Food in Maldives

The Maldives, a tropical paradise known for its breathtaking beaches and vibrant marine life, is also home to a distinctive cuisine that offers a taste of the islands' cultural heritage. As a tourist in the Maldives, you'll find that the local gastronomy is heavily influenced by the surrounding sea, with seafood playing a central role in many dishes. Additionally, the flavors are marked by the use of coconut, as well as an array of spices that reflect the country's position on ancient trade routes. Discover the culinary treasures of the Maldives and the traditional dishes that you should not miss while enjoying your stay in this idyllic destination.

Maldivian Dishes

Mas Huni

Mas Huni is a beloved breakfast staple in the Maldives, typically made with tuna, which is abundant in the surrounding waters. The dish consists of shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconuts, onions, lemon, and chili. It's usually served with freshly baked flatbread called "roshi" and is a light yet flavorful start to the day.

Garudhiya

Garudhiya is a fragrant fish soup that's a cornerstone of Maldivian cuisine. Made with fresh tuna, the soup is flavored with onions, curry leaves, and a blend of Maldivian spices. The clear broth is rich in taste, often accompanied by rice, lime, chili, and a side of roshi. Garudhiya reflects the simplicity and freshness of local cooking.

Bis Keemiya

The Maldivian version of a samosa, Bis Keemiya is a savory pastry that combines a flaky crust with a filling of hard-boiled eggs, onions, and cabbage. It can also include tuna or chicken, making it a versatile snack or side dish. Bis Keemiya is commonly found at local cafes and street food vendors.

Masroshi

Masroshi is a stuffed chapati, another popular Maldivian snack. The dough is filled with a spicy mixture of tuna, onions, coconut, and curry leaves before being cooked on a hot griddle. Masroshi offers a perfect balance of textures, with a soft inside and a slightly crispy exterior.

Fihunu Mas

Fihunu Mas is a Maldivian barbecued fish dish that is simple yet full of flavor. Whole fish are marinated with a paste made from ground chili, garlic, and spices, then grilled over coals, resulting in a smoky and spicy flavor. It's a common dish for family gatherings and special occasions.

Huni Roshi

Huni Roshi is a variation of the Maldivian flatbread roshi, with the addition of coconut. The dough is mixed with grated coconut and then cooked on a griddle until golden brown. The result is a slightly sweet, fluffy bread that complements curries and other Maldivian dishes.

Rihaakuru

An intense fish paste, Rihaakuru is a byproduct of boiling tuna in water and extracting the liquid. This paste is a concentrated flavor bomb used in many Maldivian dishes to add depth and umami. It's an acquired taste but is central to the local cuisine.

Kulhi Boakibaa

Kulhi Boakibaa is a spicy fish cake, combining tuna with coconut, onions, and chili, then baked into a thick, savory cake. It's often enjoyed during festivities and as a hearty snack.

Theluli Mas

Theluli Mas means 'fried fish' in Dhivehi, the local language. The fish, typically tuna, is marinated with spices and then fried until the outside is crispy and the inside remains tender. It's a simple dish that truly showcases the fresh seafood available in the Maldives.

Maldivian Desserts

Bondibaiy

Bondibaiy is a traditional Maldivian dessert made from rice, coconut milk, and sugar, often flavored with cardamom or rosewater. It's a type of sweet rice pudding that's comforting and creamy, usually served on special occasions.

Sai (Tea)

While not a dessert, Maldivian tea, known as 'Sai', is an important part of the local cuisine, often enjoyed after a meal. It's a strong, milky tea that can be sweetened with condensed milk or sugar and is sometimes spiced with cardamom.

Gulha

Gulha are small, ball-shaped dumplings filled with a mixture of tuna, coconut, onions, and chili. They are then coated in a dough and deep-fried until golden. While savory, they are a popular treat at tea time.

Foni Boakibaa

Foni Boakibaa is a sweet, dense cake made from ground rice flour, coconut, and sugar. It's flavored with rosewater or screwpine leaves for a unique aroma and is a staple at Maldivian celebrations.

Handulu Bondibai

This sweet treat is a variant of Bondibaiy, made with screwpine fruit (handulu) instead of rice. The fruit is cooked with coconut milk and sugar to create a jelly-like dessert that's both exotic and refreshing.

Dhonkeyo Kajuru

Dhonkeyo Kajuru is a fried banana cake, where ripe bananas are mashed and mixed with flour, sugar, and water, then deep-fried. The result is a sweet, fritter-like snack that's a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Maldivian Halwa

Maldivian Halwa is a gelatinous sweet made from starch, sugar, and nuts, often colored and flavored with rose or cardamom. It has a chewy texture and is a common treat served at festive occasions.