Experiences

Homegrown Herbs in Maldivian Cooking

In Maldivian cuisine, herbs aren't just garnishes—they are fragrance carriers, medicinal aids, and cultural symbols. This blog explores the homegrown herbs that bring the Maldives' island dishes to life, from the citrusy notes of pandan to the warm depth of curry leaves. Whether you’re dining on a local island or cooking at home, these herbs are the essence of Maldivian cooking.

2 min

In the Maldives, where fresh produce is limited due to sandy soil and salt-rich air, herbs take center stage. Many households grow these plants in backyard gardens, using them fresh daily to flavor curries, grilled fish, and traditional coconut-based dishes. Unlike heavily spiced cuisines, Maldivian food lets herbs shine—adding depth, aroma, and balance.

Top Homegrown Herbs in Maldivian Cooking

Curry Leaf (Karapincha)

  • Flavor: Earthy, slightly bitter, warm.
  • Used in: Tuna curry (mas riha), sautéed vegetables, and infused oils.
  • Cultural tip: Often fried in coconut oil to release its aroma.

Pandan Leaf (Raanbaa)

  • Flavor: Sweet, grassy, with hints of vanilla and jasmine.
  • Used in: Fragrant rice dishes and desserts like coconut pudding.
  • Fun fact: Often tied in knots and simmered in curries to add subtle sweetness.

Lemongrass (Fai fen)

  • Flavor: Citrusy, zesty, refreshing.
  • Used in: Soups, grilled seafood marinades, herbal teas.
  • Tip: Bruised or crushed to release oils before cooking.

Mint (Fes gulubay)

  • Flavor: Cool, refreshing, slightly peppery.
  • Used in: Fresh chutneys, herbal teas, and garnish for snacks.
  • Common pairing: Yogurt and lime for a cooling dip.

Taro Leaf & Stalks (Alocasia)

  • Flavor: Mildly grassy, earthy when cooked.
  • Used in: Boiled with coconut milk and tuna flakes for lunumiris-style dishes.
  • Note: Needs careful cooking to neutralize oxalates.

Maldivian Basil (Raiy murunga)

  • Flavor: Similar to Thai basil—sweet and slightly spicy.
  • Used in: Seafood curries and rice dishes.
  • Grows well: In household pots and sandy beds.

Island Dishes Where Herbs Star

Herbs play a vital role in shaping the distinct flavors of Maldivian cuisine. In Mas Riha, the beloved tuna curry, curry leaves and pandan are key—they lend a smoky depth and a rich, fragrant aroma. Kulhimas, a spicy fried fish dish, uses curry leaf and lemongrass to balance its heat with refreshing herbal notes. In fried Rihaakuru, a savory dish made from fermented fish paste, pandan and basil help enhance its deep umami character. Herbal Maldivian tea, especially popular during Ramadan, blends mint and lemongrass for a soothing, digestive brew. Even something as simple as scented white rice gets an upgrade with pandan, often used locally as a natural aromatic alternative to ghee or spice blends.

Growing Herbs in the Maldives

Despite soil challenges, Maldivians grow herbs in:

  • Raised coconut shell beds
  • Pots filled with sand and compost
  • Household hydroponic gardens

These practices reflect the sustainability mindset of islanders—maximizing local resources and minimizing imports.

Where to Taste the Herb-Driven Flavors

Herbs take center stage in many Maldivian culinary experiences across different settings. At Muraka Restaurant in Maafushi, you can savor lemongrass-infused lobster, a modern twist on the traditional island BBQ that highlights local flavors with elegance. In island guesthouses, meals often feature pandan-scented rice and curry leaf sambol, offering guests a truly homemade and authentic taste of Maldivian cooking. Over in Hulhumalé cafés, especially during Ramadan, you'll find a variety of herbal teas and taro leaf curries, deeply rooted in local tradition and wellness. For a hands-on experience, many cooking classes include herb garden tours, where you can learn firsthand how Maldivians grow and use herbs to elevate everyday dishes.

A Cultural Connection

Maldivian herbs aren’t just ingredients—they’re symbols of home, healing, and heritage. Many are also used in Ayurvedic treatments, household remedies, and even traditional rituals for purification and protection. Maldivian herbs flavor more than just food—they carry the soul of the islands. From backyard gardens to open-flame kitchens, these leaves and stalks reflect a culinary tradition that’s deeply rooted yet refreshingly simple.

Ready to savor the herbal flavors of the Maldives? Let Hi DMC craft your island food journey, with visits to local herb gardens, cooking classes, and authentic meals flavored with love.

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