Huvadhoo bondi
This sweet stick will remind you of the taste of your heavenly vacation in the Maldives. It's a dough sausage with a texture similar to halva, made from young coconut pulp and coconut palm sap. The taste is reminiscent of a famous coconut bar, chocolate nut. The huvadhoo bondi sticks are beautifully wrapped in a dried banana leaf. They make an original and authentic gift. But be careful, they should be eaten fairly soon after returning home, as they dry out quickly in our latitudes.
Dried tuna
If you have the opportunity to visit the fishing port of Malé, don't hesitate to buy dried yellowfin tuna flakes. You'll find them all over the stalls, and once you're back home, they'll spice up your summer salads. You'll also find vacuum-packed cured tuna. Slices of fish can be enjoyed as an aperitif with a squeeze of lime, for example.
Lacquers
Lacquered wood boxes and vases are a direct descendant of Chinese tradition. This confidential craft is perpetuated in the Maalhosmadulu atoll. The women lacquer the objects (often round boxes of all sizes) in bright yellow and red or black.
The mats
Somewhat cumbersome to slip into your suitcase, mats are by far the most traditional item to bring back from a trip to the Maldives. They are woven by women from sedges, tall grasses with a triangular cross-section. The grasses are dyed with natural pigments, limited to 4 shades: yellow, ecru, brown and black. Any other color indicates the use of chemical dyes. The mats are woven before the grass becomes too dry and brittle. The motifs used are generally geometric, in line with Islamic dogma, which forbids any human or animal representation. Available in various sizes, the smallest are generally used as prayer rugs. The larger ones are used as carpets or mattresses in homes.
Ropes
It's a funny idea and it weighs a lot. But if you're looking for a strong, hard-wearing rope, the Maldivian won't disappoint! Made from coir, it's used to tie the dhoni to its anchor. The women use ripe coconut husks, which they leave to macerate for 3 months. The bark is then beaten with heavy flails to loosen the fiber. This is washed, dried and finally twisted.
Not to be taken back
The Maldivian islands are government property. And you're not allowed to take any of it home with you. No matter how fine and white the sand, no matter how small and cute the shell, no matter how colorful or dead the coral. Maldivian customs are on the lookout, and your bag will be X-rayed before boarding. You risk seizure of illegally removed goods and a fine.
