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Maldives Food:
 Maldives being at an important crossroad in the Indian
Ocean, traders and visitors over time have left their mark on
Maldivian cuisine in addition to contributing towards the
moulding of the country’s culture and norms.
As the Maldives comprises more sea than land, it is only natural that
fish (mainly tuna) have always been the most prominent element of
Maldivian food. However, with travelers from different parts of the
world, new seasonings and vegetables were introduced in to the country
and added to the existing (limited) repertoire of seafood and tubers
(e.g. taro & sweet potato). Each new discovery was incorporated into the
diet in quantities most palatable to Maldivians. Thus Maldivian cuisine
now comprises Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental tastes blended into
a unique cuisine that embodies a culinary identity of its own.
Diverse international cuisine including Indian, Thai, oriental,
Middle Eastern and continental are available in the resorts. Most
resorts have more than one restaurant for you to choose from. If what
you have in mind is only a light snack then coffee shops in resorts
would be the ideal choice. If you are holidaying on one of the many
liveaboard vessels operating in the Maldives then many of these too have
restaurants while some may offer set menus. However, even those that
offer set menus are unlikely to disappoint you. Resorts and liveaboard
vessels also offer you a wide range of alcoholic beverages and pork
dishes which are both items prohibited by religion and law for the
Maldivians and hence not served in inhabited islands.
Eating in the capital Malé would be a very different experience. The
hotels, restaurants and most guesthouses serve western and eastern
specialties in addition to continental and a few local dishes. The cafés
– locally known as hotaa is the best place if you would like to savour
the local tastes. You must not leave the Maldives before trying out at
least a few of the Maldivian short eats known locally as hedika. Many of
these are unique to the Maldives and come in sweet, sour and spicy
varieties.
Here you will find a glossary of some common culinary terms of the
Maldives and a few recipes that would introduce you to Maldivian food –
including drinks, hedika, curries and salads. You can have fun trying
out these recipes which are guaranteed to tingle your taste buds with
tastes that are uniquely Maldivian.
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