How to Eat Like a Local in the Maldives - Tips on Wining and Dining on the Best of Local Cuisine during a Trip to the Maldives

As one of Asia's favorite holiday hubs, travelers from around the world head to the Maldives to experience the sun, the sand, and the surf of this modern-day paradise. While enjoying water sports activities and spending time in the water are top priorities for most visitors, few count exploring local cuisine in the Maldives as a holiday goal. Regardless of the duration of your getaway, here are some of the best ways to wine and dine like a local during a trip to the paradise isles.

 1. Cross Off the Comfort Food First

As in any food culture, the Maldivian canon also has several comfort dishes that are consumed almost daily by the islanders. Maldivians who live around the world consider these dishes staples that remind them of their homeland and no single dish enjoys more popularity in this regard than the humble tuna soup that is Garudhiya. Although this aromatic broth is not difficult to prepare, access to fresh tuna is essential to this dish, which slow cooks the fish in water that's also infused with garlic, spices, curry leaves, and sliced onions. The Umami flavor that's a part of Miso or Dashi soup is also palpable here although the texture of the soup is much lighter.

 2. Check out the Street Food

Those who wish to dig into Maldivian street food need to venture off their base at Atmosphere Kanifushi, or any other luxury villas in Maldives and head to Male, the nation's capital. This is due to the fact that street food is not accessible on the resort isles, which are also free from highways and busy roadsides where locals can make a living by selling food items from kiosks. Served piping hot and always delicious, some of the must-try street food varieties in the Maldives include Theluli Mas and Bajiya while Kavaabu is just as irresistible.

 3. Don't Forget Dessert

Maldivian cuisine may not have an extensive list of dishes for the sweet-toothed but no trip to the paradise archipelago would be complete without dipping into a bowl of Saagu Bondibai. Often regarded as a great way to cool down on hot humid days on the beach, this dessert is prepared using sago seeds as a base. Thrown together with rosewater, coconut milk and condensed milk, this decadent dish is renowned for its soft texture and is a big hit at local celebrations.             

 4. Island Refreshments

Refreshing Mocktails in Maldives | Image via Flickr

Most tourists bemoan the country's anti-alcohol policies but that doesn't mean that there's nothing else to sample than the occasional fruit juice or mocktail from your hotel bar. The island produces its own semi-alcoholic beverage by the name of Raa, which is a fermented drink made from toddy that's extracted from palm trees. While it may not give one a hangover, this unique tasting tipple is no less effective as an ice breaker for those who are looking to enjoy a night out on the town.

5. Snack Options

Visitors should keep in mind that Maldivians don't reserve specific times of the day for snacking and are likely to enjoy a "short eat" whenever they happen to feel like munching into a delicious dish. From spicy fish cakes to Fihunu Mas and Kulhi Boakibaa, the choices are seemingly endless while Gulha is another hit with locals. Those who prefer sweeter snacks can try Maldivian rice pudding or banana fritters, which are often listed as desserts in local menus.

6. Curries Galore

Maldivians love their curries and coconut milk-infused gravies are consumed with flatbreads, chapatti, and rice in local homes. Eggplant curry and pumpkin curry are absolutely fantastic while chicken curry and fish curry are great side dishes.

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