Whether you are in a resort, a guesthouse, roadside stall or restaurant, look out for these local dishes:
Garudhiya (fragrant fish soup): A staple for locals, this fragrant fish soup contains dried and smoked fish, cooked with chillies, onion and lemon juice. It’s both refreshing and flavourful at the same time! You can eat this with rice and often with hand for the best culinary experience.
Mas Riha (fish curry): Another staple that uses fish but is creamier and spicier. This is often eaten with rice or roshi (flatbread) and has many variations depending on what fish you are looking for. Skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi are popular fish curries to have!
Mas Huni: Popular breakfast food containing shredded smoked Tuna served with coconut, lemon and onion. It’s also eaten with roshi and is a must try food item in Maldives!
Bis Keemiya (Samosa): A combination of a samosa and a spring roll, bis keemiya is more a snack and side dish. Stuffed with hardboiled eggs, onion and sauteed cabbage, and sometimes with tuna, this flaky flavourful goodness is a must try food item in Maldives! You will definitely find yourself craving for more once you’ve tried it.
Boshi Mashuni (salad): Made with banana flowers, this salad is both tangy and crunchy which makes it somewhat a salsa and salad combined. Made from flowers from banana trees, they are blanched and shredded, then added with fresh coconut, spices, lime and chillies. This salad is truly unique to the Maldives and is a great starter as it really opens up your appetite for more!
Sago Bondibai: Sagos are an important staple for the Maldivians’ diet and that’s because these starchy glutinous balls are packed with nutrients! You will find them most commonly in desserts, served with warmed coconut milk, cardamom and creamy condensed milk. The flavours are both subtle and unique, which makes this dish so enticing and addictive! Truly a great way to end a good meal.
