Experiences

Traditional Maldivian Breakfast Dishes to Start Your Day

Start your day like a local in the Maldives with nourishing breakfasts—think tuna, coconut, flatbreads, and tea—flavors both comforting and exotic, perfect for an authentic island experience.

3 min

In the Maldives, breakfast is more than a meal—it’s a cultural ritual wrapped in simplicity and flavor. Whether you're staying in a guesthouse on a local island or dining in a resort offering traditional fare, Maldivian breakfasts are hearty, fresh, and coconut-infused. Rooted in the country's fishing heritage and tropical resources, morning meals often combine grated coconut, smoked tuna, onion, lime, and chili, typically eaten with flatbread or rice.

1. Mas Huni: The Classic Maldivian Breakfast

The most iconic breakfast dish of the Maldives, Mas Huni is a comforting mixture of:

  • Flaked smoked tuna
  • Grated fresh coconut
  • Chopped onions
  • Fresh chili
  • A squeeze of lime

Served with:
Roshi – a thin flatbread, similar to roti, used to scoop up the mas huni.

Best enjoyed with:
Hot black tea (Sai) or sweetened milk tea.

Local Tip: Ask for a boiled egg or a side of rihaakuru (fish paste) for an added kick.

2. Fihunu Mas & Roshi: Grilled Fish Delight

Another popular morning choice, especially for those craving a protein-rich start, is Fihunu Mas—spicy grilled fish chunks, often marinated in:

  • Maldivian chili
  • Curry leaves
  • Lime juice
  • Garlic and ginger

Served with fresh roshi or steamed rice, it’s a bold, flavorful way to wake up.

3. Kulhimas: Spicy Tuna Curry

Kulhimas translates to "spicy fish" and it lives up to its name.

Ingredients include:

  • Tuna chunks
  • Chili powder
  • Curry leaves
  • Coconut milk
  • Onion, garlic, and ginger

This curry is served with roshi or sometimes boiled taro root or sweet potato—adding a root-vegetable base to your morning meal.

4. Hedhikaa Items: Bite-Sized Breakfast Snacks

While hedhikaa (snacks) are typically served in the evening, many Maldivians love these bite-sized bites with morning tea, especially on leisurely weekends.

Popular breakfast-friendly hedhikaa:

  • Masroshi: Flatbread stuffed with tuna and coconut
  • Bajiyaa: Triangle-shaped pastries filled with spiced fish
  • Gulha: Deep-fried coconut and fish dough balls

These can be enjoyed at café-style tea shops found across islands.

5. Garudhiya & Rice: Comfort in a Bowl

Garudhiya is a clear tuna broth, light yet rich in flavor, made with:

  • Tuna chunks
  • Curry leaves
  • Chili
  • Garlic
  • Salt and water

Served with steamed rice, lime wedges, onions, and chilies, this dish is a comforting island favorite—especially when you want something warm and soothing in the morning.

6. Sweet Starts: Bondibaiy & Huni Folhi

Not everyone starts with savory—Maldivians also have sweet coconut-rich breakfasts.

Bondibaiy (Sweetened Rice Pudding)

Often made with coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom or rosewater.

Huni Folhi (Coconut Pancakes)

Thin pancakes filled with grated coconut and palm sugar, then rolled and served warm.

Where to Try Traditional Maldivian Breakfasts

Start your day the island way by diving into a traditional Maldivian breakfast. On local islands like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo, guesthouses serve up fresh mas huni and roshi every morning. In Malé, small cafés and teashops bustle with locals enjoying hedhikaa and sai (tea). Resorts may offer a curated “local breakfast” menu on request, giving you a taste of tradition with a luxury twist. For a hands-on experience, join a cooking class and learn how to make mas huni or fry up your own hedhikaa.

Travel Tip: Visit local cafés between 7:30 and 10:00 AM for the most authentic breakfast scene.

Typical Breakfast Costs in the Maldives (USD):

  • Mas Huni & Roshi: $2–3
  • Kulhimas: $3–4
  • Hedhikaa (5 pieces): $1–2
  • Garudhiya & Rice: $2.5–3.5
  • Sweet Dishes: $1.5–2.5
  • Tea (Sai): $0.30

Traditional breakfasts in the Maldives are not only delicious and filling but also surprisingly affordable—making them a must-try for budget-conscious and curious travelers alike.

There’s no better way to connect with Maldivian culture than over a morning meal steeped in tradition. Whether you’re sipping tea with locals at a café or enjoying mas huni at a beachfront guesthouse, Maldivian breakfasts offer the perfect blend of flavor, freshness, and cultural richness. Book your authentic Maldivian culinary experiences with Hi DMC and taste the true essence of island life from your very first bite.

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