Experiences

Traditional Maldivian Beverages: From Sai to Raa

Explore traditional Maldivian drinks like sai and raa. Discover how these beverages reflect the island's tropical lifestyle, community traditions, and natural bounty of coconuts and palms.

3 min

The Maldives, known for its turquoise lagoons and swaying palms, also boasts a lesser-known treasure—its traditional beverages. While alcohol is restricted outside resort islands due to Islamic law, locals have long enjoyed refreshing, natural, and cultural drinks that reflect both the climate and the spirit of island life.

From strong black tea (sai) shared during gossip sessions to the mildly intoxicating raa, drawn from palm trees, the Maldivian drink scene is an essential part of understanding the country's everyday rhythm.

1. Sai (Maldivian Black Tea): The Island’s Social Brew

What is Sai?

Sai is strong black Ceylon-style tea, often enjoyed sweetened and served hot. It’s not just a drink—it's a ritual, a part of every household, office break, and beachside gathering.

When & How It's Served:

  • Time: All day, especially mornings and evenings
  • Accompaniment: Hedhikaa (short eats like bajiya, gulha, or masroshi)
  • Flavoring: Occasionally with cardamom or condensed milk

2. Raa (Palm Toddy): The Traditional Island Elixir

What is Raa?

Raa is a fermented sap collected from the crown of coconut or palm trees, traditionally consumed fresh. It has a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that becomes mildly alcoholic as it ferments.

Cultural Role:

  • Served to guests in island homes as a welcome drink
  • Consumed by fishermen and farmers after a long day of labor
  • A symbol of island self-reliance and resourcefulness

Legal Note:

Due to its alcohol content, raa is regulated, and its sale is restricted. Some islands still prepare it for traditional or ceremonial purposes.

Where to Try: Only in local communities with permission. Ask your guesthouse host for a tasting arranged with a toddy tapper (called raa veriyaa).

3. Kurumba (Fresh Coconut Water): The Natural Cooler

The Island’s Energy Drink

Kurumba is young green coconut water, sold by roadside vendors or served in resorts. It’s hydrating, packed with electrolytes, and ideal for the tropical heat.

  • Flavor: Sweet, slightly nutty
  • How It’s Served: Chilled, straight from the fruit
  • Bonus: Once you drink the water, you can scoop the tender flesh inside

Tip: Popular post-snorkeling or post-sunset walk drink—nature’s best rehydrator.

4. Kaashi Lunbo: Coconut Milk Elixirs

Coconut milk plays a big role in Maldivian cooking, but it’s also used in home-style beverages. Kaashi lunbo refers to simple coconut-milk-based drinks sometimes blended with:

  • Screwpine (kashikeyo) essence
  • Boiled breadfruit
  • Banana or sweet yam puree

These are rarely found in shops, but are made at home during Ramadan or celebrations.

5. Traditional Ramadan Drinks: A Burst of Sweet & Hydration

During the holy month of Ramadan, special drinks help break the fast. You’ll find:

  • Faloodha: Rose syrup, milk, vermicelli, basil seeds, and jelly
  • Rooh Afza milkshakes: Inspired by Indian traditions
  • Sweetened coconut water blends with dates or dried fruit

Where to Try: Local island cafés during Ramadan (note: restaurants are closed in daylight hours during fasting month).

6. Modern Non-Alcoholic Island Sips

As tourism grows and alcohol remains restricted to resorts, local beverage creativity has blossomed. You’ll find:

  • Mocktails with papaya, passion fruit, and mint
  • Coconut smoothies blended with pineapple or banana
  • Iced chai and spiced lattes with local twists

Best Spots: Resort lounges and beach cafés on Dhigurah, Ukulhas, and Hulhumalé.

7. Traveler Tips for Enjoying Maldivian Beverages

Stay Hydrated: The heat is real—carry a reusable water bottle and sip kurumba often
Be Respectful: Raa is cultural and semi-alcoholic—always consume with local permission
Try Everything: Even simple black tea tastes different on an island breeze
Ramadan Note: Avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours unless you're in a resort

Beyond its stunning beaches and luxury escapes, the Maldives offers a refreshingly authentic taste of island life through its traditional beverages. Whether you're sipping sweet sai with locals, sampling the rare raa under a toddy tree, or cooling off with kurumba after a snorkel, every drink tells a story—of heritage, climate, and community.

At Hi DMC, we help you experience these cultural sips firsthand, from guided tastings with toddy tappers to Ramadan street drinks in island cafés.

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