The Maldives, a tropical paradise of turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, is just as famous for its rich culinary culture as it is for its breath-taking natural beauty. While many travellers visit for the luxury resorts and idyllic settings, the local food in the Maldives offers a memorable taste of the islands’ heritage. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what the famous food in the Maldives is, this guide will introduce you to the essential dishes, ingredients, and local dining customs that define Maldivian cuisine.

Traditional Maldivian Cuisine: A Blend of Flavours

Core Ingredients in Maldivian Cooking

Maldivian cuisine, known locally as Dhivehi cuisine, centres around three key ingredients:

• Tuna – especially skipjack tuna, the most common protein source.

• Coconut – used in grated, milk or oil form, adding depth to many dishes.

• Starch – such as rice, taro, breadfruit, and sweet potatoes.

Given the island nation's geography, the food is heavily influenced by South Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic culinary traditions, resulting in spicy, aromatic dishes often cooked with curry leaves, chillies, onions, garlic, and lime.

Top Famous Foods in the Maldives

Let’s dive into the most famous and beloved Maldivian foods that you should definitely try during your visit.

1. Mas Huni – A Maldivian Breakfast Staple

Perhaps the most iconic Maldivian dish, Mas Huni is a popular breakfast item made from shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, onion, and chillies. It’s typically served cold with roshi (Maldivian flatbread) and a cup of hot black tea.

This dish embodies the essence of local life – simple, healthy, and bursting with flavour. It’s also a favourite among both locals and tourists.

2. Garudhiya – Fragrant Fish Soup

Garudhiya is a traditional clear fish broth made from fresh tuna, served hot with rice, lime, onions, and chillies. Despite its simplicity, it’s highly nutritious and forms part of the staple diet in the Maldives.

Variants of this soup may include curry leaves or pandan for added aroma, making it both comforting and delicious.

3. Fihunu Mas – Grilled Fish with Spice

Fihunu Mas translates to “spiced fish” and usually refers to whole fish marinated in a blend of Maldivian spices and grilled over open flames. It’s often enjoyed with salads and flatbreads or served at beachside barbecues.

The chargrilled flavours combined with zesty marinades make this a must-try for seafood lovers.

4. Kulhi Boakibaa – Spicy Fish Cake

This baked fish cake made with tuna, grated coconut, rice, and aromatic spices is typically prepared during festivals and family gatherings. Kulhi Boakibaa is a delightful snack or appetiser that goes well with tea or fresh tropical juice.

It’s a brilliant introduction to local flavours, especially if you’re new to Maldivian cuisine.

5. Rihaakuru – Fish Paste Condiment

Rihaakuru is a thick, rich fish paste made by boiling tuna for hours until it reduces into a dark, savoury concentrate. It’s usually eaten with rice, roshi, or breadfruit.

While its strong flavour may not appeal to everyone, rihaakuru is an important part of traditional Maldivian cooking and valued for its protein content.

Sweet Treats in the Maldives

While the Maldives is known more for its savoury dishes, there are a few sweet delicacies worth mentioning.

6. Bondibaiy – Sweetened Rice Pudding

Bondibaiy is a sticky rice pudding cooked with coconut milk and sugar, often flavoured with cardamom or cinnamon. It's traditionally served during celebrations such as weddings or Eid.

There are also variations like Dhon Bondibaiy, which is lighter and more coconut-rich in flavour.

7. Huni Hakuru – Coconut Honey Delicacy

Made by combining grated coconut with palm sugar syrup (hukuru), this sweet dish is sticky, rich, and deeply satisfying. It’s often formed into bite-sized pieces and served as a dessert or snack.

Local Snacks and Street Food

If you're exploring local islands, you'll likely come across a variety of short eats (locally known as hedhikaa), served in cafés known as 'hotaa'.

8. Bajiya – Maldivian Samosa

A popular snack resembling the Indian samosa, bajiya is a deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of tuna, coconut, and spices. It’s crunchy, filling, and perfect as a mid-afternoon bite.

9. Gulha – Tuna-Filled Dumplings

These fried or baked dough balls are stuffed with smoked tuna, onion, and coconut. Gulha is another example of how Maldivians use tuna in creative ways across their cuisine.

10. Keemia – Fish Spring Rolls

Thin rolls filled with tuna and noodles, seasoned with curry leaves and spices, then deep-fried until crispy – keemia are often served with chilli sauce and are ideal for sharing.

What to Drink in the Maldives?

While alcohol is restricted on local islands, most resorts offer cocktails, wines, and spirits. However, when it comes to non-alcoholic traditional drinks, try:

• Kurumba – Fresh coconut water, often served straight from the coconut.

• Sai – Traditional black tea, commonly enjoyed during breakfast and tea time.

• Raa – A local toddy (fermented palm sap), mildly alcoholic and traditionally consumed by Maldivians.

Where to Try Authentic Maldivian Food?

To truly enjoy Maldivian food, venture beyond resort buffets. Here are your best options:

• Local islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo or Dhigurah offer cafés and restaurants that serve authentic hedhikaa and Maldivian curries.

• Guesthouses often provide home-cooked meals.

• Resorts now increasingly feature Maldivian theme nights or offer traditional dishes as part of their menus.

For travellers seeking a more refined culinary experience, many high-end resorts also offer fine dining in the Maldives, blending international techniques with local ingredients to create memorable gourmet meals.

Dietary Considerations

Maldivian cuisine is naturally dairy-free and rich in seafood, making it suitable for pescatarians. However, vegetarians and vegans may need to ask specifically for plant-based alternatives, as many traditional dishes include fish or fish products.

Halal food is widely available since the Maldives is a Muslim-majority country, and pork is typically not served on local islands.

Final Thoughts: Discover the Soul of the Maldives Through Its Cuisine

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So, what is the famous food in the Maldives? While there’s no single answer, Mas Huni, Garudhiya, and Fihunu Mas are top contenders – each offering a unique taste of the sea, spices, and tropical charm.

Whether you're savouring freshly grilled fish on a beach or sampling short eats at a bustling local café, Maldivian food tells a story of history, geography, and community. Make it a point to try these dishes when you visit – your tastebuds will thank you.

And if you’re hoping to indulge in culinary delights without leaving the luxury of your accommodation, consider staying at the best resort in the Maldives with famous food, where traditional flavours meet world-class service for a truly unforgettable island experience.