Exploring Maldives - Food: What to Eat When Visiting the Islands

Exploring Maldives means indulging in its rich local cuisine, a must try for every visitor. Each island boasts unique dishes that reflect its culture and heritage. From the sweet allure of Addu Bondi in the southern atoll to the rich flavors of Golha Riha from Laamu Atoll, every bite tells a story. Indulge in Kanamadhu Metaa, a delightful treat from Utheemu, or savor the delicate haalu folhi from Kulhudhuffushi. These specialties, crafted from fresh, local ingredients, offer a genuine taste of Maldivian life. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary journey that captures the essence of this breathtaking island paradise.

Addu Bondi: A Sweet Delight from the Southern Atolls

Indulging in a taste of Maldivian culture means savoring the famous Addu Bondi, also known as Addu Bendi in the southernmost atoll. This beloved sweet treat combines the tropical richness of grated coconut with the deep, caramel-like flavor of palm sugar. A hint of jasmine water adds a delicate fragrance, elevating the snack to a whole new level. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, followed by the perfect blend of sweetness and aroma.

Historically, Addu Bondi served more than just a culinary purpose—it was a form of trade between islands, making it a symbol of the region’s rich heritage. Wrapped in dried coconut leaves, this traditional delight offers both a taste of the past and a delicious glimpse into the heart of Maldivian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a snack or dessert, Addu Bondi promises an authentic flavor experience you won’t want to miss.

Golha Riha: A Heartwarming Fish Ball Curry Experience

Get ready to be enchanted by Golha Riha, a deliciously rich fish ball curry that embodies the heart and soul of Maldivian cuisine. This beloved dish originates from Laamu Atoll, where skilled local cooks create mouthwatering fish balls using freshly caught reef fish. First, they debone the fish, then blend it with aromatic Dhivehi havaadhu spice paste, and finally roll the mixture into small, savory spheres.

The magic of Golha Riha lies in its vibrant curry, which combines scotch bonnets, fragrant herbs, and creamy coconut milk. Not only does the unique homemade spice mixture add depth, but it also makes each bite a delightful explosion of flavor. Cooking this curry often becomes a cherished family tradition, bringing loved ones together in the kitchen to prepare a hearty batch to share.

Typically served alongside fluffy rice or traditional roshi, Golha Riha invites you to experience the true essence of Maldivian hospitality. Dive into this delightful dish and savor the taste of the Maldives!

Kanamadhu Metaa: A Nutty Sweet with Historical Roots

*Image via Desserts By Nash on Facebook*

When you visit the Maldives, indulge in the delightful treat known as Kanamadhu Metaa. This sweet confection, originating from the storied island of Utheemu in Haa Alif Atoll, captivates both the eyes and the palate. Resembling a beautifully crafted ornament, it invites you to savor its unique charm.

Made primarily from sea almonds, which flourish in the Maldivian landscape, Kanamadhu Metaa offers a nutty flavor that delights the senses. As you bite into this exquisite delicacy, you experience a texture similar to caramel bark, creating a satisfying crunch with each mouthful. Its sweetness balances perfectly with the rich nutty notes, resulting in a symphony of flavors that dances on your tongue.

Moreover, this delightful treat pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or serves as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up while you soak in the breathtaking views of turquoise waters. Each bite transports you to the heart of the Maldives, blending the region’s rich history with its vibrant culinary culture.

Haalu Folhi: A Delightful Crepe from Kulhudhuffushi

*Image via Kulhudhuffushi pictures on Facebook*

Savor the delightful “haalu folhi,” a beloved treat from the enchanting island of Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. This delicate crepe-like snack, crafted by generations, offers a unique culinary experience that captures the essence of Maldivian tradition. With its crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture, haalu folhi invites you to indulge in a truly memorable delight.

The preparation of haalu folhi unfolds like a culinary dance. First, the simple yet magical blend of water, rice, eggs, and sugar comes together. The rice, soaked overnight and ground to a fine powder, transforms into a smooth batter. As the mixture cooks in a specially seasoned wok, it develops a beautiful golden hue, captivating your senses. Next, the sun works its magic, drying the crepes to perfection and giving them a satisfying crunch that lasts.

You can enjoy haalu folhi with sweetened coconut milk or creamy coconut honey. Whether you dip it, savor it plain, or pair it with savory accompaniments, each bite of haalu folhi invites you to experience the heart and soul of the Maldives.

As you plan your adventure to the Maldives, don’t miss the chance to dive into its vibrant culinary scene. Every dish you taste will connect you to the islands’ rich heritage and the warm spirit of its people.

The Maldives is more than just a picturesque destination; it’s a feast for the senses waiting to be explored. So pack your bags and bring your appetite for adventure. The culinary wonders of the Maldives await you, promising a journey filled with flavors and experiences that will linger long after your trip ends. Embrace this vibrant tapestry of taste, and let the islands’ unique dishes weave their magic into your heart!

Feature image sourced from Sun Siyam Iru Veli website

Atmosphere Core, a rapidly growing hospitality group, is known for its exceptional resorts across the Maldives. The company is making significant strides in its commitment to investing in its people. Atmosphere Core has promoted several key team members as part of this ongoing focus. These promotions highlight the company’s dedication to fostering a culture of growth, leadership, and the continuous development of its employees. Most importantly, Atmosphere Core is focused on providing an environment where leaders grow, teams thrive, and guests consistently receive the best of Maldivian hospitality.

Ashwin Handa, Senior Vice President of Operations at Atmosphere Core, shared his thoughts on the company’s focus on growth:

“At Atmosphere Core, we believe that true hospitality is shaped by passionate individuals who go above and beyond to create exceptional guest experiences. Nasru, Sribanta, Leroy, and Varinder embody the passion, dedication, and leadership that define our brand. Their journeys reflect our commitment to nurturing talent from within and fostering a culture where ambition meets opportunity.”

Nasrulla Mohamed

Resort Manager at OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Nasrulla Mohamed has become a respected leader. His ability to blend operational expertise with a deep understanding of guest expectations has set him apart. Nasrulla began his journey at Atmosphere Core in 2015, starting as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at OBLU NATURE Helengeli. There, he quickly gained valuable experience. He later played a key role in the successful openings of both OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OBLU SELECT Sangeli. As Island Chief at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, Nasrulla was instrumental in positioning the resort as a distinguished adults-only destination. This effort earned the resort international recognition. Now, in his new role as Resort Manager for both OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi, he is responsible for overseeing operations at these two diverse properties. At the same time, he continues to ensure a seamless guest experience and promotes his team’s development.

Sribanta Acharya

Resort Manager at OBLU SELECT Sangeli

Since joining the team in 2016, Sribanta Acharya has steadily risen through the ranks, demonstrating a strong commitment to operational excellence and guest satisfaction. As Resort Manager at OBLU SELECT Sangeli, Sribanta has played an essential role in maintaining the resort’s reputation for exceptional service. Managing 137 villas and leading a team of more than 300 professionals, he ensures that the resort continues to provide world-class hospitality. Sribanta’s journey at Atmosphere Core began as part of the pre-opening team for OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. He then moved on to join the OBLU SELECT Sangeli pre-opening team. Later, Sribanta became Island Chief during the launch of OBLU SELECT Lobigili, before returning to Sangeli in 2022 as Executive Assistant Manager. In his new role as Resort Manager, Sribanta’s leadership and experience will be crucial to the continued success of OBLU SELECT Sangeli.

Leroy Colin Dias

Resort Manager at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

Leroy Colin Dias brings over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, with a proven track record of driving guest satisfaction and operational success. He joined Atmosphere Core in 2021 as the Director of Food & Beverage at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, where his strategic approach and strong leadership immediately made an impact. Moreover, Leroy’s commitment to service excellence and team development led to his promotion to Executive Assistant Manager in 2024. Now, in his new role as Resort Manager, Leroy will use his expertise in service quality, revenue growth, and team empowerment to elevate OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s standing as a top-tier luxury resort. His background in curating memorable dining experiences and enhancing operational performance equips him to lead with both innovation and vision.

Varinder Preet Singh

Executive Assistant Manager at OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi

Varinder Preet Singh began his career at Atmosphere Core in 2016 as Assistant Executive Housekeeper at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, where he honed his skills in operations and guest services. Throughout his career, Varinder has played a key role in enhancing guest experiences at several properties, including Atmosphere Kanifushi and VARU by Atmosphere. In his new role as Executive Assistant Manager at OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi, Varinder will oversee both strategic development and operational improvements. His goal is to ensure that these resorts continue to exceed guest expectations. Varinder’s dedication to service excellence, combined with his expertise, makes him well-positioned to lead efforts in further enhancing the guest experience across both resorts.

These promotions highlight the continued commitment of Atmosphere Core to nurturing leadership within its organization. Each individual’s unique journey within the company demonstrates Atmosphere Core’s dedication to creating a culture that supports growth, opportunity, and excellence—both for its employees and its guests.

Exploring Maldives – Food: What to Eat When Visiting the Islands

Addu Bondi: A Sweet Delight from the Southern Atolls

Golha Riha: A Heartwarming Fish Ball Curry Experience

Kanamadhu Metaa: A Nutty Sweet with Historical Roots

Haalu Folhi: A Delightful Crepe from Kulhudhuffushi

Latest

Atmosphere Core Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Promotions

Dive into Ocean Discovery Week 2025 at The Nautilus Maldives

Dusit Thani Resorts Gives Back through Moms Aid’s Ramadan Relief Campaign

Celebrate Easter with Indulgence and Serenity at The St. Regis Maldives

Atmosphere Core Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Promotions

Nasrulla Mohamed

Sribanta Acharya

Leroy Colin Dias

Varinder Preet Singh