The culinary traditions of the Maldives, including Olhuveli, are deeply influenced by the surrounding sea as well as the trade routes that historically connected the archipelago with Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Maldivian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, with a focus on the abundant seafood, coconut, and starches like rice and sweet potato. Traditional methods of smoking and preserving fish have played a significant role in the island's food culture, exemplified by dishes made with dried fish like "Mas Huni" and "Rihaakuru".