Food History of W Retreat & Spa Maldives
W Retreat & Spa Maldives, located in the North Ari Atoll, is a luxury resort known for combining local Maldivian culinary traditions with international influences. The Maldives has a rich history where food is concerned, heavily relying on the ocean’s bounty due to the country’s geography. The local cuisine is characterized by the abundant use of coconut, fish, and starches. Over time, this cuisine evolved with influences from Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic, and various other Asian cuisines as traders and settlers brought their food culture to the islands.
W Retreat & Spa has embraced this fusion by integrating these cultural influences into its menu offerings to treat guests to a delightful gastronomic experience. Their focus on fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local spices offers guests a taste of the archipelago's culinary heritage with a modern twist.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes at W Retreat & Spa Maldives
1. Grilled Maldivian Reef Fish (Non-Veg): Fresh fish caught from the local waters, grilled to perfection and seasoned with local herbs.
2. Mas Huni (Non-Veg): A traditional Maldivian breakfast dish made with tuna, coconut, onion, and chili, served with flatbread known as roshi.
3. Maldivian Curry (Non-Veg): A coconut-based curry usually made with tuna or chicken, accompanied by rice or roshi.
4. Crispy Fried Reef Squid (Non-Veg): Squid deep-fried until crispy and typically served with a tangy dipping sauce.
5. Pumpkin Coconut Soup (Veg): A rich and creamy soup that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the tropical flavor of coconut.
6. Maldivian Lobster (Non-Veg): Locally sourced lobster grilled or steamed, often served with seasoned butter or tropical salsa.
7. Rihaakuru Dhiya (Veg): A thick, spicy paste made from tuna, perfect for adding a punch of flavor to various dishes.
8. Saagu Bondibai (Veg): A sweet sago pudding flavored with cardamom, coconut milk, and often garnished with nuts.
9. Vegetable Dhon Riha (Veg): A Maldivian vegetable curry made with a mix of local vegetables, coconut milk, and aromatic spices.
10. Baklava (Veg): Although not indigenous, this sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey is a favorite dessert offering at the resort.
Top Famous Restaurants in W Retreat & Spa Maldives
1. FIRE: An open-air BBQ restaurant offering the perfect beachside dining experience. Famous for its Grilled Maldivian Reef Fish (Non-Veg).
2. FISH: Set over the water, this signature seafood restaurant specializes in freshly caught seafood. The Maldivian Lobster (Non-Veg) here is a standout dish.
3. KITCHEN: A contemporary all-day dining bistro with both à la carte and buffet options. Their buffet spreads are exquisite and include options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests.
4. SIP: A glamorous sunset bar where one can enjoy a variety of cocktails with light bites. The sushi, which includes local reef fish options, is famous here (Non-Veg).
5. WET: Provides poolside dining where guests can indulge in light meals and cocktails. The Crispy Fried Reef Squid (Non-Veg) is a popular choice here.
Each of these restaurants at W Retreat & Spa Maldives offers a setting and menu that will appeal to different tastes, bringing together the best of Maldivian and international cuisines for an unforgettable dining experience.
