From Market to Family Table: Maldivian Culinary Experience

Highlights of the Trip

Experience the heart of Maldivian culture and cuisine on our exclusive culinary group day tour.

Begin your journey with a visit to the vibrant local market, selecting the freshest ingredients for your traditional meal. Then, set sail on a scenic boat trip to a local Maldivian family’s home. There, you’ll have the unique opportunity to partake in the preparation of a traditional Maldivian meal, learning age-old recipes passed down through generations. Under the guidance of your gracious hosts, you’ll craft flavours that define Maldivian cuisine, forging precious memories in the heart of this tropical paradise.

This four-hour immersive culinary experience offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and connection with the locals, promising unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Tour

Chat with Local Stallholders and Sample Local Produce: While visiting the local market, converse with the locals and sample tropical produce and homemade sweets. Choose ingredients ready to make your meal.

Cook with a Local Maldivian Family in their Home: Learn more about the traditional cuisine and local way of life, as you try your hand at preparing and cooking an authentic Maldivian dish with a friendly, welcoming family in their home.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

You might like to extend your day tour with some nearby water-based activities or cruises:

Snorkelling: Explore the vibrant underwater world with guided snorkelling tours, witnessing colourful coral reefs and diverse marine life around Malé and Villimalé.

Scuba Diving: Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands to discover a world of fascinating marine ecosystems, including coral gardens and various fish species.

Dolphin Watching Cruises: Embark on a cruise to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat, enjoying a memorable experience in the Indian Ocean.

Fishing Excursions: Join local fishing trips to experience traditional Maldivian fishing methods, such as handline fishing, and perhaps catch your own dinner.

Watersports: Try thrilling watersports like jet-skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing, taking advantage of the calm lagoons and azure waters.

Sunset Cruises: Enjoy a romantic evening on a sunset cruise, witnessing breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vivid hues.

Local Island Tours: Explore the culture of Villimalé with further guided tours, discovering more about local life, historical sites, and enjoying the warm hospitality of the Maldivian people.

Island Hopping: Hop between nearby islands to experience the diversity of the Maldives, each offering its unique charm and attractions.

Catamaran or Yacht Charter: Luxuriate in a private catamaran or yacht charter, allowing you to cruise the turquoise waters at your leisure, accompanied by stunning panoramic views.

Underwater Submarine Tour: For a unique perspective, consider an underwater submarine tour, offering a window into the mesmerising underwater world without getting wet.

Itinerary

Day 1: Visit Local Market and Cook a Meal with a Local Maldivian Family

Prepare to have your senses come alive when you explore the local market. The smells, sights, tastes, and sounds will provide you with an in-depth look into Maldivian life. Afterwards, hop on a beautiful boat journey to Hulhumale and join a family to make a meal with the items you bought! Master the traditional methods of cooking and gain knowledge of the Dhivehi language.

A Maldivian tour guide with extensive experience and professional training will accompany you throughout the activity. Our guides have been certified in First Aid and Lifeguard techniques and all have knowledge of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Duration:

4 hours

Please bring hand sanitiser, camera, and money for any personal expenses.

Departure Time

Sunday to Thursday at 11am – 3pm subject to local family availability.

Meeting Point

Jetty 5 Malé (which is opposite the Bank of Ceylon).

Free of charge collection from the airport, hotels in Malé, Hulhumale or the cruise tender jetty is available upon request.

Please note: A return transfer fee will depend on the distance of the resort located in North or South Male Atolls from Male. Before booking, it is important to make sure permission has been granted from the resort to use their private jetty for collection, as not all resorts allow this service.

Maximum group size: 6 people

Please note the following participation requirements:

We kindly request that female guests dress modestly when visiting the homes of our local families. Appropriate attire includes shorts/skirts/dresses that cover the upper thigh and clothing that keeps the chest and shoulders fully covered.

Please also be mindful of any dietary requirements you may have when booking, as Maldivian cuisine is based upon key ingredients of fish, coconut, and chili, served with either roshi (flat bread) or rice.

Day Tour Includes:

• Guide
• Traditional lunch with a family in their local home
• Transfers to and from tour start point.
• Local tax (10% service charge and 16% GST)

Day Tour Excludes:

• Personal expenses e.g., for snacks and souvenirs

Price

Guide price per person. Group size on tour may vary

£86

Tour Summary

Immerse yourself in Maldivian culture with a visit to the local market, followed by a boat journey to Hulhumale to cook a meal with a local family using ingredients purchased earlier. Led by experienced guides, this 4-hour tour offers a hands-on experience in traditional cooking and Dhivehi language.

Departures Sunday to Thursday at 11 am – 3 pm from Jetty 5, Malé. Don’t forget hand sanitiser, a camera, and personal expenses.

FAQs

1. What will I experience during the local market visit and cooking session with a Maldivian family?
   • You’ll explore the vibrant local market to immerse yourself in Maldivian life, then journey to Hulhumale to cook a traditional meal with a local family using market-bought ingredients. It’s a hands-on cultural experience!
2. Are there any language requirements for participating in the cooking session?
   • No prior knowledge of Dhivehi language is required. Our experienced guides will assist you throughout the activity, ensuring an enjoyable and informative experience.
3. How many people can participate in the tour?
   • The maximum group size is 6 people, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience with the local market and cooking session.
4. Are there any specific clothing requirements for visiting the homes of local families?
   • Yes, we kindly request that female guests dress modestly, covering the upper thigh, chest, and shoulders when visiting local families’ homes. Please ensure your attire meets these guidelines for cultural respect.
5. What dietary considerations should I be aware of for the cooking session?
   • Maldivian cuisine typically features fish, coconut, and chili, served with roshi (flatbread) or rice. Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs during the cooking session.