For the complete Maldives holiday experience, savouring traditional cuisine is a must. Here’s a quick guide on some of the elements that are part of the distinctive local dishes.
Coconut is King!
A key ingredient in Maldivian cuisine, coconut is utilised in many forms be it at local homes or the best Maldives restaurants. Known locally as “kurumba”, the coconut can be used in a grated form, in an oil form for deep-frying and in a liquid form that is used for making curries and even certain drinks!
Local Curries
A quintessential part of Maldivian cuisine, curries are popular indeed and contain everything from fish or chicken to vegetables. Available at local eateries as well as restaurants found at resorts such as Baros Maldives, these usually spicy curries are generally eaten with chapati, roshi or steamed rice.
Plenty of Fish
As you would expect from a nation surrounded by the ocean, fish is used in abundance, especially tuna. Of course, you do get more than one tuna species be it yellowfin, skipjack or frigate tuna. Mackerel scad and wahoo are amongst the other fish species that are used for dishes that include curries and deep-fried delights.
Culinary Highlights
So, what are some of the must-try dishes in Maldives? Here’s a quick list to help you get started;
• Mas huni – A breakfast dish made with shredded tuna
• Garudhiya – A traditional fish soup
• Masroshi – Savoury snack with tuna filling
• Bis Keemiya – Veggie snack with egg
• Saagu bondibai – Yummy sago pudding
