Exploring the culinary delights of Maldives

Most world travellers will tell you that food can make or break your trip. Exploring local cuisines can add wonderful sensory texture to your experience of the country you are visiting.

The Maldives is one of those destination gems that offers rich and delicious local cuisine, as well as more familiar dishes, fine dining and other culinary delights that can stand their own on the international gastronomical stage.

Local, Maldivian ‘Dhivehi’ cuisine

Historically, the Maldives was strategically important because of its position along the ancient Spice Route. The local ‘Dhivehi’ food of the Maldives has borrowed from its rich and diverse history and is a fusion of its neighbouring countries, like Sri Lanka and India, as well as further afield Asian and Arab nations.

The country’s largest harvest is from the sea, with fish and seafood being the main staple food. The iconic coconut palm is also the source of popular ingredients such as coconut milk and oil, with the flesh of the coconut being used in many dishes. Rice, fruits and vegetables also feature in the majority of dishes with yams, sago and breadfruit often being highlighted in local dishes.

Dhivehi food is mildly and delicately spiced with chilli, cumin, cardamom, curry leaves and pandan leaves, among others.

The techniques and recipes used in local dishes have been passed down from generation to generation and are a rich part of both Maldivian culture and history. If you are joining us at Baros Maldives, you will have the opportunity to learn more about these ancient traditions and to taste the delectable flavours of Dhivehi cuisine at our Maldivian Culinary Experiences.

Some favourite local dishes

Dhivehi dishes range from complex curries to comforting and delicious street food snacks. Some of these include:

Garudiya – a clear fish broth served with rice, lemon slices, onion and chilli.

Kulhi Boakibaa – a fish cake cooked often on special occasions, with smoked tuna, grated coconut, onions and ground rice.

Dhon Riha – is a spicy, tangy tuna fish curry with coconut, young mango, cinnamon and ginger.

Tharukaaree Riha – this is a delicious Maldivian vegetable curry of sweet potato, pumpkin, beans and carrots flavoured with turmeric, pandan and curry leaves.

Mas Huni – a popular breakfast dish of shredded smoked tuna, with grated coconut, lemon, chilli and onions. It is eaten with a delicious flatbread ‘Roshi’.

Masroshi – a zesty, traditional local pastry of fried chapati-style bread stuffed with smoked tuna and coconut.

Dhonkeyo Kajuru – is a traditional fried banana cake delicately flavoured with vanilla and rose water.

Internationally recognised fine dining

In addition to delicious authentic local cuisine, the Maldives offers the gourmand a wealth of fine dining options, with Baros’s iconic, The Lighthouse Restaurant, being at the forefront of these.

Enjoy exquisite French fine dining subtly infused with Maldivian flavours. Tableside guéridon and flambé services elevate each meal into an unforgettable experience. Renowned dishes like our fabled Cognac Flambéed Lobster Bisque beckon guests to return time and again.

The Lighthouse Restaurant is not only amongst the finest restaurants in the Maldives, but also features on prestigious gastronomic lists in Asia, and promises an extraordinary dining experience. Our onsite wine cellar is home to some of the finest wines from around the globe, complementing your meal and taking it to new heights.

Sophisticated al fresco

After a day enjoying the sun and azure blue waters of Baros, what could be better than food cooked over the open flame under a star-studded sky? At Baros’s Cayenne Grill guests can indulge in sophisticated al fresco grill options such as dry-aged steaks ranging from Wagyu Beef Tenderloin to Black Angus Beef Striploin and a superior selection of fresh seafood.

Quality grass-fed beef is sourced from Australian farms and Wagyu and Black Kuroge Wagyu beef from the Kansai region of Japan, while sustainably sourced seafood is fished from local waters. Enjoy grilled sea bass with fragrant atoll spices, coconut and Maldivian green chilli. Or share the pan-roasted whole lobster, served with a unique black truffle sabayon.

At Cayenne Grill, you will enjoy a balmy, star-studded, al fresco setting for dinner, that will be the perfect end to a day in paradise.

Maldives: Home to a variety of delectable options

Come and experience paradise at Baros, where you’ll be captivated by the delicious flavours and aromas of authentic Dhivehi cuisine, international fine dining and relaxed yet sophisticated open-air barbecues. Baros offers it all.

Contact our team at [email protected] to book your stay today.