A country that portrays an enthralling island life, Maldives is much more than sandy beaches, colourful corals and clear waters. A tropical paradise that highlights a one of a kind cuisine, food in the Maldives is an absolute treat for your best buds. With a culinary landscape that is extremely diverse and rich, the cuisine of Maldives has something for everyone. From fresh seafood delicacies to wholesome dishes prepared from the local produce, the food at Maldives is a fusion of the most vibrant flavours and aromas. A cuisine that owes its influences from India, Sri Lanka and East Asia, the Maldives dishes have its roots from various cultures. A cuisine that is inspired by the oceans, the Maldives traditional food portrays a delightful blend of decadent tastes and flavours. Here are some of the famous foods in Maldives hailing from the vibrant cuisine that you surely cannot miss out on.
Top dishes in the Maldives that are a must try to experience the authentic tropical flavours
Kukulhu Riha
A Maldives traditional food, Kukulhu Riha is a delicious curry that is prepared from gently braised chicken which is cooked in a coconut based sauce. A delectable food at Maldives, this chicken curry has the perfect amalgamation of flavours as it is delicately prepared with the use of spices such as cardamom, fiery scotch bonnets and curry leaves. A Maldives dish that goes best alongside steamed rice, Kukulhu Riha is surely a standout chicken curry that you will absolutely love.
Kulhi Boakibaa
The perfect Maldivian snack, Kulhi Boakibaa is a kind of fishcake. A food in the Maldives that works best as an appetiser, Kulhi Boakibaa is prepared from ground rice and tuna, which is cooked along with grated coconut, ginger, curry leaves and turmeric powder. A dish that is shaped into large circles, these fish cakes are baked until they turn golden brown in colour. A famous food in Maldives that is crispy and savoury, Kulhi Boakibaa tastes best alongside a good cup of black tea.
Mas Riha
A staple food at Maldives, Mas Riha literally translates to fish curry. Prepared from fresh fish which is cooked along with ingredients such as scotch bonnet, curry leaves, cardamom, ginger and garlic, along with a number of other spices, Mas Riha is packed with the most vibrant flavours. This dish is the perfect demonstration of the Maldives culture food, and is basically similar to Kukulhu Riha where the fish is substituted by chicken.
Mas Baiy
A beloved dish in the Maldives, Mas Baiy is a Maldives special food that is generally prepared on Fridays, to be had for lunch right after the Friday prayers. A Maldives dish that is primarily prepared with rice along with tuna, coconut milk and a variety of spices and herbs, Mas Baiy is a truly unique dish. A rice dish that is yellow in colour, the spices in this dish can be modified according to one’s palette.
Mugu Riha
A vegetarian speciality of the Maldives, Mugu Riha is very similar to an Indian daal. A Maldives food vegetarian that is prepared without the inclusion of any form of meat, this dish is prepared primarily from coconut milk along with certain spices and herbs. A healthy dish that can be served alongside rice or roshi, this dish is full of flavours and tastes absolutely delicious.
Mas Roshi
A dish from the Maldives that resembles a kind of bread, Mas Roshi is prepared out of a dough that includes a mix of tuna, coconut shavings, salt, pepper and a number of other ingredients that are flattened into a circular shape. The thickness of this dish varies depending on the cook, and the intensity of the flavours also varies as per one’s tastes. A dish that is found all over the region, Mas Roshi is a true example of cuisine Maldives.
Rihaakuru
A Maldives traditional food that has been around for ages, Rihaakuru is a local favourite. A dish that resembles a thick, dark and spicy paste, this dish is prepared by cooking fish along with water and salt for a few hours. A relatively spicy food in the Maldives, the flavours can however be altered to suit one’s tastes. A dish that tastes best alongside steamed rice or roshi, Rihaakuru can also be customised with the addition of more ingredients such as coconut milk.
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