The Flavours of Ari
Spices and secret techniques from Ari Atoll
Farm to table
In the heart of Ari Atoll, Thoddoo offers a sensory journey through its unique farm-to-table experiences, where the island’s long history of agricultural practices meet authentic culinary traditions.
Photo By Sun.mv
The local island is well-known among Maldivians for its delectable watermelons, but Thoddoo’s farming prowess extends well beyond watermelons too. The island boasts an array of fruit and vegetable farms, including eggplant (bashi), papaya (falho), chilli (mirus), and drumsticks (tholhi). A variety of tropical herbs are also cultivated with care, ensuring a constant supply of fresh ingredients for the island’s culinary scene. The unique breadfruit (bambukeyo), bitter gourd (faaga), wax gourd (fufoo), and pumpkin (baraboa) adds to the island’s agricultural catalogue.
Photo by Lonumedhu.com
Thoddoo’s cuisine reflects the rich traditions of the Maldives. One cannot miss out on having a taste of the Thoddoo special curry paste (Fundi Havaadhu), while visiting the island. Maldivian chicken curry (kukulhu riha) or smoked tuna curry (valhomas riha) made from this special blend will make your taste buds dance with its rich flavours and textures. Wahoo fillet curry (kurumas riha), referred to as “Dhigumas” among the locals (the real name is ironic in nature, as kurumas translates to short fish, which the wahoo certainly is not), is also a culinary masterpiece that would make you come back for more!
Amidst the crackling fires, the islanders prepare fish soup (garudhiya) and rice, infusing the air with the fragrant scent of spices. Enjoy the meal with fried moringa leaves (theluli fai), a much loved addition, and some spicy Maldivian chilli paste (lonumirus) if you dare.
Photo by Zuvaanmasveriya.com
Thoddoo’s culinary range extends beyond the sea, with delicacies like Maldivian crepe (haalu folhi) offering indulgent flavours that linger on the palate. Local sweet treats like “Tharafana” made from arrowroot flour (hitthalafuh) will be a welcome addition to anyone with a sweet tooth.
Photo by LUX* South Ari Atoll
Ari Atoll’s resorts take pride in their commitment to sustainability and supporting the local community and so, many of them source their ingredients directly from the island’s farms. This farm-to-table approach ensures that you are treated to the freshest ingredients while also allowing the people of this traditional farming island to share their lovingly-grown crops and reap the benefits of their hard work.
Must try food
Dine Underwater
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Ari atoll offers an extraordinary dining experience beneath the waves. You can experience a truly unique and enchanting way to savour a gourmet meal in the iconic underwater restaurant, Ithaa in Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. Ithaa (defined as “Mother of Pearl” in the local language of Dhivehi) is the world’s first undersea restaurant. With panoramic views of vibrant coral reefs and mesmerising marine life, this dining adventure immerses you in the beauty of the underwater world while indulging your palate in exquisite cuisine. The food offerings showcase local spices blended with Western influences. You can even book Ithaa for private weddings and other special occasions. Surrender to the magic of Ari Atoll’s underwater dining, where the ocean becomes your dining room, and each bite is a taste of underwater wonder.
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