Bucket List Travel Eats: Maldives Crab Tacos

Wednesday 29th of April 2020

Bucket List Travel Eats: Maldives Crab Tacos

Harsh Roopchand, a co-founder of The Pontiac bar and of hospitality group 8 CreATEive and an ex-hotelier, shares some of the restaurants and dishes he keeps coming back to. ‘Once free travel is allowed again, I can’t wait to return to the Maldives, my go-to escape.’

Roopchand worked at the Soneva resorts for a couple of years. ‘It does not get any better than Soneva Fushi and their newer overwater sister Soneva Jani for a perfect barefoot luxury getaway.’ Both resorts are eco-friendly rustic resorts and host world-renowned visiting guest chefs. They are located within the Baa Atoll, a Unesco biosphere reserve, which boasts beautiful and well-preserved marine life and lush vegetation.

One of the Maldives’ most beautiful beach bars is Blu (Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the Baa Atoll), says Roopchand. Apart from the heaven-on-earth backdrop, they have great wood-fired oven pizzas, cocktails and a stunning design by the renowned Geoffrey Bawa. However, if you’re looking for something more cost effective, he recommends Finolhu (Kanufushi Island, Baa Atoll). ‘The softshell crab tacos at their stunning Crab Shack on a sandbank are great.’

He continues to recommend first-time visitors to try hit up any local Maldivian tea house in Malé/Hulhumale on their way to or from their resort seaplane to sample traditional Maldivian bhajia – bite-sized fried delights like samosas with tuna, grated coconut and chilli – with tea. ‘It’s a nice affordable alternative to the luxury resorts, yet delicious.’