut, onions, and chili, served with warm flatbread (locally known as roshi), which is the go to breakfast meal for many Maldivians due to its simplicity and nutrient packed nature. This flavourful dish provides the perfect balance of protein and healthy fats to start the day, providing consumers with enough energy to go about their day while being easy to consume while travelling as well. This dish is typically enjoyed alongside a cup of black tea, in order to truly complete the Maldivian breakfast experiences, with many restaurants in the Maldives belonging to popular establishments such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offering this combination.

╚ DD╔ from Male, Maldives, Mashuni (382668832), CC BY-SA 2.0

Maldivian Curries and Coconut-Based Dishes

As with the countries that helped shape Maldivian cuisine (Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic), curries play a vital role in the Maldivian cuisine, and these curries are often made with fish, chicken, or vegetables simmered in a rich coconut milk-based sauce in order to amplify the flavours. Popular curries such as Mas Riha (tuna curry) and Kukulhu Riha (chicken curry) pack a flavour bomb as they are infused with aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and cardamom boosting the natural flavours of the ingredients. These curry dishes are often accompanied with a side of steamed rice or roshi, making these dishes quite heavy yet very comforting and satisfying when served warm. 

Savouring the Street Food Delights

As with any Asian country, street food is an integral part of the Maldivian culture with many dishes packed with local flavours and fresh seafood, helping convey the importance of seafood and coconuts for day to day Maldivian consumption. Many street food vendors offer a range of snacks that locals enjoy throughout the day, and these range from fried dough balls stuffed with fish (Gulha) to pastries filled with spiced tuna and coconut (Bajiya). However, the most popular street food item in the Maldives is Fihunu Mas, this dish incorporates the freshest fish which are grilled to perfection to encapsulate the fish with a smokey flavour before being topped off with a marinated combination of chili and lime that provides a fresh, spicy, and slightly tangy flavour profile to this dish. 

Enjoying Freshly Caught Seafood Specialties

As an island nation, seafood is at the heart of Maldivian cuisine, as a country that has many fishermen, the Maldives has a constant supply of fresh seafood and a very healthy production of dried seafood as well which has undergone preservation efforts to elongate the shelf life of these seafood items. Freshly grilled reef fish, lobster, and octopus are commonly prepared with tangy marinades and served with side dishes like grilled vegetables or spicy sauces that further compliment the seafood flavour profile of these dishes. A popular dish is Garudhiya, a traditional fish soup made with tuna, garlic, curry leaves, and lime, often eaten with rice and homemade condiments which is one of the best dishes that would convey the warmth of Maldivian cuisine. Sampling these delicacies from local food stalls provides an authentic and immersive culinary experience because tourists can witness the hustle and bustle of local markets and engage with the local fishermen and haggle as well.