Introducing Modern Maldivian Cuisine

Milaidhoo Maldives, a secluded 50-villa island retreat set in Baa Atoll’s beautiful UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has opened the first modern Maldivian restaurant in the archipelago, called Ba’theli. Possibly one of the few fine-dining restaurants in the world that encourages its diners to come barefoot, Ba’theli takes its name from the local word for a traditional wooden sailing boat and has been built in the shape of three boats that stand on stilts over the lagoon. Facing the west, Ba’theli commands perfect sunset views. The story of ba’theli boats began over 5,000 years ago when the Maldives became a key port of call for traders sailing from Indonesia and India to Arabia. Inspired by this heritage, the restaurant team, led by Maldivian chef Ahmed “Seabass” Sivath, creates dishes inspired by local flavours taken from the old maritime spice routes. The menu features classic Maldivian dishes such as garudhiya (a clear soup with tuna), mashuni (a tuna salad with coconut, pumpkin and lime) as well as a selection of regional specialties from around the different atolls, such as a beef curry from the north and chicken curry from the far south of the Maldives. Milaidhoo Maldives is a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World.