5 Days in Male: 3 Budget-Friendly Eats That Prove

Stuck in Male for 5 days recovering from a foot injury, I stumbled upon so many amazing spots—no overpriced tourist traps here, just delicious, wallet-friendly eats! 1. 🌟 Top Pick! Blood Orange A fusion spot blending Southeast Asian flavors with creative twists. The vibe? Sleek and polished, with tropical plants by the windows 🌿. Most diners look like local professionals (higher-income crowd), but the prices? Shockingly affordable—not a tourist spot. Why go: Dishes like cashew chicken are fragrant, tender, and juicy 🐔, while the spicy chicken noodles 🍜 pack a punch with bold spices and heat—so good I cleaned the bowl. A meal + fresh juice costs just 150–200 MVR (around) 💰. Photos are from here—proof “nice dining” doesn’t need to drain your wallet! 2. 🌱 Lemongrass (5th Street) More down-to-earth, with a steady stream of locals 👪. Spotlessly clean, with super attentive service—and even cheaper than Blood Orange. Why go: Their lunch buffet (150 MVR) is a steal 🍴: piles of curries (chicken, fish, veg), Thai desserts (coconut sago, mango sticky rice 🍨), and fresh flatbreads. Unlimited refills—perfect for sampling local flavors! The Nasigoreng is loaded with beef and chicken chunks 🍚, fried rice tossed in savory sauce—hearty enough to fuel a day of exploring. Budget-friendly: Most dishes hover around 80–120 MVR 🤑. 3. 🌊 Waterfront Gem: Pomelo A beachside spot where the water is impossibly blue 🏖️, sunsets are postcard-perfect 🌅, and yes—prices stay reasonable. Why go: The view alone is worth it: dine under umbrellas with unobstructed ocean views, watching the sun dip below the horizon 📸. Their Nasigoreng swaps beef for shrimp and chicken 🍤🐔, with plump prawns adding a briny kick—just as delicious as Lemongrass’ version. A meal + drink rarely tops 200 MVR—unheard of for such a scenic spot! Who says you can’t eat well in the Maldives without splurging? These spots prove Male has plenty of affordable, flavor-packed options. #MaldivesBudgetGuide #MaleFoodFinds #AffordableMaldives #SoutheastAsianEats