The Maldives isn’t just about pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters—it’s also a treasure trove of mouthwatering dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Maldivian cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors, heavily influenced by its Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic neighbors, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, coconut, and spices.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
From hearty breakfasts to savory snacks and decadent desserts, Maldivian recipes are packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, these dishes are easy to whip up and will transport you straight to the islands. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
1. Mas Huni (Maldivian Tuna and Coconut Salad)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned tuna (drained)
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Freshly baked roshi (flatbread) or tortillas for serving
How to Make It:
Mix the tuna, grated coconut, onion, and green chilies in a bowl.
Squeeze in the lime juice, add salt, and give it a good stir. Serve with warm roshi or tortillas. It’s that simple!
Why We Chose It:
Mas Huni is the ultimate Maldivian breakfast staple. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make, even on a busy morning.
2. Garudhiya (Maldivian Fish Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh tuna (cut into chunks)
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (sliced)
- 2-3 curry leaves
- 1-2 green chilies (slit)
- Salt to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make It:
Boil the tuna with water, onion, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, and green chilies for about 20 minutes.
Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Season with salt and serve hot with lime wedges and steamed rice.
Why We Selected It:
Garudhiya is the soul of Maldivian cuisine. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal.
3. Bis Keemiya (Maldivian Samosas)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- Water (as needed)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 cup canned tuna (drained)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Knead the flour, oil, and water into a dough. Roll out thin circles and cut them in half.
Fill each half with a mixture of cabbage, onion, green chilies, and tuna. Fold into triangles and fry until golden brown.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Bis Keemiya is the perfect snack—crispy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
4. Rihaakuru (Maldivian Fish Paste)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Rihaakuru (available at specialty stores)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp oil
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onion, garlic, and green chilies. Add the Rihaakuru and cook for 5-7 minutes. Serve with rice or roshi.
Why We Chose It:
Rihaakuru is a unique Maldivian condiment that adds a punch of umami to any meal.
5. Huni Roshi (Coconut Flatbread)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 tsp salt
- Water (as needed)
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It:
Mix flour, coconut, and salt. Add water to form a dough. Divide into small balls, roll out, and cook on a hot skillet until golden brown.
Why We Selected It:
Huni Roshi is soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up curries or dips.
6. Theluli Mas (Fried Fish with Chili and Garlic)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb firm white fish (cut into pieces)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Marinate the fish with chili powder, garlic paste, turmeric, and salt. Fry until crispy and golden.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Theluli Mas is a spicy, garlicky delight that’s impossible to resist.
7. Saagu Bondibai (Sago Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sago pearls
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
How to Make It:
Cook sago pearls in boiling water until translucent. Add coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom. Simmer until thick.
Why We Chose It:
Saagu Bondibai is a creamy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
8. Kulhi Boakibaa (Maldivian Fish Cake)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned tuna
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients into a thick batter. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
Why We Selected It:
Kulhi Boakibaa is a savory cake that’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
9. Bajiya (Maldivian Stuffed Pastries)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- Water (as needed)
- 1 cup canned tuna
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Make a dough with flour, oil, and water. Fill with a mixture of tuna, onion, green chilies, turmeric, and salt. Shape into triangles and fry until golden.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Bajiya is a crispy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for tea time.
10. Aluvi Boakibaa (Taro Cake)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated taro
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients into a thick batter. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Aluvi Boakibaa is a unique and hearty cake that’s a must-try for taro lovers.
11. Fihunu Mas (Grilled Fish)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb whole fish (cleaned)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make It:
Marinate the fish with chili powder, garlic paste, turmeric, and salt. Grill until cooked through.
Why We Selected It:
Fihunu Mas is a smoky, spicy grilled fish dish that’s perfect for a beachside barbecue.
Conclusion
Maldivian cuisine is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
From the zesty Mas Huni to the comforting Garudhiya, these recipes offer a taste of the islands that’s both exotic and approachable.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking your way through these 10+ best Maldivian recipes.