Maldives
The Maldives has a vibrant and rapidly evolving coffee culture, especially in its capital Malé, and within the numerous resorts across the islands. While traditionally a tea-drinking nation, coffee's popularity has exploded in recent decades. You'll find a mix of instant coffee being a common staple, alongside a thriving specialty coffee scene driven by local roasters and international influences.
Here's a breakdown of the different ways to order coffee in the Maldives and what's in them:
Commonly Available & Everyday Coffees:
Instant Coffee (Nescafé is very popular): This is a household and small eatery staple.
What's in it: Coffee granules dissolved in hot water. It's almost always served with options for sugar and milk (often powdered or UHT evaporated milk/creamer) to be added to taste.
How to order: Often just "Coffee" or "Nescafé." You'll then specify if you want "with milk" (kiru laigen) or "black" (kalhu), and "with sugar" (hakuru laigen) or "without sugar" (hakuru nu lai).
"Hotaa" Coffee: This is a colloquial term for a quick, often strong instant coffee, typically consumed at local "hotaa" (small tea shops/cafes).
What's in it: Usually strong instant coffee, often served quite sweet and milky. It's a quick pick-me-up.
How to order: You might hear locals ask for "Hotaa Nescafé" or simply "Hotaa coffee."
Modern Cafe-Style Coffees (Especially in Malé and Resorts):
The Maldives has seen a significant boom in specialty coffee shops and cafes, particularly in Malé and on the larger islands. These establishments offer a full range of espresso-based drinks and often feature locally roasted beans.
Espresso: A concentrated shot of coffee, the base for many drinks.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a thick layer of foam.
Latte (Caffè Latte): Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Mocha: Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or powder), often topped with whipped cream.
Flat White: Espresso with velvety steamed milk, less foam than a cappuccino, for a stronger coffee taste.
Macchiato (Caffè Macchiato): Espresso "marked" with a dollop of foamed milk.
Cortado: Espresso cut with a small amount of warm steamed milk.
Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic concentrate.
Iced Coffee: Typically hot-brewed coffee served over ice, often with milk and sugar.
Iced Latte: Espresso poured over ice and topped with cold milk.
Frappe: Blended iced coffee drinks, often with ice, milk, syrup, and sometimes whipped cream.
Specialty Coffee in the Maldives:
The growth in coffee culture has led to the emergence of local roasters and specialty cafes, particularly in Malé. You might encounter:
Single Origin Coffees: Cafes will often highlight beans from specific regions around the world (e.g., Ethiopian, Colombian, Indonesian) with unique flavor profiles.
Custom Blends: Some local roasters, create their own unique blends for cafes and restaurants.
Various Brewing Methods: Beyond espresso, some specialty cafes will offer pour-over, AeroPress, or French press options for a more nuanced coffee experience.
Ordering Tips:
Language: While Dhivehi (the local language) is spoken, English is widely understood in tourist areas, resorts, and modern cafes, especially in Malé. The international names for coffee drinks are generally recognized.
Sweetness: Maldivians often prefer their coffee (and tea) on the sweeter side. If you prefer less sugar, be sure to specify.
Resorts vs. Local Islands: In resorts, you'll almost exclusively find international cafe-style offerings. On local islands and in Malé, you'll get a mix, with instant coffee and more traditional, simpler preparations being very common alongside the burgeoning specialty scene.
The Maldivian coffee scene is dynamic, with a growing appreciation for quality coffee and a diverse range of options to suit every preference.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.