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As expected with every new development in the world, Hulhumalé brings with it a refreshingly novel and contemporary attitude, adding to the classic temperament of Maldives’ capital city Malé.
Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island next to Velana International Airport that is not only a solution to the overcrowding of Malé but an opportunity for the Maldives to showcase its fashionable side, both in the residential and commercial sector.
Connected with Malé via ferry and the Sinamalé Bridge, the island is also a popular day-trip option. Locals and tourists come here to shop, spend time on the public beach, and relish the vibrant culinary offerings of Hulhumalé.
When looking for the best places to eat in Hulhumalé, you’ll find quaint cafes, old-fashioned eateries serving much-loved recipes, and restaurants that entice you with dishes made with fresh ingredients, featuring flavors from around the world.
Bombay Darbar
Address: Lot No 10488, Nirolhu Magu, Hulhumalé
Bombay Darbar is amongst the best restaurants in Hulhumalé and is an excellent choice to satisfy your cravings for Indian food. The interiors are a little stuffed on a typical day, but it has an old-world charm about it. The service is welcoming and the staff particularly amicable.
The menu at Bombay Darbar is extensive and boasts iconic Indian dishes from biryanis and naan to butter chicken and other meaty delights. As is the case with Indian food, the servings are large and meant to be shared between people.
The must-haves at Bombay Darbar are tomato shorba, murg Lucknowi biryani, dal Bombay Darbar, and the fish tikka. The restaurant also offers pizzas, but it’s best to stick with their Indian preparations.
GG’s Kitchen and Bistro
Address: Burevigas Magu, Hulhumalé
Promising a flavourful wild ride for your taste buds and aromatic nirvana for the nostrils is GG’s Kitchen & Bistro, a specialty Russian and Moroccon restaurant in Hulhumalé that will lead you to a memorable food coma.
As a “fine dining” option on the inhabited island, GG’s further adds a feather in its cap by staying true to the cuisine it serves. The restaurant asks its customers to pre-order their tajine so that it can be cooked to perfection by the time they arrive. The passion for authentic food is high here, and it also reflects in the restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance.
What to eat at GG’s, then? There’s ukha, a warm Russian broth with salmon, the fish or lamb tajine is a must, and so is the shakshouka with meatballs. Order the tiramisu to finish your meal on a delightful note.
Kavárna
Address: Lot 11258, Hulhumalé
At first sight, Kavárna might make you take a step back, wondering if you have come to the right place. It’s a bit small and feels cramped when full. Good thing it’s a hidden gem in Hulhumalé that not many tourists know about yet.
More still, the café’s distressed hipster look that continues from its exterior façade to the indoor seating area, think aquamarine-colored walls with what can be termed as water damage, is unique and gives the place an unmatched identity. Adding to the ambiance are the vintage knick-knacks like an old Canon camera and an LP player that belts out soothing jazz music, making the cafes one of the most Instagrammable spots in the Maldives.
The food at Kavárna is comforting. You’ll find the best coffee in Hulhumalé here as well as a lovely breakfast that includes eggs, sausages, beans, and toast served with homemade jam. For a lunch date, opt for nasi goreng, chicken dimsums, ramen noodles, roast chicken, or freshly grilled sandwiches. The French toast at Kavárna is incredibly popular and a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The Family Room by Coffee Lab
Address: 10105 Dhigga Magu, Hulhumalé
Nurturing the café culture of Hulhumalé in the right direction is the warm and friendly Family Room by Coffee Lab. A lovely little space along the beach with primarily white interiors, the café is famous for serving on-site roasted coffees and “specialty teas.”
Family Room is particularly a favorite with the locals because of its laidback characteristic coffeeshop aura, a little cupboard packed with interesting reads, and space for kids to play.
The café’s strong point is its coffee. Try the filter coffee or the uplifting tonicpresso, especially on a hot and humid day. Those feeling peckish can go for the beef ramen, grilled chicken burger, or some Thai rice with curry.
Oishii – The House of Sushi
Address: Lot 10489, Ground Floor, Nirolhu Magu, Hulhumalé
With plentiful fresh seafood available in the Maldives, it is a little surprising that Oishii is the only proper sushi restaurant in Hulhumalé. Still, this corner eatery doesn’t fail to combine Japanese culinary ascetics with the islands’ tropical charm, making it one of the best places to eat in Malé region.
As soon as you enter Oishii, there is a small sushi bar with a festive chalkboard menu in the back. The rest of the restaurant has tables where you can comfortably sit and savor your meal. The overall atmosphere at Oishii is cozy, with a dash of color thrown in courtesy of a Japanese mandala on one wall. The restaurant opens in the afternoon, making it the perfect place to have a hearty lunch or dinner.
Before you go through the menu, it’s worth remembering that the servings at Oishii are quite large, so order in moderation. The chicken ramen is a favorite and will undoubtedly warm the cockles of your heart. Sushi lovers can get a feel of what’s on offer by opting for the sashimi and nigiri platters. For dessert, there is matcha Crème brûlée, or the one thing any self-respecting Japanese restaurant cannot do without, mochi ice cream.
Zaatar Café
Address: Dhigga Magu, Hulhumalé
In the mood for some Mediterranean or Arabic food? No need to look here or there and head straight for Zaatar Café, one of the best restaurants in Hulhumalé that serves authentic Middle Eastern delicacies.
There is not much space to sit in Zaatar, but it’s right there next to the public beach, so you can pick up the food and have a picnic on the sand. Within its compact space, the café does manage to create a homely environment with Arabic decorations like small hookahs, brassware, flags, and traditional keffiyeh.
The menu here covers only two pages but is packed with delectable meaty dishes. Chicken wings and hummus with falafel are ideal for getting you started, followed by the mandi sheesh tawooq bbq or the shwarma saj. The café also does combo meals, and don’t forget to try their “made to order” thyme and muhammara pastries.
