Maldives Famous Food: The Island Nation’s Culinary Treasures

The azure waters surrounding the Maldives don’t just provide breathtaking views, they’re also the source of the country’s extraordinary culinary identity. Maldives famous food revolves around the abundant seafood, complemented by coconut, rice, and aromatic spices that reflect centuries of trade and cultural exchange with South Asia and the Middle East.

In this article, you’ll journey through the essential flavors of Dhivehi cuisine, the local name for Maldivian food. These dishes capture the essence of island life, where fresh ingredients and practical preservation methods have shaped a distinctive culinary tradition.

1. Garudiya

Garudiya forms the foundation of Maldivian daily meals – a clear, savory fish broth typically made from fresh tuna that’s been simmered with just salt and water, allowing the pure flavor of the fish to shine through. This deceptively simple soup reflects the islanders’ practical approach to cooking, where minimal ingredients are transformed into deeply satisfying fare.

• Must try: Traditional garudiya made with yellowfin tuna and served with all the accompaniments
• Price Range: ₹265 – ₹320 (MVR 50 – 60)
• Best Served With: Steamed white rice, lime wedges, chopped chili, and thinly sliced onions

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2. Mas Huni

Mas Huni represents the authentic food in Maldives that locals begin their day with – a morning ritual consisting of shredded smoked tuna mixed with freshly grated coconut, finely diced onions, and green chilies, all brought together with a squeeze of lime. 

• Must try: Fresh preparation with hand-grated coconut and quality smoked tuna
• Price Range: ₹186 – ₹240 (MVR 35 – 45)
• Best Served With: Freshly made roshi (flatbread) and sweetened black tea

3. Reef Fish Salad

Reef Fish Salad captures the vibrancy of Maldivian waters in a light, refreshing preparation that’s particularly appealing in the tropical heat. Fresh reef fish, often caught the same day, is lightly cooked and marinated with green papaya, lime leaves, coconut, and chilies to create a perfect balance of flavors.

• Must try: Version using local reef fish like grouper or snapper
• Price Range: ₹426 – ₹530 (MVR 80 – 100)
• Best Served With: As a starter or light lunch with coconut water

4. Kulhi Boakibaa

Kulhi Boakibaa holds a special place in Maldivian celebrations and gatherings – a savory fish cake that transforms humble ingredients into a festive treat through careful preparation and cooking. 

• Must try: Traditional recipe with caramelized onions and curry leaves
• Price Range: ₹213 – ₹266 (MVR 40 – 50)
• Best Served With: Afternoon tea or as part of a larger meal

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5. Gulha

Gulha exemplifies the best food to try in Maldives for those seeking compact flavor bombs that deliver the essence of Maldivian taste in each bite. These small, deep-fried dumplings feature a thin dough shell encasing a spiced filling of smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions, and chili that creates an explosion of flavors when bitten into.

• Must try: Freshly fried gulha with a properly balanced filling
• Price Range: ₹133 – ₹186 (MVR 25 – 35)
• Best Served With: Afternoon tea or as an appetizer before a larger meal

6. Masroshi

Masroshi demonstrates Maldivian culinary creativity with dough – a stuffed flatbread that encases a savory mixture of tuna, coconut, chili, curry leaves, and lime that’s then pan-fried to golden perfection. The bread develops contrasting textures with a crisp exterior giving way to a soft interior surrounding the flavorful filling, making it a satisfying portable meal. 

• Must try: Traditional version with fresh curry leaves and lime
• Price Range: ₹160 – ₹213 (MVR 30 – 40)
• Best Served With: Maldivian black tea or as a standalone snack

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7. Dhon Riha

Dhon Riha represents the traditional food of Maldives in its most comforting form – a rich, creamy tuna curry that combines fresh fish with coconut milk, aromatic curry leaves, and a balanced blend of sweet and savory notes from mango, cinnamon, and ginger. 

• Must try: Traditional preparation with fresh tuna and hand-squeezed coconut milk
• Price Range: ₹320 – ₹373 (MVR 60 – 70)
• Best Served With: Steamed rice, roshi flatbread, or crispy poppadoms

8. Kandu Kukulhu

Kandu Kukulhu showcases the Maldivian expertise in tuna preparation through a method that gently poaches fish fillets in coconut milk infused with local spices. The fish absorbs the creamy liquid while maintaining its delicate texture, resulting in tender pieces that break apart at the touch of a fork yet remain moist and flavorful. 

• Must try: Made with yellowfin tuna and freshly pressed coconut milk
• Price Range: ₹293 – ₹346 (MVR 55 – 65)
• Best Served With: White rice and sliced chilies on the side

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9. Rihaakuru

Rihaakuru epitomizes Maldivian food preservation traditions – a thick, dark fish paste made by boiling tuna scraps and bones for many hours until they reduce to a concentrated, umami-rich essence that can be stored without refrigeration. 

• Must try: High-quality artisanal rihaakuru with traditional preparation
• Price Range: ₹133 – ₹160 (MVR 25 – 30)
• Best Served With: Roshi flatbread or mixed with rice and onions

10. Maldivian Live Lobster

Maldivian Live Lobster represents the pinnacle of the islands’ seafood offerings – a true celebration of the marine abundance that surrounds this nation of atolls. These prized crustaceans, harvested sustainably from the reefs, feature exceptionally sweet, tender meat that requires minimal enhancement beyond simple grilling or steaming to show their natural flavor. 

• Must try: Simply grilled or steamed with minimal seasonings
• Price Range: ₹1,333 – ₹2,132 (MVR 250 – 400)
• Best Served With: Melted butter, lemon wedges, and a fresh garden salad

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11. Fihunu Mas

Fihunu Mas demonstrates the top dishes in Maldives that showcase whole fish cooking at its finest, a preparation method where a complete fish is scored, marinated in a vibrant paste of chilies, lime, and spices, then grilled slowly over open flame until perfectly cooked. 

• Must try: Traditional preparation with fresh reef fish and authentic spice blend
• Price Range: ₹373 – ₹426 (MVR 70 – 80)
• Best Served With: Steamed rice, lime wedges, and a fresh vegetable salad

12. Maldives Fish

Maldives Fish (or Maldive fish) serves as the country’s most famous export – dried, smoked, and salt-cured tuna that has been preserved through a labor-intensive process refined over centuries of island living.

• Must try: High-quality, properly aged Maldive fish from a reputable source
• Price Range: ₹186 – ₹213 (MVR 35 – 40)
• Best Served With: As a flavor enhancer in various dishes or eaten as a snack

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13. Bis Riha

Bis Riha offers a welcome alternative to the seafood-dominated Maldivian diet – a comforting egg curry that combines hard-boiled eggs with a coconut milk-based sauce infused with Maldivian spices and curry leaves. The eggs absorb the fragrant sauce while adding their own rich creaminess to the dish.

• Must try: Traditional recipe with curry leaves and coconut milk
• Price Range: ₹240 – ₹293 (MVR 45 – 55)
• Best Served With: Rice or roshi flatbread and thinly sliced raw onions

14. Maldivian Chicken Curry

Maldivian Chicken Curry reflects the influence of neighboring South Asian cuisines while maintaining a distinctly local character through its specific blend of spices and generous use of coconut. 

• Must try: Version with traditional Maldivian spice blends and coconut milk
• Price Range: ₹320 – ₹373 (MVR 60 – 70)
• Best Served With: Fragrant rice or freshly made roshi flatbread

15. Tharukaaree Riha

Tharukaaree Riha provides a wonderful option for vegetarians visiting the islands – a coconut-based vegetable curry that typically includes sweet potato, pumpkin, beans, and carrots. The dish highlights the Maldivian talent for creating depth of flavor through the careful use of spices.

• Must try: Authentic version with pandan leaves and mixed local vegetables
• Price Range: ₹133 – ₹266 (MVR 25 – 50)
• Best Served With: Rice or roshi flatbread and a side of coconut sambal

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16. Maa Laa Ruz

Maa Laa Ruz showcases the Maldivian approach to rice – transforming this staple grain into a celebration of flavors by cooking it with mixed vegetables, coconut milk, curry leaves, and a careful balance of sweetness and spice. The rice absorbs the rich coconut milk while the vegetables add texture and nutrition, creating a complete one-pot meal that’s both practical and delicious.

• Must try: Traditional preparation with a proper balance of sweet and spicy notes
• Price Range: ₹213 – ₹266 (MVR 40 – 50)
• Best Served With: Papadum, fresh salad, and yogurt raita

17. Foni Boakibaa

Foni Boakibaa represents the must try food in Maldives for those seeking authentic snacks that perfectly balance sweet and savory flavors. This baked or pan-cooked treat combines coconut, caramelized onions, chilies, ginger, and flour into a distinctive cake that features a crunchy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful interior with complex taste notes. 

• Must try: Traditional recipe with caramelized onions and fresh ginger
• Price Range: ₹160 – ₹213 (MVR 30 – 40)
• Best Served With: Fresh salad or chutney and afternoon tea

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18. Aluvi Boakibaa

Aluvi Boakibaa celebrates the cassava root – a starchy tuber that’s transformed into a sweet, rich dessert through grating, mixing with coconut, sugar, and cardamom, then baking until set with a golden crust. 

• Must try: Traditional recipe with freshly grated cassava and cardamom
• Price Range: ₹133 – ₹186 (MVR 25 – 35)
• Best Served With: Hot tea or as a dessert following a spicy meal

19. Huni Roshi

Huni Roshi forms the foundation of many Maldivian meals – a coconut-infused flatbread that serves as both utensil and complement to the islands’ curries, fish dishes, and spreads. Unlike plain roshi, this enriched version incorporates grated coconut into the dough, creating a more tender texture and subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.

• Must try: Freshly made version with hand-grated coconut
• Price Range: ₹53 – ₹80 (MVR 10 – 15)
• Best Served With: Mas huni for breakfast or alongside curries for other meals

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20. Bis Keemiya

Bis Keemiya showcases the street food in Maldives that has evolved to provide convenient, flavorful snacks for busy islanders and curious visitors alike. These samosa-like pastries feature a thin, crispy wrapper encasing a savory filling of cabbage, eggs, and onions that’s been lightly spiced to create a perfect handheld snack. 

• Must try: Freshly fried version with a perfectly crisp exterior
• Price Range: ₹106 – ₹160 (MVR 20 – 30)
• Best Served With: Sweet or spicy chutney and hot tea

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Dining in the Maldives

In recent years, there’s been growing interest in Maldivian cuisine, with more popular restaurants in Maldives now featuring traditional dishes alongside international offerings.

When visiting, consider these aspects of the Maldivian dining experience:

• Local island restaurants typically offer the most authentic preparations
• Many resorts now offer Maldivian cooking classes where you can learn traditional techniques
• Fishing is central to Maldivian culture, and some experiences allow you to catch and prepare fish in the traditional way
• Dining times in the Maldives typically follow Muslim customs, with lunch around 12:30-2:00 and dinner from 7:00-9:00
• Fresh fruit, especially coconut in various forms, accompanies most meals

FAQs

What is the Maldives’ signature dish?

The signature dish of the Maldives is Mas Huni, a breakfast staple made from shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onions, and chili. This protein-rich morning meal is typically eaten with flatbread (roshi) and represents the essential flavors of Maldivian cuisine.

What is the most popular street food in the Maldives?

The most popular street food in Maldives includes handheld items like Masroshi (stuffed flatbread with tuna filling), Gulha (fish dumplings), and Bis Keemiya (vegetable and egg pastries). These portable snacks are available from small cafés and food vendors, particularly on local islands where residents seek quick, satisfying bites throughout the day.

What are some vegetarian options in Maldivian cuisine?

Vegetarian options in Maldivian cuisine include Tharukaaree Riha (vegetable curry), Maa Laa Ruz (vegetable rice), Foni Boakibaa (coconut cake), and Huni Roshi (coconut flatbread). While traditionally fish-focused, Maldivian cooking has adapted to include more plant-based dishes, especially in areas that cater to international tourists with diverse dietary preferences.

Where can I find the best traditional Maldivian food?

Maldives famous food can be found in local island eateries rather than high-end resorts, particularly on inhabited islands like Malé, Hulhumalé, and Maafushi. Look for small, family-run restaurants called hotaa where locals eat to experience the most authentic versions of these dishes.