Maldives being a significant crossroad in the Indian Ocean, traders and visitors over time have left their influence on Maldivian cuisine in addition to the contribution towards the evolving culture of the Maldives.
As the Maldives comprises of more sea than the land, it is not surprising that fish and seafood have always been the most prominent basics of Maldivian diet. However, with travelers from across the globe, new seasonings and vegetables were introduced in to the country and added to the existing yet limited collection of seafood and tubers. Each new discovery was incorporated into the diet in quantities to suit the taste of the Maldivians resulting Maldivian cuisine now consist of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental tastes blended into a unique cuisine that represents a culinary identity of its own.
Variety of international cuisine including Indian, Thai, oriental, Middle Eastern and continental are available in the resorts of the Maldives. Most resorts of the Maldives have more than one restaurant for you to choose from. If you are looking for a light snack then coffee shops in the resorts would be the ideal choice. If you are staying at one of the many liveaboard vessels operating in the Maldives, you still have the option to experience local cuisine. Many of these have restaurants onboard while some may offer set menus. However, even those that offer set menus there is always something to savor individual tastes. Resorts and liveaboard vessels also offer a wide range of alcoholic beverages and pork dishes which are both items prohibited by religion and law for the Maldivians and therefore not served in inhabited islands.
Eating out in the capital Male’ would be a total 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 may wish to savor the local tastes. A holiday to the Maldives is never complete without trying out at least a few of the Maldivian short eats locally known as hedhika. Many of these are unique to the Maldives and come in sweet, sour and spicy varieties. Most resort islands of the Maldives offer at least one Maldivian Theme Night Buffet during a week to savor the experience of the Maldivian Cuisine.
Here you find some recipes from the Maldives to try at home.(Maldivian Recipes)
