Maldives resorts are used to cooking for guests from all over the world, so vegetarian and vegan travellers eat well. This guide explains how resort kitchens handle special diets, where to find plant-based menus and what to ask before you travel. For restaurants and meal plans in general, see our food and dining guide.
How resorts cater for diets
Most resorts can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals and handle allergies, with notice. Buffets usually have clearly marked dishes, and chefs can cook separately for you at à la carte restaurants. Tell us your needs when you enquire, so we can pass them on, and remind the restaurant team when you arrive.
Plant-based menus
Some resorts make plant-based dining part of every restaurant. Nova Maldives offers vegan options across its restaurants all year, including a plant-based menu inspired by island ingredients such as breadfruit, cassava and coconut. Ask us which other resorts have dedicated vegan menus.
Indian vegetarian and Jain meals
Many resorts welcome guests from India and can prepare Indian vegetarian dishes, and some have Indian chefs. Jain meals, without onion, garlic or root vegetables, are possible at many resorts with advance notice. Ask us to confirm before you book.
Maldivian vegetable dishes
Maldivian cooking is built on fish and coconut, but there are vegetable dishes to try too, such as curries made with pumpkin, breadfruit or cassava. Our Maldivian food guide explains the local cuisine.
Questions to ask before you book
- Are vegan or vegetarian dishes available in every restaurant?
- Can the kitchen prepare Jain or gluten-free meals?
- How does the meal plan work for special diets?
- Can I meet the chef on arrival to talk about my needs?
Quick checklist
- Tell us your diet when you enquire.
- Remind the restaurant team on arrival.
- Ask about vegan menus in every restaurant.
- Give notice for Jain meals.
- Try Maldivian vegetable curries.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maldives good for vegetarians?
Yes. Resorts cook for guests from all over the world and can prepare vegetarian meals at every meal.
Can vegans eat well at Maldives resorts?
Yes, with notice. Some resorts, such as Nova Maldives, offer vegan options in every restaurant.
Do resorts serve Jain food?
Many can, with advance notice. Ask us to confirm with the resort.
Can resorts cater for allergies?
Most can handle allergies and gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Tell us when you enquire and remind the team on arrival.
Does a meal plan work for special diets?
Yes, the meal plan stays the same and the kitchen adapts the dishes. Our meal plans guide explains each plan.
Are there vegetarian Maldivian dishes?
Yes. Pumpkin, breadfruit and cassava curries are good examples to try.
