The Maldives has a rich history of political and cultural diversity. This is reflected in our dance, music and crafts. Our music and dance are influenced by East Africa, Arabia and the Indian subcontinent and we have a long tradition of lacquer work, finely woven reed mats and coral carvings that are passed down from generation to generation.
The country was once part of the spice trade that connected East Asia and Africa with the Middle East. This has influenced the country’s cuisine with seafood, coconut and starches forming the bulk of most dishes, both sweet and savoury.
Seafood is abundant in the Maldives and local fish such as tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi are grilled, fried or cooked with spices. The traditional dish Kulhimas is made from spiced tuna and a variety of other ingredients, including onions, curry leaves, hot peppers, garlic, ginger, cardamom, cumin and a range of other seasonings.
Food in the Maldives is a huge part of the culture and it is important to eat well during your stay. The resort islands offer huge buffets with lots of different foods, but it’s a good idea to try and stick to half-board options. This means that you’ll get a chance to try some different meals and save a little money at the same time!
Although the government has made it very clear that alcohol consumption is prohibited outside of resorts, you can still find many places to enjoy a drink. However, make sure that you don’t overdo it as the government has strict rules regarding how you dress while in the country.