Secrets of Traditional Maldivian Cooking for Travellers – A Gourmet Tropical Getaway
The Maldives is known for its resorts, beaches, and ocean, but there’s much more to this tropical paradise. The local cuisine is a delightful aspect of the Maldives as a travel destination.
Roots of Maldivian Cuisine
The Maldivian food highlights the country’s culture and history. The roots of the local cuisine go back hundreds of years and are connected to the country’s location and way of life.
The Maldives is a group of islands surrounded by the sea, which meant that locals relied heavily on seafood – and they still do. Fish like tuna became a key part of the local cuisine, as did rice and coconut.
The Maldives is located along major trade routes, and traders from around the world visited the country. Arab traders brought spices, and Indians brought curries. Africans and Europeans also added their heritage to the mix.
Maldivian cooking always focuses on fresh and natural ingredients. Curries are very popular too. One thing you’ll notice about local dishes is their simplicity. The Maldivians like to keep things simple, but local dishes are absolutely divine.
Cooking Classes
For those who want to dig deeper into the local cuisine, some luxury resorts offer cooking classes. Taking a cooking class not only allows you to sample local food but also to make it – what an excellent way to appreciate local culture, wouldn’t you agree? Some places also teach how to make Thai dishes.
You’ll start the class by taking a tour of the chef’s garden, where you’ll pick ingredients like lemongrass and chilli. You might even get the chance to crack open a fresh coconut. The cooking takes place in a gorgeous setting overlooking the lagoon. The chef will guide you through each step. You can also learn how to garnish the dishes and set up the table.
Where can you find a Maldives private cooking class? Five-star resorts like Naladhu Private Island Maldives offer them.
Rihaakuru
If you talk to a local about the cuisine, they’ll say that the most important component is Rihaakuru, which is a dark, thick paste. While it doesn’t look appetising, it’s loaded with flavour.
Rihaakuru is made by boiling tuna until it becomes a concentrated, rich paste. It has a deep savoury flavour, which adds depth to curries and soups.
You can also pair it with rice or bread. During your cooking class, you’ll surely use Rihaakuru in your dishes.
Hedhikaa
Hedhikaa refers to afternoon tea in the Maldives. Picture yourself sitting by the blue ocean, sipping a cup of tea with both sweet and savoury items. Bajiyaa, fried snacks, and Handulu Bondibai, coconut rice dumplings, are the most popular snacks. Both go well with tea and coffee.
Hedhikaa isn’t just about enjoying refreshments; it’s about Maldivian hospitality and culture. On local islands, friends and family come together in the afternoon to enjoy their Hedhikaa time.
Drinks
Apart from tea and coffee, the Maldivians also enjoy a variety of refreshing drinks made with tropical fruits.
Raa is a traditional drink loved by locals. It’s a toddy made from the sap of palm trees and has a sweet and fermented flavour.
Fresh coconut water, perfect for a balmy afternoon, is also popular. Another drink to try is passion fruit juice.
Must-Try Local Dishes
Foodies visiting the Maldives have a lot to look forward to. There’s a variety of local dishes you can try, and these are the top picks:
- Mas Huni: Locals love to eat Mas Huni for breakfast, but you can have it any time of the day. Made with tuna, chilli, and grated coconut, Mas Huni packs bold flavours and is paired with rice or flatbread.
- Garudhiya: This is another traditional Maldivian dish that’s simple but flavourful. It’s a fish soup made with tuna, water, and salt, and seasoned with curry leaves, onion, and chilli. Locals love to pair it with rice. Garudhiya is easy to make and is enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
- Fihunu Mas: The Maldivians love their fish, and Fihunu Mas is a favourite. It’s usually tuna or snapper marinated in a mix of spices and then grilled. Fihunu Mas is typically eaten with other favourites like rice and bread.
- Boshi Mashuni: A salad made with chopped banana flower, Boshi Mashuni is refreshing, delicious, and healthy. Chopped banana flower is mixed with onion, chilli, and grated coconut to give it a tropical twist. You can eat it by itself if you prefer, but it’s usually served as a side dish.
