Food of Maldives - 20 Dishes and Drinks to Try in Maldives

The food of Maldives is a fusion of its neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and India. Since Maldives is mostly sea, fish is the main staple food. Coconut is another major part of Maldivian food used in different forms like milk, oil or grated on top of dishes. The traditional Maldivian cuisine is known as the Dhivehi Cuisine that provides a smorgasbord of flavours. The food in Maldives has a mild spiciness and a delicate sweetness and is prepared using techniques passed down from generations. Since Maldives is a major tourist destination having resorts spread throughout the island, there is a wide range of food options for tourists, even vegetarians.

Here is the list of the top 20 food and drinks of Maldives:

1. Garudhiya (Fish Soup)

Try this traditional dish of Maldives which is also one of the basic food items of the local population. Garudhiya is a fragrant fish soup that is usually cooked using fish, water and salt. It is served with lime, rice, chilli and onions.

Where to get: Iberry Café, Hulhumale (opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Jazz Café, Male (Opens 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Fridays and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on rest of the days); Muraka, Mirihi Island Resort (Dinner 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM).
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 200 (depending upon the place)

2. Mas Huni (Shredded Smoked Tuna)

A prevalent food in Maldives, Mas Huni - shredded smoked Tuna, served with grated coconuts, lemon and onions is a must-try. The dish is undoubtedly the most popular Maldivian breakfast, eaten with chapati bread called Roshi.

Where to get: The Sea House Maldives, Boduthakurufaanu Magu (Opes 4:30 AM to 12:00 AM); Crystal Sands, Maafushi (Opens 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM); The west harbour area in Male, now known as Raaveribe Maizaan has many small restaurants on a line which serve Maldivian breakfast, just reach on breakfast time.
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 250

3. Masroshi (Tuna Stuffed Chapati)

Masroshi is a chapati, stuffed with smoked tuna and coconut. The added flavour of curry leaves and spices will make you go 'mmmmmm!'

Where to get: Café Rio, Male (Opens 5:00 AM to 1:30 AM); Findhandi Restaurant, Komandoo (Opens 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM); Lonuveli Restaurant, Hulhulmale (Opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 7 - MVR 50

4. Bis Keemiya (Samosa)

Bis Keemiya is a must try food of Maldives — Source

Somewhat like a samosa and spring roll, Bis Keemiya is an interesting dish that makes for a good snack. It's a pastry filled with tuna/hardboiled egg, sliced onions and gently sautéed, shredded cabbage. The authenticity of the flavours makes it a must-try food of Maldives.

Where to get: Eat Bis Keemiya in the street cafes of Male and Hulhulmale, usually open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Approximate Cost: MVR 2 - MVR 10

5. Boshi Mashuni (Banana Flower Salad)

Boshi Mashuni - food in Maldives — Source

Somewhere between salsa and salad, Boshi Mashuni is a mixture of crunchy, shredded banana flowers and fresh coconut. While curry leaves, turmeric and cumin provide a delightful flavour to the dish, spices, lime and Maldivian chilli give it a tangy twist.

Where to get: Iberry Café, Hulhumale (opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Crystal Sands, Maafushi (Opens 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Café Rio, Male (Opens 5:00 AM to 1:30 AM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 100

6. Fried Yams

Fried Yams are a must try food in Maldives — Source

Yams are one of those few crops that are grown in this astounding island nation. As a result, fried yams are quite a popular food in Maldives! Crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside, the snack is served with sauces that make the experience worth all the pennies you spend.

Where to get: Cafes in Raaveribe Maizaan, the west harbour area in Male, usually open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Approximate Cost: MVR 10 - MVR 35

7. Maldivian Live Lobster

Maldivian Live Lobster - a prominent food of Maldives — Source

Lobster tastes best when cooked alive - it melts in the mouth and leaves a unique taste. Eating the perfectly cooked Maldivian lobster served right at your table is a simple pleasure of life that you would not want to miss on!

Where to get: Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM); Restaurant Edge, Niyama (Dinner timing 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM); Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Opens 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 250 - MVR 400

8. Saagu Bondibai (Sago Pudding)

Saagu Bondibai - a must try food in the maldives — Source

Sago or sabudana is a popular ingredient in people's diet in Maldives, and you will know why when you'll try this pudding made of sago. It is warmed with coconut milk, and laced with condensed milk. The essence of cardamom and rose makes the whole experience even better. It is one of the best vegetarian food in Maldives.

Where to get: Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM); Epicure, Niyama (Opens 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM); The Lighthouse Restaurant (Opens 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 200 - MVR 500

9. Reef Fish Cutlets

Reef Fish cutlet is a food from Maldives — Source

Reef fish is a very popular food in the Maldives, and when it's served in the form of Tandoor masala spiced reef fish cutlet, with sides like coconut and mint chutney/papaya/cucumber, who wouldn't love it? Do try it out!

Where to get: Ufaa Maldivian Restaurant, COMO Cocoa Island (Lunch: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM; Dinner: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM); Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 300 - MVR 500

10. Gulha (Dumpling)

Gulha is what's called a 'short eat' or 'evening snack,' which tastes great when served freshly baked with tea or coffee. These are small bite-sized dumplings filled with Tuna fish, onions, chilli and grated coconuts.

Where to get: Faruma Restaurant, Dhiffushi Island; The Lighthouse Restaurant (Opens 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM); Sunset Corner, Thoddoo (Opens 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 2 - MVR 10

11. Kulhi Boakibaa (Fish Cake)

Kulhi Boakibaa is a must have food in maldives — Source

Kulhi Boakibaa is a fish cake and must-try Maldivian food. It is cooked on special occasions in Maldivian homes but can be found in many cafés easily. The cake is made of smoked tuna, scraped coconut, onions and ground rice.

Where to get: SeaLaVie Café, Ukulhas (Opens 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM); Salathai Café, Male (Opens 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM); Findhandi Restaurant, Komandoo (Opens 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 100

12. Aluvi Boakibaa (Cassava Coconut Cake)

Aluvi Boakibaa - food of Maldives — Source

Aluvi Boakibaa is a sweet cassava and coconut cake that melts in the mouth and transports one to heaven! It is liked by locals and tourists alike making it an integral part of food in the Maldives.

Where to get: City Bakery (Opens 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM); Salathai Café, Male (Opens 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM); Fine Bake by Suzi (Opens 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 70

13. Fish curry

The majority of popular food in Maldives include fish, so how can you not try the very basic and very important Fish curry - creamy, flavoured and spicy. Favourite fishes include skipjack tuna, little tunny, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna, bigeye scad, wahoo and mahi-mahi. Fish curry is served with rice, roshi and papadhu, and Maldivian poppadoms.

Where to get: Sunset Corner (Opens 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Kaalamaa Restaurant, Maafushi (Opens 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM); Café Sea Breeze, Bandos (Open 24 hours)
Approximate Cost: MVR 15 - MVR 75

14. Rihaakuru (Fish Paste)

Rihaakuru is a traditional food of Maldives — Source

A traditional food of Maldivian cuisine, Rihaakuru is a thick paste made by cooking fish for a very long time. This spicy dish is a favourite in Maldivian households. Tear off a piece of the roshi, dip it in the Rihaakuru, eat, and repeat until your tummy is satisfied!

Where to get: SeaLaVie Café, Ukulhas (Opens 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM); Iberry Café, Hulhumale (Opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Jazz Café, Male (Opens 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Fridays and 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on rest of the days)
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 150

15. Maldivian Vegetable Curry

In a place where fish is an ingredient for most of the dishes, Maldivian Vegetable Curry, also known as the Tharukaaree Riha, is a great option for vegans/vegetarians. A result of the huge Indian and Sri Lankan influence on Maldives, this curry full of vegetables like sweet potato, pumpkin, beans, carrots etc., flavoured with pandan leaf and curry leaves is delicious and healthy dish loved by the locals!

Where to get: Amore, Guraidhoo (Opens 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM); Street cafes in Male west harbour area, usually opens 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Approximate Cost: MVR 25 - MVR 50

16. Sai (Tea)

Sai - a type of tea in Maldives — Source

Maldivians follow the British tea tradition, kalhu sai (black tea) or kiru sai (milk tea) are enjoyed with sweet bites or salty snacks. So, tea lovers rejoice!

Where to get: T for Tea House, Furanafushi Island (Opens 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, except Wednesdays); My Café Maldives, Male (Opens 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM); The Royal Garden Café, Male (Opens 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM); Family Room Café, Male (Opens 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 10 - MVR 35

17. Maldivian Lady

Maldivian Lady - a must try drink in Maldives — Source

Give your senses a good treat with the fresh and tropical aroma, and fruity taste of this Maldivian drink made of white rum skinned, apricot brandy, grenadine, orange and pineapple juice. Imagine sitting under the night sky, amid a cool breeze, sipping this drink. Paradise, right?

Where to get: Raabondi Restaurant, Horubadhoo Island; Kakuni Bar, Meerufenfushi (Opens 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM); Sea Fire Salt, Anantara Dhigu (Opens 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM)
Approximate Cost: MVR 200 - MVR 350

18. Biyadhoo Special

Biyadhoo Special - a drink in Maldives — Source

Named after the Biyadhoo Island in Maldives, the Biyadhoo special is a refreshing combination of alcohol and fresh juice. Served in the traditional stemmed cocktail glass, it is one part vodka, one part pineapple juice, and two parts melon liqueur, with a slice of pineapple. The tropical flavour with hints of vodka will leave you in that perfect tipsy mood.

Where to get: SIP Sunset Bar (Opens 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM); Moodhu Bar and Restaurant (Open 24 hours)
Approximate Cost: MVR 200 - MVR 350

19. Lucky & Al

Lucky & Al - a premium cocktail in Maldives — Source

Maldives' premium and one of the most expensive cocktails, Lucky & Al is a strong combination of spirits, giving this classy cocktail a distinct and intense flavour. Apparently, it was created to pay homage to the Prohibition Era in the US and is served with a vintage 1930's Guy Lheraud, Vieil Armagnac and Salon 1988 Champagne. Made with the finest ingredients, this classy cocktail is definitely not cheap, but worth all the money it costs!

Where to Get: Avi Pool Bar, Velaa Private Island
Approximate Cost: MVR 1,00,000

20. Gulab Jamun

Yes, this popular Indian delicacy - spongy milky balls soaked in rose scented sugar syrup is also loved and served in Maldives, and you should definitely try this perfect dessert!

Where to get: Tandoori Flames, Hulhumale (Opens 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM); Belle Amie Bistro (Opens 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM); Samsara Restaurant, Bolifushi Island.
Approximate Cost: MVR 50 - MVR 70

Tips

Although alcoholic drinks are easily available in nearly all the resorts and liveaboard boats, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population and not available easily on public islands.
Tipping in the restaurants is considered a nice gesture, though it's not compulsory as a 10% service charge is added in the bill.
It is prudent to drink bottled water in Maldives as tap water is mostly just desalinated seawater. A 1.5-litre water bottle costs under MVR 10.
Even though a major portion of the population in Maldives speak and understand English due to the regular influx of tourist, you might face a problem at some small cafes. In such cases, you can use this Maldives language guide to order the scrumptious food and drinks and have a party for your taste buds.

Well, guess what's better than reading about food and staring at its alluring photographs? Yes, eating it. So what are you waiting for? And to all the people honeymooning in Maldives, remember that there is no sincerer love than the love of food! Mouth-watering much?