Rihaakuru: The Dark, Rich Flavour of Maldivian Cuisine

Among the many treasures of Maldivian cuisine, rihaakuru stands apart. This thick, dark fish paste has been a staple in Maldivian households for centuries, blending tradition, flavour, and cultural identity into every spoonful.

What is Rihaakuru?

Rihaakuru is made from tuna broth, slow-cooked for hours until it thickens into a deep brown paste. The process is simple yet time-consuming: the fish stock is simmered until most of the liquid evaporates, leaving behind a rich, concentrated flavour.

This humble preparation has long been a way to preserve tuna, making sure nothing goes to waste. While other cuisines may have soy paste or fish sauces, rihaakuru is uniquely Maldivian.

Everyday Uses

For many Maldivians, rihaakuru is comfort food. It is typically enjoyed with:

• Roshi (flatbread) – a classic pairing.Rice – turning a simple meal into something hearty.

• Lonumirus (chilli paste) and lime – adding fire and freshness.

• Raw onion or pickles – for crunch and balance.

Rihaakuru is also a popular breakfast dish, often paired with black tea for a salty-savoury start to the day.

Cultural Significance

Rihaakuru is more than food; it’s heritage in a bowl.Traditionally, every household prepared their own rihaakuru and stored it in jars.

Fishermen would bring in tuna, and families made sure to extract every bit of nourishment.

To this day, it remains a symbol of Maldivian resourcefulness and culinary identity.

For many Maldivians living abroad, the taste of rihaakuru brings back childhood memories and a sense of home.

Flavour Profile

Rihaakuru is known for its umami depth.

Rich and smoky from long cooking.

Salty and savoury, but balanced by lime and chilli.

Thick and smooth, making it perfect for spreading or mixing.

It is a dish that shows how simplicity can create profound flavour.

In the Maldives, food is more than nourishment – it’s memory, tradition, and community. Rihaakuru is a perfect example: a dish born of necessity, preserved by culture, and loved for its unique taste.

Whether you try it with roshi, rice, or simply with lime and chilli, rihaakuru offers a true taste of the Maldives.