This February, guests at Niva Kurumba Maldives and Niva Dhigali Maldives were treated to an unforgettable culinary experience as celebrated chef and food writer Meera Sodha brought her vibrant, award-winning dishes to the Indian Ocean.
Known for her bestselling cookbooks Made In India, Fresh India, East and Dinner, Meera’s residency marked a rare opportunity for guests to experience her bold, flavour-driven cooking in two of the Maldives’ most iconic settings.
A Sunset Start at Niva Kurumba Maldives
The experience began at Niva Kurumba Maldives, the country’s first resort and a pioneer of barefoot luxury. Guests gathered at Athiri Beach Bar for a sunset canapé evening, where Niva Kurumba’s chefs reimagined Meera’s recipes into elegant small plates.
Highlights included prawn balchao served on crisp poppadoms, chilli paneer, mini potato dosa with pea and coconut chutney, and delicate sweet potato momo. Set against the glow of a Maldivian sunset, the evening perfectly captured Meera’s ethos of sharing food, stories and connection.
An Intimate Dining Experience at Niva Dhigali Maldives
The culinary journey continued at Niva Dhigali Maldives, where the resort’s signature restaurant, Battuta, hosted an intimate family-style feast.
Named after the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, the restaurant provided a fitting backdrop for a menu inspired by Meera’s much-loved cookbooks. Guests enjoyed poppadoms with aubergine chutney, vibrant starters such as beetroot shami kebab and chickpea chaat, and hearty mains including tomato curry, tandoori cauliflower with coriander sauce, Maham’s dal, kachumbar salad and fragrant pilau rice. The meal concluded on a sweet note with pan-fried pineapple and cardamom ice cream.
A Celebration of Flavour, Culture and Connection
Across both resorts, the events offered more than just exceptional food. Guests had the chance to meet Meera in person, gaining insight into her approach to cooking and the stories behind her recipes. Each evening blended culture, conversation and cuisine, creating moments that felt both personal and immersive.