Culinary tourism in the Maldives has reached new heights following an impressive sweep of awards at the 2025 World Culinary Awards, where the island nation earned global and regional acclaim for its vibrant food culture and heritage. Among the top honours, the Maldives proudly claimed the title of World’s Best Destination for Heritage Cuisine, placing it at the forefront of global culinary destinations that celebrate authentic, time-honoured gastronomic traditions.
This recognition places Maldivian cuisine alongside some of the world’s most celebrated culinary nations. Competing against strong contenders including Germany, Peru, Seychelles, and Singapore, the Maldives emerged as a leader in preserving and elevating its unique culinary identity, rooted in rich island traditions, diverse flavours, and cultural storytelling through food.
The nation also dominated the Indian Ocean regional categories. It was declared Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary Destination 2025, a testament to the flourishing food experiences found throughout its luxury resorts, guesthouses, and local eateries. In a further nod to the country’s capital, Malé City was named Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary City Destination 2025, acknowledging the city’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative dining, bustling cafés, and culturally immersive food experiences.
Recognition also extended to educational excellence. The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies at the Maldives National University received the award for Indian Ocean’s Best Culinary Training Institution 2025, highlighting the country’s efforts to cultivate homegrown talent and strengthen the hospitality industry through quality training programs and academic leadership.
Several iconic establishments were also celebrated. Symphony Restaurant, a long-standing favourite among locals and visitors alike, won Indian Ocean’s Best Landmark Restaurant, while Hadaba at SO/ Maldives took home the title of Maldives’ Best Hotel Restaurant. Meanwhile, H2O Restaurant—famed for its underwater dining experience, was honoured with Maldives’ Best Culinary Experience, reflecting the nation’s capacity to blend imaginative dining concepts with its breathtaking natural surroundings.
Commenting on the accolades, Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives, said: “These awards reflect the Maldives’ deep-rooted culinary heritage and the creativity of our chefs and restaurateurs who bring those traditions to life in extraordinary ways. From the refinement of heritage dishes to contemporary fine dining, gastronomy plays a central role in enriching the visitor experience. We are proud to see our local talents and institutions gaining recognition on the world stage.”
The achievements at the 2025 World Culinary Awards come at a time when the Maldives is receiving increasing international acclaim for excellence in tourism and sustainability. The country is currently a nominee for both World’s Leading Destination 2025 and World’s Leading Green Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, further enhancing its image as a multifaceted destination known for more than its turquoise waters and luxury stays.
Organised as a sister event to the globally respected World Travel Awards™, the World Culinary Awards™ serve to spotlight excellence across the international culinary landscape. The awards celebrate destinations, restaurants, and culinary institutions that consistently set new benchmarks in hospitality and dining. This latest success reinforces the Maldives’ emerging status not just as a paradise for beach lovers, but also as a leading force in global culinary tourism.
Foreign visitors exploring the Maldives are now offered not just scenic beauty and luxury but a captivating journey through its flavours, stories, and traditions, served plate by plate across the islands.
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