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

The Hulhule Airport Hotel

I do enjoy going out by myself. A warm fuzzy feeling of freedom to do as I please, when and where I want to do it. Today I decided that it would be on of those evenings. I catch the boat from Male to the Airport Island Hotel Hulhule, just 10 minutes across the gorgeous turquoise Indian ocean, on this charming little ferry, carrying passengers free of charge to and fro. There is a charming young Maldivian boatsman, seemingly working every single day of his life on this boat. On some occasions when I had a few beers and a couple more, I got him to pose with me in pictures. He always smiles when I get on or off the boat and I grin back, slightly embarrassed.  I must ask him his name some day.
So little ferry aside, what's the lowdown on the hotel? To be honest I cannot tell you anything about the state of the rooms or service within, as I have never stayed here, but what I can tell you is, that the Tandoori Night themed evening by the pool and Bar makes for a nice and unexpected surprise .


Normally a visit to Hulhule is solely for the purpose of getting a beer or such like, as Male itself is a 'dry' Island and doesn't of course serve these little indulgences. For local workers and us tourists, who stay in Male, this is the preferred meeting place for a sundowner.
So when they start setting up their Tandoori cart and oven right next to the pool, the taste buds light up on a foodies mind like mine. Fresh reef fish marinated in the chefs own mixture of exotic spice and traditional Indian favourites are freshly prepared as you watch (if you're not to busy chatting).
I've not frequented India very much in my travels (yet), so for me having tasted a freshly prepared Nan Bread from this very side of the pool oven was an amazing revelation. A bit like a real Neapolitan pizza, it's all about the dough. So fresh and chewy, soft with edges of subtle crunch, simply Nan perfection. Talking of which, they also do an awesome Maldivian Tuna Pizza here. Super tasty and spicy, with little Maldivian Bullet Chillies!
Tonight I treated myself to a whole Reef Fish Barbecued in the Tandoor Oven. Apart from the slight lack of condiments (after one mouthful they were  gone) I was very pleased indeed.  The chef's marinade has given the Fish a lovely kick, just enough to tease, but not burn. This little beauty has cost me $25 which is way more expensive then you'd expect to pay on Male Island, but the novelty of watching it cook right next to me made it well worth it.


Ok I guess I better get some facts up here for you also. If you consider staying at this hotel, say you have an early flight to catch and need to leave your resort island, then do. Even if Hulhule Airport Hotel has a spa and a pool, this ain't no place for a holiday in the Maldives. It's pure convenience, but a nice one at that.

Here is the Hotel Website:
http://www.hih.com.mv/

Lemongrass Fifth Restaurant Male

Finally! My favourite Restaurant in Male is Lemongrass Fifth.

Fareedhee Magu, Male 300-9000 

 

I've eaten there so many times, they've given me a discount card.

The Restaurant has an airconditioned Downstairs, but we always favour the Semi Open Air area Upstairs or even right outside on the Balcony,  where the Fruit Bats do their evening rounds.

When I first discovered Lemongrass Fifth, I was looking for something to eat for lunch on a Friday afternoon. In the Maldives Friday is like a Sunday, most Shops and Restaurants are closed.

If you ever find yourself facing the same dilemma, Lemongrass Fifth to the rescue! So it's open on Friday but surely that's not why it's my favourite. You're right. The real reason is the menu. It's like an encyclopaedia of Thai food. I could study it for hours before I decide what I'm going to have.

Tonight we shared a Tom Yum Steamboat, then I had one of the fried whole fish dishes. The waiter looked at me a bit funny , hesitated, then said with a side to side head shake 'ok'. It is an indulgence even for me, and really it is for sharing  (comes with 3 portions of rice) but you know me, I am having what's left as my crew meal!

The side dishes are Garlic Water Spinach and Green Papaya Salad. Two of my 'Must Haves' in any Thai Restaurant.

Once again everything was lovely. The only one small thing I missed here, was my beloved Chilli Fish Sauce, but then hey will bring some, if asked.

Do: Have a Cola Float! It's old fashioned and very nice.

Don't: Think that a green Curry is mild. 

Is is unusual that I am already contemplating what I'm going to have next time,  and why do I always seem to be envious of the person who has the Green Curry?