How to eat like a local in the Maldives – Some tips to enjoy the best of Maldivian fare

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and their food culture is widely influenced by many South Asian countries while retaining a certain authenticity of their own. To fully get the Maldivian experience dive into these food tips.

Satdeep Gill, Maldivian dish - Kandu Kulkulhu 14, CC BY-SA 4.0

Their meals are centred on fish

If you don't like fish, well then you are in for a pickle! Because fish happens to be a Maldivian staple, and understandably so, considering they are several small islands. If you love seafood, then you are in for a treat! You can expect a delicious array of seafood, from fish curries, soups, broths and snacks.

Light breakfasts

Breakfast is a delightful experience in the Maldives. Most Maldivians have simple meals in the mornings. Their typical breakfast includes Roshi, which flat-bread along with 'Mas Huni.' The dish 'mas huni' is a combination of flaked tuna, grated coconut, onion and chilli. It sounds simple enough, but it is great in flavour and will fill you up without overwhelming the system. Even the uber-luxurious resorts and special honeymoon villas in Maldives prepare this meal for their guests as it is a staple for many Maldivians.

Lunch and dinner

For people in the Maldives, lunch is their main meal, and they eat a hearty lunch to get through the rest of the day. They cook a dish called 'garudhiya' or 'rihaakuru'. This dish is sometimes eaten for dinner as well. Garudhiya is an uncomplicated fish soup, it is very liquidy and clear. The fish typically used in tuna, or skipjack which is boiled in salt and lime for a long time. It is eaten with rice and or roti. Rihaakuru is somewhat different and more complex in its preparation. It's a glutinous dish brown in colour with a predominant salty taste. Many spices are used while cooking it, unlike garudhiya. This dish is typically eaten with rice as well. 

anonymous, Rihaakuru, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

Maldivian snacks

Maldivians love snacks, especially at tea time, a plain cup of tea won't do while you are in the Maldives. They call their snack foods collectively 'Hedhika'. Their Snacks usually include tuna and other ingredients such as vegetables and spices. A favourite is the biskeemiya which is a pastry stuffed with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, sautéed cabbage, spices and onions. It is a common food item found in many of the inhabited islands, especially in Male.

Sweet treats

The best of Maldives' sweet offerings can be sampled during Ramadan; however, you can find them at other times as well.  Bis Haluvaa is also known as 'Maldivian sliced custard is a favourite dessert' during the festive seasons. Their other favourite is the 'Maldivian sago pudding', referred to as 'saagu bondi bai' locally. Sago is a popular ingredient in the Maldives and is made into a yummy dessert. The sago pearls are first soaked and then boiled in fresh coconut milk. The sago releases their starches to make the mixture into a thick consistency. The hot pudding mixture is delightfully fragrant and is blended with a range of spices including cardamom, rose essence and cinnamon. It is usually served with sweetened condensed milk and eaten warm. It is supposed to have a range of health benefits as well!

These are there available in many restaurants and resorts. There are different variations in its preparation as well. You won’t have to head out to Male or the inhabited islands to taste authentic Maldivian fare. Many resorts such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort will gladly cater to all these dishes, perhaps even more. So ask for recommendations.