Poppadoms Restaurant Male

Why so many restaurant posts in Male? Well, there isn't really that much to do on this island and exploring restaurants is one of my favorite things to do!

I have heard many good things about this place, like the food is proper spicy (which I love) and the curry's are authentic, but one thing put me off coming here. There is only one chef according to 'legend' and he doesn't cope well with bigger groups. So today I have come all by myself to experience his full attention to detail. 

I was surprised to find the usual Maldivian 'mish mash' menu of all manner of Asian dishes. From what I'd heard, I thought it was just Indian, so I ask the waiter for a recommendation of a spicy Fish Curry. He chose a curry I already had my eye on. Malabar Fish Curry. I have never seen the name before and am looking forward to hopefully discovering a new delicacy. There are a few other unusual names on the menu, so if this one is good I'll be back to check the others out! I am particularly intrigued about the Manchurian Curry...

After all the anticipation I was a little disappointed when my food arrived. None of it looked very appetizing at all. The Vegetable Pilau looked very plain with a lonely piece of Cauliflower resting on top. The Spinach in the Paneer was clearly from a tin and the Fish Curry had all but 2 pieces of Fish in it.

Still it is the taste that matters isn't it? Or am I trying to convince myself that this place must be good. Everyone said so...

Actually it wasn't bad. Not as spicy as I had hoped and definitely not as pretty as could be. But hey, I paid a very small price, so this is very good for what you expect to get.

It would be great if they would serve a Thali, so it's possible to have a variety of tastes to tantalize one's taste buds.

When I come here again I will check out some other Currys. The Mutton section looks pretty interesting. It's something we don't see often in the UK.

Poppadoms doesn't have a website, but it is located in Ameer Ahmed Magu on Male Island, not far from the Traders Hotel.

Sala Thai Restaurant Male

Since the old and very well liked Sala Thai Restaurant had to close, due to smoke damage from next door neighbors fire, the owner Thomas has reopened another one in a nearby location. Not only that, but a very nice boutique hotel and spa are also now part of it. 

I remember coming here a while ago when it first reemerged and not liking it too much. I thought it was too expensive compared to other Thai restaurants on Male island. I also really used to love sitting on the Thai style leaning cushions at the old place, which the new one no longer has.

But something changed. The atmosphere here is suddenly much more serene and calmly confident. I cannot describe what exactly makes it better, but I like it.

Sala Thai is from now on topping my former favorite Lemongrass Fifth, which has gone down hill badly. The price I pay at Sala Thai is worth my every penny. Consistent quality of food and service will always prevail. Naturally.

Today I had a meal that made me feel happy and satisfied. My beloved Tom Yum Soup with Seafood, a little rice and a fresh Pineapple Celery and Ginger Drink. All at just 10 delightful Weightwatchers points. So, considering my New Year resolutions, it also rated very highly.

The only problem is, I still haven't found an easy way to get the meat out of these crab claws... even with all the paraphernalia they give me to use...such a kerfuffle... any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Here a link to the Sala Thai Website: http://salafamilymaldives.com/index_salaThai.php

Sala Thai, Male, Buruneege
Republic of Maldives For Reservation: +(960) 334 5959 

Opening hours: Saturday-Thursday 12 noon until 12 midnight
Friday 18 - midnight

Smoked Salmon and Tuna Fishcakes

I used about 200g of cooked floury Potatoes and mixed in a small tin of drained Tuna, (the brined variety). Then I chopped up about 3 slices of smoked Salmon and added this to the mix. A beaten Egg followed and a small handful of Panko Breadcrumbs. I seasoned with Salt and fresh ground Pepper and mixed everything together with a fork.

I left this mix in the fridge to get acquainted overnight. Today I shaped 4 palm sized Patties and fried them in a hot pan coated with cooking spray for about 4 minutes each side, just to heat them through thoroughly and give them a bit of colour and crust.

To go with it, I prepared a simple Caper sauce from a low fat Mayonnaise spiked with brined Capers and some of their juice and a touch of mustard. 

Served with a few salady bits and Lemon Wedges, this made my yummy lunch at only 4 Weightwatchers points for what you see on the plate :-)

Bon Apetit!