What Food To Try in Male and Food Prices

Mas Huni - A refreshing mix of tuna, coconut, and onion served with flatbread. Commonly enjoyed for breakfast, it’s perfect with a side of fresh fruit and a hot cup of tea.

Garudhiya - A hearty fish soup made from skipjack tuna, boiled and paired with rice. Locals often enjoy it for lunch along with lime and fresh chili, sharing bowls amidst lively conversations.

Fihunu Mas - Grilled fish marinated in local spices, typically served with saffron rice and a side of salad. This dish becomes a dinner staple during gatherings, bringing families together for a feast.

Maldivian Curry - Mas Riha - A rich coconut curry with fish, simmered with fresh spices. It’s a local specialty often shared during celebrations, presented in large communal dishes for everyone to enjoy.

Mas Huni Wrap - Tuna and coconut wrapped in flatbread with a spicy kick. This unexpected combination is a popular street food that makes for a filling snack any time of day.

Thun'dun Veli - Seasonal Fish Dish - Best enjoyed during the fishing season, this is freshly caught fish prepared with traditional spices. Many locals flock to coastal spots to savor it just after a morning catch, making it an authentic experience.

Bondibaiy - Spiced Rice - A flavorful dish of rice mixed with an array of spices and vegetables, usually served during lunch. It’s versatile enough to be paired with any main dish, yet often overlooked by newcomers.

Nihari - Slow-Cooked Stew - Tender beef slow-cooked overnight with spices, often served for breakfast on special occasions. Family members traditionally gather to enjoy this hearty meal before the day begins.

Chai - चाय (spiced milk tea) - A fragrant blend of black tea simmered with whole spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves, topped with frothy milk. Locals enjoy this daily, often gathering at street stalls during afternoon breaks to sip it while chatting.

Mango Lassi - आम लस्सी (yogurt mango drink) - Creamy yogurt blended with fresh mango puree and a hint of sugar, served chilled in clay cups. This refreshing drink is particularly popular during sweltering summer days, and you’ll often see it paired with spicy meals to cool off the palate.

Thandai - ठंडाई (spiced milk drink) - Smooth milk mixed with a heady mix of almonds, cardamom, and other spices, often served cold with a sprinkle of rose petals. Traditionally consumed during festivals like Holi, it’s a delightful way to cool off and celebrate with friends (and, trust me, it sneaks up on you with its unique flavor).

Gulab Jamun - गुलाब जामुन (syrupy fried balls) - Soft and syrupy round sweets made from khoya (reduced milk) and flavored with cardamom and rosewater, served warm. Often seen during weddings and special occasions, they’re a guilty pleasure that you can't resist, especially when you dive into that sweet syrup.

Kulfi - कुल्फी (Indian ice cream) - A rich, creamy frozen dessert made from condensed milk and flavored with cardamom, pistachios, or mango. It's ideal during the scorching summer months, often enjoyed on the streets as a quick treat while strolling around in the evening (a perfect pair with a night out!).

By the way, a common ordering mistake is asking for a “regular” chai in a place that serves unique variations—trust me, explore instead!