Seafood Specialties: The Heart of Maldivian Cuisine

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a paradise not only for sun-seekers but also for seafood lovers. Here, fresh fish is more than food—it’s identity, livelihood, and tradition. Tuna, mackerel, reef fish, octopus, and lobster appear in virtually every meal, prepared with simplicity and soul.

Whether grilled over charcoal or simmered in coconut milk, seafood is the heartbeat of Maldivian cuisine, often enhanced with native chili, lime, and curry leaves.

1. Skipjack Tuna: The King of Maldivian Seafood

Skipjack tuna (katsuo) is the most commonly consumed fish in the Maldives. It’s eaten fresh, dried, smoked, or canned—and it shows up in everything from breakfast to dinner.

Popular Tuna-Based Dishes:

• Mas Huni: Tuna flakes mixed with coconut, chili, and onion.
• Kulhimas: Tuna cooked in a spicy red curry sauce with chili and garlic.
• Rihaakuru: A dense, savory fish paste made by slow-boiling tuna broth.

Local Tip: Try fresh grilled tuna skewers at beachside cafés or “hehdhikaa” stalls.

2. Reef Fish: From Coral Waters to Curry Pots

The coral reefs surrounding the islands are home to snapper, grouper, trevally, and emperor fish. These fish are typically caught using pole-and-line methods, making them a sustainable seafood choice.

Reef Fish Dishes to Try:

• Garudhiya: A clear, aromatic fish broth eaten with rice, chili, onion, and lime.
• Mashuni Curry: Cubed reef fish cooked in coconut milk and turmeric.
• Fihunu Mas: Grilled fish marinated in Maldivian spices and lime juice.

3. Octopus, Squid & Shellfish: A Coastal Treasure

While tuna is the staple, octopus (miruhulee), squid, crab, and lobster offer rich indulgences in both local and luxury dining.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Miruhulee Kukulhu: Spiced octopus curry with chili, curry leaves, and coconut milk.
• Lobster Thermidor (Maldivian style): Often found in resort dining, featuring local lobsters prepared with butter, garlic, and island herbs.
• Fried calamari: Popular in beach cafés, often served with spicy sauces.

4. Seafood Meets Spice: Maldivian Curry Culture

The Maldivian seafood experience is incomplete without trying coconut-based seafood curries. These are rich, flavorful, and sometimes spicy, thanks to liberal use of chili and curry paste (lonu mas).

Signature Curries:

• Mas Riha: A mildly spicy tuna curry, often eaten with roshi or rice.
• Dhon Riha: A yellow curry made with coconut milk, ginger, and local fish.
• Seafood Thali (Resorts): A platter with grilled prawns, reef fish curry, and mas huni for a full experience.

5. Where to Eat Maldivian Seafood

Seafood in the Maldives is more than a meal—it’s a connection to island tradition and the surrounding Indian Ocean. For an authentic experience, head to local island cafés where the daily catch is transformed into delicious reef fish curries, grilled tuna, or spicy kulhimas. These places offer the most genuine—and affordable—taste of Maldivian seafood culture. In Malé, the bustling fish market offers a glimpse into the locals’ daily shopping rituals. Watch vendors and families selecting the freshest lobsters, octopus, and smoked tuna. Meanwhile, resort dining elevates seafood into art—expect fine-dining menus with coconut-glazed fish or charcoal-grilled lobster under the stars. Want to bring a piece of the Maldives back with you? Enroll in a cooking class and learn how to prepare mas huni, rihaakuru, or fish curries using traditional methods and local spices.

6. Cost Guide: Seafood for Every Budget

Eating seafood in the Maldives can suit any wallet. On local islands, a hearty breakfast of mas huni and roshi costs around $2–3, and a flavorful kulhimas with rice or reef fish curry ranges from $3–6. Even grilled lobster plates can be found for $8–12. In contrast, at resorts, the same meals can cost $15–25 or more, with lobster dishes often priced at $40+. The best way to experience delicious seafood without the hefty price tag? Stay on local islands like Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, or Dhigurah—where meals are made fresh, served warm, and priced for travelers who crave value and authenticity.

The Maldives isn’t just about overwater villas and turquoise lagoons—it’s a seafood paradise. Whether you're sipping garudhiya in a family-run guesthouse or enjoying grilled reef fish at a high-end resort, every dish connects you to the soul of island life. From traditional cooking techniques to the freshest ingredients, Maldivian cuisine brings you closer to the rhythm of the sea. Hungry to dive deeper into the Maldivian way of life? Let Hi MC craft a culinary escape just for you—from seafood safaris and cooking classes to guided food market tours. Taste the Maldives the way it was meant to be.

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