10 Famous and Tasty Maldivian Dishes and Drinks to Try

Whenever we talk or hear about Maldives tour packages – we tend to talk about the breathtaking beauty of Maldives, its azure waters, sandy beaches, and natural wonders. However, the culinary culture of the Maldives, which combines different cultural influences, is not as well-known. The Maldives close to the Indian Ocean has their main staple food as fish and coconut. Dhivehi Cuisine, which means a feast of flavors, is the name given to traditional Maldivian cuisine. The food in the Maldives is cooked using methods that have been handed down through the generations and has a gentle spice and a subtle sweetness. Maldives – a renowned tourist destination has a plethora of resorts offering a wide range of food options.

1. Fish Soup – Garudhiya

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This finger-licking traditional dish of Maldives – Garudhiya is an irresistible fish soup. Garudhiya is served with steamed rice, Roshi – Maldivian Chapati, lime onions, and grated coconut as a garnish. It’s yummy and refreshing altogether! For the best culinary experience, eat this with rice and often with your hands.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• AKOYA Fusion – Male
• Jazz Café – Male
• Muraka – Mirihi Island Resort
• Iberry Café – Hulhumale

Approximate Price:

MVR 50 – MVR 200 – depending on the venue

2. Shredded Smoked Tuna – Mas Huni

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Try Mas Huni, a prevalent food in Maldives, while you are in this country. You will undoubtedly enjoy a mix of flavors. This recipe calls for smoked and shredded tuna, onions, chilies, and coconut. Mas Huni, a popular Maldivian breakfast dish, is typically served with flatbreads known as Roshi.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Crystal Sands – Maafushi
• Raaveribe Maizaan
• Sea House – Boduthakurufaanu Magu

Approximate Price:

MVR 50 – MVR 250 – depending on the venue

3. Tuna Stuffed Chapati – Masroshi

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Masroshi is a type of bread that is typically eaten with tea or as a main course. This thin dough is stuffed with smoked tuna, curry leaves, onion, ginger-garlic, pepper, and coconut before being cooked and served. The best time to eat Masroshi is with a cup of tea in the morning or evening. It is a palm-sized bread that is light on the stomach.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Findhandi Restaurant – Komandoo
• Café Rio – Male
• Lonuveli Restaurant – Hulhulmale

Approximate Price:

MVR 7 – MVR 50 – depending on the venue

4. Samosa – Bis Keemiya

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Bis Keemiya is a deep-fried snack with a juicy and mouth-watering filling, similar to an Indian Spring roll or Samosa. This might make a delicious snack for vegans. In general, the stuffing consists of spices-coated vegetables, but if you are not a vegetarian, you can request meat or eggs for your Bis Keemiya. Amongst the numerous Maldivian food and beverages – Bis Keemiya is a must-try food of Maldives.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• In Male and Hulhulmale’s street cafes

Approximate Price:

MVR 2 – MVR 10 – depending on the venue

5. Banana Flower Salad – Boshi Mashuni

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At local restaurants, Banana Flower Salad, also known as Boshi Mashuni, is frequently served before the main course. It is among the best regional cuisines – vegans and vegetarians should try while visiting the paradise islands. This crunchy dish is served raw, with ingredients that have been tossed together and topped with spices. Thinly cut banana flowers are added to a dish of fresh coconut before being seasoned with cumin, salt, Maldivian chilies, lime, and turmeric. The flavor of the nutrient-rich dish has been compared to an Asian salad or salsa.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Crystal Sands – Maafushi
• Iberry Café – Hulhumale

Approximate Price:

MVR 50 – MVR 100 – depending on the venue

6. Sago Pudding – Saagu Bondibai

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Sago commonly referred to as Sabudana is a popular food in people’s diets in the Maldives. Saagu Bondibai also referred to as Maldivian sago pudding, is a dish that is commonly served at local celebrations and events. One of the best vegetarian desserts in the Maldives is this rich meal, which uses cooked sago seeds to provide a cooling effect on the body. In addition to coconut milk and cardamom, the pudding contains condensed milk and rose water.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• OBLU Xperience – Ailafushi
• The Lighthouse Restaurant
• Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu

Approximate Price:

MVR 200 – MVR 500 – depending on the venue

7. Reef Fish Cutlets

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Reef fish is one of the most sought-after fish species in the Maldives, and this meal makes the best use of reef fish to produce a cutlet that is oozing with flavor. The cutlet’s stuffing consists of reef fish, which is also boiled and mixed with Tandoor Masala spices, as well as coconut, papaya, cucumber, and mint chutney. Refreshing and suitable at any time of day Reef Fish Cutlets are a popular dish in the Maldives.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Ufaa Maldivian Restaurant – Cocoa Island
• Sea Fire Salt – Anantara Dhigu

Approximate Price:

MVR 300 – MVR 500 – depending on the venue

8. Fish Cake – Kulhi Boakibaa

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Are you familiar with fish cakes? You will find it on the menus in the Maldives! Kulhi Boakibaa is a fish cake. Just the way you would want to visit all the best places to visit in Maldives – you should not miss out on trying this Maldivian food. Maldivian houses serve it on special occasions, but it is also widely available in many restaurants. It is made with ground rice, smoked tuna, onions, spices, coconut, and other ingredients.

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Findhandi Restaurant – Komandoo
• SeaLaVie Café – Ukulhas
• Salathai Café – Male

Approximate Price:

MVR 50 – MVR 100 – depending on the venue

9. Fish Paste – Rihaakuru

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Rihaakuru, a traditional Maldivian dish, is made by boiling fish for a long time to create a thick paste. Rihaaruku is a byproduct of tuna processing that ranges in color from light to dark brown. The Maldivian people love this spicy food. Till your stomach is content, take a portion of the Roshi and plunge it in the Rihaakuru, and eat up!

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Jazz Café – Male
• Iberry Café – Hulhumale
• SeaLaVie Café – Ukulhas

Approximate Price:

MVR 50 – MVR 150 – depending on the venue

10. Maldivian Lady

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While discussing Maldivian food and beverages – we cannot miss out on the popular Maldivian drink – the Maldivian Lady. This drink comprises white rum, apricot brandy, orange, and pineapple juice in a warm blend of fruity and tropical flavors. An ideal beverage for a warm beach day!

Local restaurants that serve this dish:

• Sea Fire Salt – Anantara Dhigu
• Kakuni Bar – Meerufenfushi
• Raabondi Restaurant – Horubadhoo Island

Approximate Price:

MVR 200 – MVR 350 – depending on the venue

Conclusion

There’s no denying that Maldivian food is among the finest and most delicious things the nation has to offer. For those on a tighter budget, there are tons of fantastic options available, and the affordable food prices on the island make it even easier.

When you book Maldives travel packages from Ahmedabad with Flamingo Transworld in the future, don’t forget to sample at least one of these dishes to round off your trip.