Celebratory Foods: Maldivian Festivals and Their Dishes

In the Maldives, celebrations are deeply rooted in community, faith, and food. Whether it’s a national holiday, a religious observance, or a family event, food is at the heart of every festivity. These island feasts showcase not only the country’s vibrant flavors but also its rich cultural identity and Islamic heritage. From aromatic rice dishes to sweet coconut puddings, celebratory Maldivian foods offer travelers an intimate look into local life. Here's your guide to what's cooking during the Maldives’ major festivals.

1. Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: The Grand Islamic Feasts

Eid is celebrated with family gatherings, mosque visits, and lavish meals. After a month of fasting (Ramadan), Eid al-Fitr is a joyful time filled with home-cooked delicacies.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Boakibaa: A rice and coconut cake often flavored with cardamom
• Kulhi Boakibaa: Savory fish cake made with tuna, coconut, and spices
• Handulu Bondibaiy: Sweetened rice porridge with rose water, served during special blessings
• Kiru Boakibaa: A creamy milk pudding with a soft coconut base
• Fried snacks (Hedhikaa): Like gulha (fish dumplings), bajiya (samosa-like pastries), and keemia (fish spring rolls)

Cultural Note: Families dress in traditional clothing and offer food to neighbors and guests as a gesture of goodwill and community spirit.

2. Independence Day (July 26): National Pride on a Plate

Marking independence from British rule in 1965, this day is celebrated with parades, cultural shows, and festive meals.

Festive Favorites:

• Garudhiya with Roshi: A fragrant fish soup served with flatbread, lime, and chili
• Mas Baiy: Tuna and rice cooked with onions and curry leaves
• Bis Keemiya: A popular street snack during parades—crispy pastries filled with tuna and egg
• Fruit platters: Locally grown bananas, watermelon, and papayas are shared with guests

Traveler Tip: Join in the street food festivals in Malé, where local vendors set up stalls and share food with passersby.

3. National Day (varies by lunar calendar): Heritage in Every Bite

Celebrating the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu in reclaiming the Maldives from Portuguese rule in the 16th century, this day features patriotic events and historic culinary dishes.

Traditional Treats:

• Rihaakuru Diya: A comforting meal of rice, thick tuna paste, and coconut milk
• Baraboa Riha: Pumpkin curry symbolizing agricultural roots
• Dhon Riha: A mild coconut-based tuna curry
• Banbukeyo Bondibaiy: Steamed breadfruit with sweetened coconut rice

Fun Fact: This holiday is about reviving old recipes and food techniques, giving travelers a taste of historic Maldivian cuisine.

4. Ramadan (The Holy Month): Breaking Fast with Purpose

Though not a festival in itself, Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Maldives, observed with sunrise-to-sunset fasting and nightly feasts (Iftar).

Iftar Essentials:

• Dates and Watermelon: The first bites to break the fast
• Kanji: A warm rice porridge made with coconut milk and sometimes fish
• Mashuni: Tuna mixed with coconut, onions, and lime, served with roshi
• Foni Boakibaa: A chilled sago and coconut pudding, perfect after a long fast
• Fresh Juice Cocktails: Made from local fruits like mango, watermelon, and papaya

Local Insight: Join an iftar at a guesthouse on a local island for a deeply meaningful and inclusive culinary experience.

5. Weddings & Family Milestones: Love and Lavish Menus

Weddings in the Maldives are private yet indulgent affairs. The food reflects love, prosperity, and family unity.

Common Dishes:

• Bondibaiy Variations: Sweet sticky rice with rose water and cardamom
• Fihunu Mas: Spicy grilled fish marinated with chili and lime
• Kandu Kukulhu: Rolled tuna curry prepared with coconut milk and pandan leaves
• Egg Curry & Rihaakuru: Served with rice and sambol for family gatherings

Traveler Tip: While tourists aren’t usually part of weddings, you can try similar feasts during resort celebration nights or cultural dinners.

6. Other Celebratory Sweets & Drinks

No Maldivian celebration is complete without a spread of time-honored sweets and refreshing drinks that reflect the island’s tropical charm and culinary heritage. Here are a few beloved treats you’ll often find during festivals and special occasions:

• Bondibaiy – A rich and creamy coconut rice pudding, often served warm during family gatherings and festive meals.
• Kiru Boakibaa – A moist cake made with milk, eggs, and coconut, offering a delicate blend of sweetness and texture.
• Saagu Bondibaiy – Comforting and silky, this dessert features sago pearls slowly simmered in fragrant coconut milk.
• Banbukeyo Baiy – A unique sweet dish made from tender breadfruit, simmered in palm sugar for a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• Fresh Toddy (Raa) – A naturally sweet, non-alcoholic drink made from fermented coconut sap—lightly fizzy and traditionally served fresh.

Where to Experience Maldivian Festive Foods

From island-style iftar dinners to lavish resort buffets, the Maldives offers travelers unique opportunities to taste its festive culinary traditions firsthand. Here are some memorable food experiences tied to local celebrations:

• Iftar Dinners at Local Guesthouses (e.g., Maafushi)
  Break your fast with a traditional spread of dates, short eats, and curries.
  Approx. Cost: $10–$25
• Independence Day Street Food Tours – Malé
  Stroll through vibrant markets and sample local snacks as the capital lights up in celebration.
  Approx. Cost: Free – $20
• Cooking Classes During Eid – Thulusdhoo or Fuvahmulah
  Learn to prepare special Eid dishes like sweet bondibaiy or mas riha with local families.
  Approx. Cost: $40–$60
• Traditional Wedding-Style Buffets – Luxury Resorts
  Experience an extravagant spread inspired by Maldivian weddings, featuring multiple curries, rice dishes, and sweets.
  Approx. Cost: $100+

In the Maldives, food is far more than nourishment—it's a heartfelt expression of faith, heritage, and hospitality. Every festival, from the spiritual reflection of Ramadan to the patriotic pride of Independence Day, is marked by flavors that tell stories of resilience, unity, and joy. Whether you're sharing an iftar meal in a local guesthouse, exploring the bustling food stalls of Malé, or indulging in a wedding-style buffet at a luxury resort, each bite connects you to the soul of the islands.

Ready to taste the Maldives beyond the beach? Let Hi DMC craft a cultural culinary journey just for you—complete with festive food experiences, immersive cooking classes, and exclusive access to island traditions.

‍

‍