Gastronomy
Baraabaru: Simply “Excellent” Cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Maldives.net.mv – At the northwestern edge of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, occupying a dramatic Kerala-inspired pavilion and torch-lit overwater deck, sits one of the world’s top Indian restaurants.
Recognized as one of the 101 Best Hotel Restaurants by The Daily Meal, USA in 2012, Baraabaru – meaning “excellent” in the local language, Dhivehi – also played a role in Kuda Huraa’s placement as Best Hotel for Food: Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean in theCondé Nast Traveller UK’s 2012 Annual Gold List.
It’s a classy yet laid-back establishment, with an atmosphere as notable as the food. And as its name suggests, the food is remarkable indeed.
The menu focuses entirely on made-to-order homestyle Indian cuisine. From the kebabs and charcoal tandoors of the North to the curries and spices of the South, the emphasis is on fresh, authentic flavours. Of more than 100 dishes on the menu, more than half are vegetarian, with many of those inspired by the recipes of the father and grandmother of Baraabaru’s own Chef Kapil Sharma – a Punjabi-born culinarian with a particular prowess for Sattvic, Jain, vegan and organic cuisine, all of which feature heavily on the menu.
“At Baraabaru, we’re all about homestyle authenticity, not fusion,” explains Chef Kapil. “That means fresh food, with as little fat and oil as possible. It’s very light and easy to digest. It keeps the flavours. And it replicates the traditional habits of making food fresh from scratch on a daily basis. Focusing on just this one element enables us to do it very well.”
To help ensure optimum authenticity, Baraabaru sources raw organic spices from nearby Kerala, in addition to lamb from organic farms in India. “The source of our ingredients is essential,” adds Chef Kapil, whose upbringing included producing the family’s own organic milk, butter, cheese and yoghurt. “It’s my target to always use the best available produce.”
In addition, a philosophy of “cooking to order” enables Baraabaru to offer its guests an elevated level of customization and flexibility. Individual diners are always asked their “spice levels” so that their dish can be tailored accordingly, while the restaurant’s chefs will happily accommodate requests for different meats or ingredients than those detailed on the menu. “Just like at home, guests have the option to tailor their exact preferences,” explains Kapil. “We want them to think it’s the best Indian food they’ve tasted. When they say it is, it makes us feel so proud.”
Despite running Baraabaru’s kitchen, Chef Kapil is not the only one driving the restaurant’s homestyle ethos. Every member of the Baraabaru kitchen team contributes to the menu, identifying specialty dishes from their own family or upbringing, which are then trialled for the restaurant. “If it’s your dish, you always want to present it as best as you can,” Chef Kapil continues. “Our approach gives the team such pride, as well as an ability to master and be in charge of their own dish to ensure perfect quality. Everyone takes charge of something and works together towards a higher purpose. That’s what makes Baraabaru such a success.”
Guests wishing to improve their own success in the kitchen can also book a half-day cooking class with Chef Kapil – a memorable and educational addition to any vacation – during which they will learn to blend spices, make breads, appetizers and mains, and then critique their meal.
Baraabaru is open for dinner at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa from 7:00 to 10:30 pm six nights a week (closed on Tuesdays). Inspired by the architecture of Kerala, its open-sided pavilion, Tandoor Bar, spectacular torch-lit deck and private dining pavilion offer a wealth of oceanfront dining experiences. Teak wood and richly decorated cushions imbue an easy Indian air, while a live sitar band plays nostalgic Indian music each evening – the perfect complement to the restaurant’s authentic, homestyle food.
Drink
Golden hour bliss with Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello at Dhigali Maldives

This November, Dhigali Maldives will transform its iconic Haali Bar into a lively stage for music and mixology, as British DJ Zoe London and Italian Flair Bartending Champion Giorgio Chiarello join forces for an unforgettable sunset residency from 11 to 15 November 2025.
Each evening, Zoe London will take to the decks, delivering her distinctive mix of house, classic remixes, and uplifting energy to the shores of the Raa Atoll. With more than 15 years’ experience performing at venues such as Soho House and The Ned, as well as at prestigious events including the Formula 1 Paddock Club and festivals like Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds, and Latitude, Zoe’s sets promise the perfect soundtrack to golden hour in paradise.
As the sun slips beneath the horizon, guests will be treated to masterfully crafted cocktails from Giorgio Chiarello, Italy’s most decorated Flair Bartender. Renowned for his captivating performances and expertise in American-style mixology, Giorgio will present a bespoke menu featuring three classic cocktails alongside three of his own original creations, each prepared with precision and flair at Haali Bar.
Nestled in the heart of the remote Raa Atoll, Dhigali Maldives is an exclusive Premium All-Inclusive resort that seamlessly blends contemporary minimalist design with the island’s natural beauty. From overwater villas and beachfront suites to snorkelling adventures, fine dining, and rejuvenating spa rituals, the resort offers an immersive and refined escape. With its vibrant house reef just steps away, every element is designed for effortless relaxation and indulgence.
Together, Zoe London and Giorgio Chiarello will infuse the island’s evenings with rhythm, flavour, and artistry, creating an immersive fusion of music and mixology framed by the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Cooking
Theme nights at Kula: The Standard, Maldives turns up the heat with gobal buffet glow-up

Kula, the breezy all-day dining spot at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, is doing what it does best: keeping things deliciously unpredictable. Starting Sunday, 3rd August, the team will be rolling out weekly theme nights that serve up serious flavor and curated vibes.
By day, Kula is your go-to for buffet-style bites with a side of ocean views and jungle-chic greenery. By night, it’s a full-on flavor parade, with chefs whipping a new theme menu for every day of the week. The daily-changing lineup globe-trots from India’s spice markets to Mexico’s street stalls, with pit stops in Italy, the Maldives and beyond. Expect open kitchens, live cooking stations and playful decorations to get you in the mood.
On Monday, ease in with a Peru-Mex Fiesta—a Latin mashup of Mexican, Peruvian and Caribbean flavors that hits every tropical note. Come Tuesday, it’s time for a wild ride through Asia’s finest street stalls, from India’s and Sri Lanka’s spices to Thailand’s tang and Indonesia’s sizzle. Wednesday is surf & turf territory: burger patties and sizzling kebabs cozied up next to net-fresh seafood in a BBQ showdown. Thursday goes full wok mode with stir-fried everything, plus fresh sushi and sashimi. Friday brings it back home with Maldivian Night where island-inspired salads, curries and seafood are served up by Kula’s team in traditional gear. And just when you think the week peaked, Taste of Italy rolls in on Saturday with pasta, pizza and risotto. Wrap it all up on Sunday with Fisherman’s Catch – net-fresh ocean bounty barbecued, poached or served as ceviche.
Nanda, Executive Chef at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, said: “Curating the new Kula theme nights was like creating a world tour through food. Each evening brings a fresh energy—whether it’s the fiery Latin vibes of Monday or the soulful taste of home on Maldivian Fridays. It’s more than just a buffet; it’s a culinary experience, meant to spark curiosity and conversation. We’ve layered in authentic flavors, live action stations, and a whole lot of heart.”
Drink
Joos gets juicier: The Standard, Maldives unveils fresh new menu

Joos Café at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is flipping the beach bite game with a sizzling menu makeover that is equal parts delicious, healthy and totally Joos’d up.
The new à la carte lineup serves fresh cravings like the Turkey Club House – a slow-roasted turkey sando stacked with crispy turkey bacon, ripe tomato, Swiss cheese and the signature maple mayo, wrapped in artisan schiacciata flatbread or a soft tortilla. It’s the classic clubhouse, but cooler. The new Kale & Quinoa Bowl, meanwhile, is a plant-based nutritional powerhouse – gluten-free, vegan and deeply satisfying. Massaged kale, fluffy quinoa, creamy avocado, crunchy edamame, seasonal berries and a zesty citrus dressing give it all a sparkle.
And because balance is everything, Joos Café is also throwing its burger-shaped hat in the ring: the new signature Butcher’s Burger is entering the Hard Rock Cafe’s Annual World Burger Competition in Malé. It is stacked high with a juicy Angus patty flame-grilled and lacquered in rich teriyaki sauce, crispy onion rings, homemade bilimbi hot sauce, fried egg, beef bacon and tangy pickles. Smoky, spicy, sweet, crispy, creamy, it’s giving everything and then some.
Nanda, Executive Chef at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, said: “The new Joos Café menu is a love letter to feel-good food. We’ve taken familiar favorites and given them a bold island twist—big flavors, real ingredients, and that signature Joos energy. Whether it’s the Butcher’s Burger that’s making waves or the Kale & Quinoa Bowl that hits the reset button, every dish is crafted to nourish and excite. It’s food that fuels your vibe—whatever time of day you drop in.”
Slide into the all-day Joos café for coffee, pastries, wraps, salads and the kind of lazy breakfasts that spill into lunch. Everything comes tableside or poolside (your call).
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