Verified Facts
When visiting Maldives, you should try the local cuisine which is a unique blend of flavors and spices, with must-try dishes including Mas huni, Bambukeylu, and Garudhiya.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Maldivian cuisine is a unique blend of flavors and spices, with a strong emphasis on seafood, coconuts, and starch-rich vegetables. The cuisine has been shaped by the country's strategic location in the Indian Ocean, with influences from Indian, Sri Lankan, and Middle Eastern cuisines. The use of coconut milk and curry leaves is prevalent in many dishes, adding a distinct flavor and aroma to the local cuisine. The Maldivian diet is also heavily influenced by the Islamic faith, with a focus on halal food and a strong tradition of hospitality and generosity when it comes to food.
The cuisine in Maldives varies slightly from one atoll to another, with some atolls being more famous for their seafood dishes and others for their coconut-based desserts. The Addu Atoll, for example, is known for its keemia (fish cakes), while the Ari Atoll is famous for its mas huni. The local cuisine is also characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, with many dishes made from fresh fish, coconuts, and vegetables.
Maldivian cuisine is not just about the food, but also about the cultural and social aspects of eating. Mealtimes are often seen as opportunities to bond with family and friends, and the tradition of hospitality is taken very seriously. Visitors to Maldives can experience the local cuisine in a variety of settings, from traditional restaurants to street food stalls and local markets.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mas huni | Breakfast | Smoked tuna, coconut, and onions | Local cafes and restaurants |
| Bambukeylu | Snack | Fried bamboo shoots with coconut and chili | Street food stalls and markets |
| Garudhiya | Soup | Clear fish broth made with tuna, coconut milk, and spices | Traditional restaurants |
| Keemia | Snack | Fish cakes made with tuna, coconut, and spices | Street food stalls and markets |
| Theluli mas | Main Course | Grilled fish with coconut milk and spices | Traditional restaurants |
| Kavaabu | Snack | Fried fish balls made with tuna, coconut, and spices | Street food stalls and markets |
| Rihaakuru | Condiment | Fish paste made with tuna, coconut, and spices | Local markets and restaurants |
| Dhonkeyo | Dessert | Coconut and rice cake | Local bakeries and cafes |
| Tharuka | Snack | Fried doughnuts made with coconut and sugar | Street food stalls and markets |
Street Food & Snacks
- Bambukeylu: fried bamboo shoots with coconut and chili, $3-$5
- Keemia: fish cakes made with tuna, coconut, and spices, $5-$7
- Kavaabu: fried fish balls made with tuna, coconut, and spices, $5-$7
- Tharuka: fried doughnuts made with coconut and sugar, $2-$3
- Theeru mas: fried fish with coconut and chili, $5-$7
- Gulha: fried dough balls made with coconut and fish, $3-$5
Drinks
- Raa: a sweet, creamy drink made with coconut milk and palm sugar, $2-$3
- Thambulu: a refreshing drink made with coconut water and palm sugar, $1-$2
- Falooda: a cold dessert drink made with milk, sugar, and rose syrup, $3-$5
- Sai: a sweet, milky tea made with black tea and coconut milk, $1-$2
- Garudhiya: a clear fish broth made with tuna, coconut milk, and spices, $3-$5
- Fresh coconut water: a refreshing and hydrating drink, $1-$2
Dining Customs
- Eating with your right hand: it is customary to eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean
- Removing your shoes: it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a traditional restaurant or home
- Dressing modestly: it is customary to dress modestly when eating in public, with shoulders and knees covered
- Trying local dishes: it is customary to try local dishes and flavors, as a sign of respect for the culture
- Tipping: 10% of the total bill is the standard tipping custom
- Reservations: it is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season
Where to Eat
- Traditional restaurants: try local dishes like mas huni and garudhiya at traditional restaurants like Ithaa and Azure
- Street food stalls: try bambukeylu and keemia at street food stalls like Majeedhee Magu and Chandhanee Magu
- Local markets: try theluli mas and rihaakuru at local markets like Malé Fish Market and Thulusdhoo Market
- Food courts: try a variety of local dishes at food courts like Sala Thai and Food Park
- Beachside restaurants: try seafood dishes like grilled fish and lobster at beachside restaurants like Niyama and Soneva Fushi
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Malé Fish Market: a bustling market where you can find fresh seafood and local dishes like theluli mas and rihaakuru, located in the capital city of Malé
- Thulusdhoo Market: a local market where you can find traditional snacks like bambukeylu and keemia, located in the Thulusdhoo atoll
- Grand Friday Market: a weekly market where you can find local produce, handicrafts, and traditional dishes like mas huni and garudhiya, located in the capital city of Malé
- Maldivian Cooking Class: a cooking class where you can learn how to make traditional Maldivian dishes like theluli mas and rihaakuru, located at the Niyama resort
- Fishing Trip: a fishing trip where you can catch your own seafood and enjoy a traditional Maldivian lunch, located at the Soneva Fushi resort