Maldives Food and Drink

Food

Since the Maldives is almost 99% sea, fish (mainly tuna) is the most important staple. The cuisine found in the island nation is a mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan, and East Asian influences. But the tourist resorts scattered throughout the islands offer diverse international menus, so it’s entirely possible to eat your way around the world while staying in luxury at one of these resorts. Sample Japanese teppanyaki, fine Italian cuisine, the spicy flavours of India and Thailand, traditional Chinese, fine upscale dining, or just a casual snack. Seafood plays a starring role, regardless of how it's prepared, but those who prefer their food to come from dry land will still have plenty of options.

Coconut is another major part of many dishes in the Maldives and can be served in grated form, as milk, or as coconut oil which is used to deep fry foods. Favourite fish include skipjack tuna, little tunney, yellowfin tuna, frigate tuna, bigeye scad, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. 

The Maldives offers some unique dining experiences as well. Several resorts feature underwater restaurants to truly ‘immerse’ diners in what the Maldives is all about. Some resorts also attract celebrity chefs or hold cooking classes for that extra special experience.

If you do have the opportunity to try ‘local’ food, here are some Maldives specialties worth sampling.

Garudhiya: a fish broth served with rice, lime, chili, and onions.

Mas huni: shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions. This is considered the most popular breakfast food in the country.

Fihunu mas: barbecued fish that has been basted with chili.

Hedhikaa is the local word for snacks in the islands and some of the favourites are:
• bajiya: pastry that is stuffed with fish, coconuts, and onion.
• gulha: pastry balls that are stuffed with smoked fish.
• keemia: deep-fried fish rolls.
• kulhi boakiba: a spicy fish cake.
• masroshi: mas huni that has been wrapped in roshi bread and is then baked.
• thelui mas: fried fish cooked with chili and garlic.

Drink

When visiting the Maldives, it is best to stick with bottled water as this is safer, and when in doubt, always ask. As the islands are an Islamic nation, the population does not drink alcohol, however, it is available in most resorts. Locals instead prefer to drink sai or tea. Raa is a traditional drink and is a toddy that has been tapped from palm trees. It is sometimes left to ferment.

Things to know:

In the Maldives, it is a nice gesture to reward good service, however, tipping is not compulsory as a 10% service charge is added to almost everything.

Maldives Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Maldives.

Learn about the history and culture of the Maldives, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Maldives's nature and wildlife, weather, and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Maldives for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Maldives vacations today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Maldives tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours, and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

Book your Maldives vacation with Goway! 

ASIA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Maldives vacation packages and experiences. Choose from a romantic island stay, an air and land getaway, and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to the Maldives.