Tempting Dishes
Foods Review

20 Tempting Dishes and Drinks to Try in the Maldives

The food in the Maldives is a blend of its neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka and India. Because the Maldives is mostly sea-based seafood, fish is the principal source of food. Coconut is a significant component of Maldivian food, which is served in many varieties like oil, milk, or added to dishes.

The traditional Maldivian food is called The Dhivehi Cuisine, which provides diverse tastes. The food of Maldives has slight spiciness and a subtle sweetness, and it is prepared with techniques handed down through generations. Because the Maldives is a popular tourist attraction with numerous resorts across the entire island, there are many foods for travellers and vegetarians.

Here are the 20 most popular drinks and foods of Maldives you can try on your Maldives Tour:

1. Garudhiya (Fish Soup)

Enjoy this delicious traditional dish from the Maldives that is also among the most basic foods consumed by the people living there. Garudhiya is a delicious fish soup, which is typically made with fish, water and salt. Garudhiya is usually served alongside rice, lime chilli, onions, and chilli.

How to find: Iberry Cafe, Hulhumale (opens from 8:00 am until 12:00 am); Jazz Cafe, Male (Opens from 2:00 pm to 12:01 am every Friday, and 8 am to 12 noon on the other days); Muraka, Mirihi Island Resort (Dinner 7:15 pm until 10:30 pm).
Estimated Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 200 (depending on the location)

2. Mas Huni (Shredded Smoked Tuna)

A popular food popular in the Maldives, Mas Huni – the shredded, smoke Tuna served with coconut grated and lemon, is an absolute must-try. It is the most well-known Maldivian breakfast. It’s served with chapati bread, also known as Roshi.

Where to go: Sea House the Maldives, Boduthakurufaanu Magu (Opes from 4:30 am until midnight); Crystal Sands, Maafushi (Opens from 6:00 am to 12:00 am) The west harbour area of Male, which is now known as Raaveribe Maizaan, has many small eateries along the line, which offer Maldivian breakfast. You can go there when breakfast is served.
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 250

3. Masroshi (Tuna Stuffed Chapati)

Masroshi can be described as a Chapati packed with smoked tuna and coconut. The curry leaf and spice will have you say, “mmmmmm! ”

How to get there: Cafe Rio, Male (Opens from 5:00 am until 11:30 am); Findhandi Restaurant, Komandoo (Opens from 7:30 am until 12:01 am); Lonuveli Restaurant, Hulhulmale (Opens 8 am to 12:00 am)
Approximate Cost: MVR 7 – MVR 50

4. Bis Keemiya (Samosa)

Similar to a samosa, a spring roll similar to a spring roll and samosa, Bis Keemiya is an intriguing dish that is an excellent snack. It’s a puff pastry stuffed with hardboiled egg/tuna, sliced onions, and lightly sauteed chopped cabbage. The genuineness of the flavours makes it a must-try dish of Maldives.

Where to go for the best food: Eat Bis Keemiya at the cafes on the streets located in Male and Hulhulmale, generally open from 8:00 am to 10:15 pm.
Approximate Cost: MVR 2 – MVR 10

5. Boshi Mashuni (Banana Flower Salad)

Amid salsa and salad, Boshi Mashuni falls somewhere between salad and salsa. It combines crunchy fruits, banana flowers, and fresh coconut. While curry leaves and cumin, turmeric, and curry leaves give a delicious flavour in the recipe, the spices like lime, cumin, and Maldivian chillies give it an effervescent twist.

Where to go: Iberry Cafe, Hulhumale (opens 8 am to 12 noon am); Crystal Sands, Maafushi (Opens from 6:00 am to 12:01 am); Cafe Rio, Male (Opens from 5:00 am until 1:30 am)
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 100

6. Fried Yams

Yams are among the few crops grown in this stunning island nation. Therefore, fried yams are a well-known food item in the Maldives! The outside is crunchy and soft inside. This snack comes with sauces to make it worth every penny you pay.

Where to find: Cafes within Raaveribe Maizaan, the west harbour area of Male, typically open from 8:00 am to 10:15 pm.
Approximate Cost: MVR 10 – MVR 35

7. Maldivian Live Lobster

Lobster is best cooked live as it melts in the mouth and gives a distinct flavour. The perfect cooked Maldivian lobster right at your table is a basic delight that you will not want to miss!

Where to buy: Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 am until 11:30 pm); Restaurant Edge, Niyama (Dinner time: 7:30 pm until 10:30 pm); Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Opens 11 am until 2:30 pm and from 6:30 pm to 10:30 to 10:30)

Approximate Cost: MVR 250 – MVR 400

8. Saagu Bondibai (Sago Pudding)

Sago, also known as sabudana, is a well-known ingredient in the food of the people in the Maldives And you’ll be able to understand why once you try the sago pudding. It is heated with coconut milk and then laced with condensed dairy. The aroma of cardamom, as well as rose, make the entire experience more enjoyable. It’s among the most delicious vegetarian meals in the Maldives.

Where to buy: Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens from 6:30 am until 11:30 at 5:00 pm); Epicure, Niyama (Opens from 7:30 am until 11:00 midnight) • the Lighthouse Restaurant (Opens 11:00 am until 11:00 at)
Approximate Cost: MVR 200 – MVR 500

9. Reef Fish Cutlets

Reef fish is a very popular food in the Maldives, and when it’s served in the form of Tandoor masala spiced reef fish cutlet, with sides like coconut and mint chutney/papaya/cucumber, who wouldn’t love it? You should try it!

How to get there: Ufaa Maldivian Restaurant, COMO Cocoa Island (Lunch: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (dinner: 6:30 pm until 11:00 pm); Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 am to 11:11 pm)
Approximate Cost: MVR 300 – MVR 500

10. Gulha (Dumpling)

Gulha is”short eat” or an ‘evening snack and is delicious served hot and freshly baked alongside coffee or tea. These are small, bite-sized dumplings stuffed with Tuna fish chilli, onions, and grated coconuts.

Where to go: Faruma Restaurant, Dhiffushi Island; The Lighthouse Restaurant (Opens 11:00 am – 11:00 pm); Sunset Corner, Thoddoo (Opens from 6:00 am until 12:00 am)

Approximate Cost: MVR 2 – MVR 10

11. Kulhi Boakibaa (Fish Cake)

Kulhi Boakibaa is an excellent fish cake that is a must-try Maldivian food. It is served on special occasions in Maldivian homes, but it is easily available in many restaurants. It comprises smoke-smoked tuna, coconut scrapes, onion, ground rice and scraped coconut.

Where to go: SeaLaVie Cafe, Ukulhas (Opens from 9:30 am until 11:00 pm); Salathai Cafe, Male (Opens 3:00 pm to 12:01 am); Findhandi Restaurant, Komandoo (Opens from 7:30 am until 12:00 am)

Approximate Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 100

12. Aluvi Boakibaa (Cassava Coconut Cake)

Aluvi Boakibaa is a delicious sweet coconut and cassava cake that melts your mouth and takes one to heaven! It is loved by tourists and locals alike, making it an integral component of the food scene in the Maldives.

How to find: City Bakery (Opens 6:00 am until 10:00 pm); Salathai Cafe, Male (Opens 3:00 pm to 12:00 am); Fine Bake by Suzi (Opens between 8:00 am and 6:45 pm and from 8:00 pm to 10:00 at night)

Approximate Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 70

13. Fish curry

The majority of the popular dishes in the Maldives contain fish and fish, so why not have the simple and essential Fish curry? It is rich, flavorful, and spicy. Fish that are most loved include tiny tunny, skipjack tuna frigate tuna, yellowfin Tuna bigeye scad mahi-mahi, wahoo, and Mahi-. Curry fish is served along with rice, rice roshi, papadhu. It is also served with Maldivian poppadoms.

How to get there: Sunset Corner (Opens 6:00 AM until 12:00 am); Kaalamaa Restaurant, Maafushi (Opens 12:45 PM until 2:30 PM and 7:45 PM to 9:45 PM); Cafe Sea Breeze, Bandos (Open 24 hours)

Approximate Cost: MVR 15 – MVR 75

14. Rihaakuru (Fish Paste)

A classic food item of Maldivian culinary tradition, Rihaakuru is a thick paste prepared by simmering fish for a long period. Spicy food is a favourite in Maldivian households. Take a slice of the Roshi, dip it into the Rihaakuru to eat, and continue until your stomach is full!

How to find: SeaLaVie Cafe, Ukulhas (Opens from 9:30 am until 11:00 midnight); Iberry Cafe, Hulhumale (Opens from 8:00 am until 12:01 am); Jazz Cafe, Male (Opens from 2:00 pm to 12:01 am every Friday; from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm during the rest of the week.)

Approximate Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 150

15. Maldivian Vegetable Curry

In a region where fish is a major ingredient in many recipes, the Maldivian Vegetable curry, also known as Tharukaaree Riha, is a fantastic choice for vegans or vegetarians.

As a result of the enormous Indian and Sri Lankan influence on the Maldives, the curry is packed with vegetables like sweet potato beans, pumpkin, carrots, and more. And flavoured with curry and pandan leaves is tasty and healthy, and is popular with the people who live there!

Where to go: Amore, Guraidhoo (Opens from 8:00 am until 11:00 pm) Street cafes in the Male west harbour, generally open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Approximate Cost: MVR 25 – MVR 50

16. Sai (Tea)

Maldivians adhere to the British tea tradition. Kalhu siu (black tea) or the kiru Sai (milk tea) are consumed with salty or sweet snacks. Therefore, tea drinkers rejoice!

Where to find: T for Tea House, Furanafushi Island (Opens 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm (except the Wednesdays); My Cafe Maldives, Male (Opens 7:00 am until 12:00 am) • The Royal Garden Cafe, Male (Opens from 8:00 am until 12:00 am); Family Room Cafe, Male (Opens 9:00 am until 11:00 pm)

Approximate Cost: MVR 10 – MVR 35

17. Maldivian Lady

Treat your senses to a delicious treat with the fresh, tropical scent and the fruity flavour that comes from this Maldivian drink, made of white rum, apricot brandy, grenadine pineapple juice and orange. Imagine yourself sitting in the evening sky with a refreshing breeze and sipping this drink. Paradise, right?

Where to find: Raabondi Restaurant, Horubadhoo Island; Kakuni Bar, Meerufenfushi (Opens 8 am to 11:30 A.M.); Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 AM until 11:30 PM)

Approximate Cost: MVR 200 – MVR 350

18. Biyadhoo Special

It is named after Biyadhoo Island, located in the Maldives. The Biyadhoo unique drink is a refreshing mix of fresh juice and alcohol. It is served in the classic stemmed glass for cocktails that contain one portion of vodka, one portion the juice of a pineapple, and two portions of the melon liqueur and slices of pineapple. The tropical flavour and hints of vodka will put you in that perfect mood of a drunk.

Where to find: SIP Sunset Bar (Opens 10 am to 11 pm); Moodhu Bar and Restaurant (Open all hours)

Approximate Cost: MVR 200 – MVR 350

19. Lucky & Al

The Maldives is a premium drink cocktail among the priciest Lucky & Al is a solid combination of spirits creating a distinct and powerful flavour. According to reports, the drink was invented to pay tribute to its Prohibition Era in the US and is served with old-fashioned 1930’s Guy Lheraud, Vieil Armagnac and Salon 1988 Champagne. It is made with the finest ingredients. This elegant cocktail is certainly not cheap, but it is definitely worth the price!

Where to Get: Avi Pool Bar, Velaa Private Island

Approximate Cost: MVR 1,00,000

20. Gulab Jamun

Yes, this renowned Indian dessert – milky spongy balls that are soaked in rose-scented sugar syrup is popular and eaten in the Maldives, and you should certainly try this dessert!

Where to go: Tandoori Flames, Hulhumale (Opens 11 am to 11:30 pm); Belle Amie Bistro (Opens 8 am to 11 midnight); Samsara Restaurant, Bolifushi Island.

Approximate Cost: MVR 50 – MVR 70

Tips

  • While alcohol-related drinks are readily available in all resorts and liveaboard vessels, alcohol is banned for the local populace and is not readily available at public island resorts.
  • Tipping at the restaurant is considered a nice gesture, even though it’s not required because 10% of the service cost is included in the cost.
  • It is advisable to drink bottled water in the Maldives because tap water is largely desalinated seawater. The cost of 1.5-litre water bottle will cost less than MVR 10.
  • While a significant part of the population in the Maldives can speak and understand English because of the constant flow of tourists, you may face difficulties in a few cafes. In such instances, you can refer to the Maldives information on the language to order the delicious drinks and food, and then have an evening to please your palate.

What’s more exciting than looking up food-related information and gazing at the gorgeous photos of it? Sure, eating it. What are you wasting time on? For all those on honeymoon in the Maldives, keep in mind that there’s no truer passion than that of food! Mouth-watering much?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *