Maldivian Food

Maldives comprises of more water than land, therefore its natural that seafood is the most prominent Maldivian food. Since Maldives is at a crossroads in the Indian Ocean and has a lot of travellers and visitors from different parts of the world, over time, they too have left their mark on the Maldivian cuisine. Food of Maldives retains all the tastes and traits which are evident of its predominantly Muslim identity. But, the reason to rejoice for the food lovers is that Maldives acknowledges the influence of the varied abundance of global cuisines and the result is rewarding.The world travellers brought new seasonings and introduced vegetables to the country. The Maldivian cuisine in now an eclectic mix of Indian, Arabic, Oriental, Sri Lankan blended uniquely embodying a culinary identity of its own. Almost all resorts in Maldives have multiple restaurants and cater to international cuisine like Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and Continental.

 

Traditional Maldives Cuisine is based on three main items – coconuts, fish and starchy items and their derivatives. Hunigondi is the traditional Maldivian implement used to grate the coconut. It is actually a long low chair with a saw-toothed steel blade at its end. The grated coconut is soaked in water and squeezed in order to get coconut milk which is called ‘kaashi kiru’. The coconut milk is an essential ingredient in several mouth watering Maldivian curries.Fish is another main item in food of Maldives. The most favourite fish loved by all is skipjack tuna, either dried or fresh. Trevallies, barracuda and tuna are the preferred fish here, and are prepared in spicy curries. Most meals begin with a bowl of Garudhya, or tuna soup. The food is usually washed down with a cup of black tea. Some of the spicy hot fish dishes are Bajiyaa, Kulhi Boakibaa, Keemia, Gulka and Maroshi. People in Maldives don't have the tradition of eating raw fish which sets this culture of Maldives apart from that of the most Pacific islanders.

 

The cafes called Hotaa in Maldives, is the best place to savour the local tastes. Maldivian short eats and snacks such as Hedika, is a must have before leaving the island. They are unique to Maldives and come in sweet, sour and spicy flavours. Traditional dishes can still be found in the local islands during Eid, Maloodh, and other festivals and occasions such as christening of a child, marking the anniversary of a death. The traditional dishes are now less common in the Maldives as western items like bread, sandwiches, margarine, jam, noodles and pasta are introduced. Most of the resorts have special nights called Maldivian Night serving traditional local foods.

 

Alcoholic beverages and pork are prohibited by Law and only found in tourist resorts for tourist consumption. Locals do not drink at all. Try delightful local desserts with tropical fruits that form the main ingredients. Enjoy the Maldives food while you holiday in this tropical land located on the massive Indian Ocean.