Ancient settlement
Tuna fishing foundation
Pole-and-line tuna fishing, still practised today, has anchored the Maldivian diet and economy for centuries.
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Cuisine book · 4 cities · 5 dishes
Maldives
Tuna, coconut and reef-caught simplicity
Maldivian food is built almost entirely around tuna and coconut, reflecting an island nation with little arable land but some of the richest fishing waters in the Indian Ocean.
History
Where it all comes from
12th century
Islamic conversion shapes cuisine
The Maldives' conversion to Islam in 1153 sets dietary customs still followed on local islands today.
16th–17th centuries
Indian Ocean trade influence
Trade with Sri Lanka, India and Arab traders brings spice, coconut techniques and flatbread traditions.
20th century
Dried tuna export economy
Maldive fish, a dried and smoked tuna product, becomes both a local staple and a key regional export, especially to Sri Lanka.
Today
Resort fine dining meets local island food
Global resort chefs now put Maldivian tuna and reef fish onto tasting menus, alongside continued simple local-island cooking.
Jump to a city
City 1 of 4
Malé
Dense capital island with the country's main food markets.
Mas huni
Everyday national breakfast
Shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with roshi flatbread each morning.
Garudhiya
Traditional fish broth
A clear, aromatic tuna soup served with rice, lime, chilli and onion on the side.
City 2 of 4
Hulhumalé
Newer reclaimed island with a growing casual food scene.
Hedhikaa snacks
Tea-time tradition
An assortment of savoury bites like fish rolls and bajiya, served daily at local tea shops.
City 3 of 4
Maafushi
Popular local island for budget travellers and home-style food.
Fihunu mas
Local island tradition
Whole reef fish marinated in chilli paste and grilled over coconut husk fires.
City 4 of 4
Addu City
Southernmost atoll with its own dialect and food quirks.
Rihaakuru curry base
Southern atoll tradition
A thick tuna paste reduction used as a savoury base for curries and rice dishes across the southern atolls.
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