Maldivian Food Guide

Maldivian cooking is built on tuna, coconut, chili, and rice. Resort buffets cover international food; the local dishes are easier to find on inhabited islands.

Mas huni — shredded smoked tuna with coconut, onion, and chili. Eaten at breakfast with roshi flatbread.

Garudhiya — a clear fish broth served with rice, lime, chili, and onion.

Hedhikaa — the short-eats counter: bajiya pastries, gulha fish balls, and keemia rolls. Tea shops sell them through the day.

Grilled reef fish — common in beach cafés. Tuna is the everyday fish; reef species should be the ones the island is actually allowed to serve.

Most local restaurants are halal. Vegetarian plates exist, especially where tourism islands cook for guests, but fish stock is common unless you ask.