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When visiting Malé on a day tour, for a business visit, or to stay longer, the city promises a range of attractions that showcase the daily life of Maldivians.
As the capital city, it is the political, administrative, and cultural hub of the country. A bustling island, it’s always on the move. Although small in area, Malé still demands slow exploration, especially if you want to admire it in its entirety.
A day trip around Malé typically includes visiting the Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum, the beach, and the fish market. However, it’s also an unmissable opportunity to indulge in the city’s rapidly growing café culture.
There are several excellent restaurants in Malé. Additionally, coffee shops like Meraki Coffee Roasters, Seagull Café House, and Dawn Café already have a loyal following among locals and tourists.
The newer or, in some cases, lesser-known cafes in Malé, on the other hand, are a great choice if you want to experience Malé and Hulhumalé’s changing coffee shop scene.
These establishments do highlight an increasingly western influence in the archipelago. But when you look at their service and menu, one is quick to realize that their philosophy is very much grounded in traditional Maldivian values.
So, do you wish to take a break from all the sightseeing? Or have a sudden desire to drink good coffee? Here are the best cafes in Malé and Hulhumalé you need to visit.
Shell Beans
Address: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé
Shell Beans’ location next to the jetty makes it a hot favorite with travelers, local and foreign, waiting to catch a ferry. A corner shop, it grants ample space to customers wishing to relax and enjoy a drink or a meal. Seating is available inside and out, both places being ideal for tourists indulging in remote working while in the Maldives.
Shell Beans is among the must-visit cafes in Malé because it offers a variety of comfort food options. Of course, there is excellent coffee, but you can also savor a Maldivian breakfast with mashuni, chicken fire burger, spring rolls, pesto pasta, maki rolls, and nasi goreng. For non-coffee drinkers, they have fresh juice and signature non-alcoholic drinks. And to finish it all up on a sweet note, you can keep it simple and order cake with ice cream.
Civil Coffee Society
Address: Haveeree Hingun, Malé
At Civil Coffee Society, you can expect the friendliest staff and one of the most contemporary-looking cafes in Malé. Centrally located, the cafe extends over two floors. Furthermore, Civil Coffee Society oozes a typical coffee shop vibe with industrial wood meets metal furnishing.
The café is well-known for roasting its own coffee beans. This ensures the best of flavors in every sip you take. Customers can also buy pre-packed coffee from here. However, not to miss while visiting Civil Coffee Society is their croissants. They are said to be the best in all of Malé.
Zeeba’s Deli & Cafe
Address: Iramaa Magu, Malé
Zeeba’s Deli and Café is a cute and petite homegrown eatery with an alluring appeal. Giving this charming café in Malé a personal touch is the presence of Zeeba, the owner, on most days. They don’t have very many places to sit, but you can always wait or have your tea and cake to-go. The staff is equally pleasant and fun to interact with while they prepare your coffee.
Zeeba’s Deli has a regularly changing lunch menu, so there is always something new to try. Among the constants are cakes, coffee, and the absolutely divine passion fruit juice.
Odegalla Coffee
Address: Ameenee Magu, Malé
Many locals and visitors agree that Odegallla is among the top three cafes in Malé where you are guaranteed the best coffee. The atmosphere here is quintessential coffee shop-like. Think whitewashed brick walls, wooden flooring, large windows, a busy barista bar, and splashes of color here and there. Furthermore, they offer both indoor, upstairs, and alfresco seating arrangements.
An idyllic spot in Malé for a casual date, Odegalla, doesn’t disappoint in its culinary offerings. There is the must-have Maldivian buffet breakfast every morning. For coffee lovers, they serve both single-origin and Nescafe. As for gourmands, pick any dish from their chicken, lamb, or seafood menu.
Alchemist Bistro & Cafe
Address: Nirolhu Magu, Hulhumalé
With a name so cool, Alchemist has to be one of the hippest cafes in Hulhumalé. Situated close to the beach, it promotes itself as a “lifestyle bistro.” The ambiance inside is modern. The décor is simple but consists of a few strategically placed knick-knacks that act as conversation starters.
The food at Alchemist Bistro and Café is second to none. Well-presented, their beef or chicken burger and Maldivian breakfast are a must-try. Moreover, the café has several Maldivian drink options, from fresh juice and coffee to milkshakes and tea.
Café Hive
Address: Nirolhu Magu, Hulhumalé
Café Hive is a contemporary version of the traditional Maldivian teahouse – sai hotaa. Located on the busy Nirolhu Magu street, it is a popular place to eat in Hulhumalé and spend a lazy afternoon. The eatery has an inviting décor accentuated by walls colored in earthy shades. Offering limited seats outside but ample indoors, it’s fast becoming a favorite with tourists.
On the menu and display at Café Hive are an array of Maldivian short eats – hedhikaa. Freshly prepared, these delectable local delicacies go exceptionally well with hot tea or coffee. If looking for a more substantial meal, the café also serves a daily buffet featuring rice and different curries.
Bread Matters Urban
Address: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé
Bread Matters is one of the most stylish cafes in Malé. The eatery’s wooden flooring and white tables and chairs give it a clean and sleek look. The focal point, though, is the large display case packed with appetizing savory and sweet treats.
Even though the menu at Bread Matters is extensive, each of their dishes is refined and classy. Eventually, the food is not only tasty but looks great when it first comes on the table. A popular and relatively busy café, some of the exclusive must-haves here are spring chicken, beef lasagne, lamb cutlets, fried noodles, gelato sundae, ginger beer, and rose lemonade.
