Maafushi's Kaani Hotel Buffet Dinner

Wandering around Maafushi, I was lured in by a sign reading “$20 buffet dinner”—Kaani Hotel’s open-air beachfront restaurant, starting promptly at 6:30 PM, even for non-guests. Curious what $20 could get me, I settled in, only to be won over by the sea breeze and the aroma of chocolate profiteroles. 🌊 Ambiance: Dining on Sand, Where Even the Wind Feels Relaxed The restaurant sits right on the beach—white umbrellas tilted in the sand, wooden tables and chairs carrying the dampness of sea breezes. Arriving at 6:30 PM, the sunset was painting the sky tangerine-pink, with waves rolling in layer after layer, their roar a natural soundtrack. I kicked off my shoes, feet sinking into soft, warm sand (not hot at all) as I found a table. A hermit crab scuttled past a table leg. At the next table, a Western couple sipped coffee, watching the sunset; kids chased seagulls nearby—this “dining on sand” ease felt more comforting than fancy plating in an air-conditioned room. 🍽️ What $20 Gets You? Beef & Profiteroles Steal the Spotlight It’s a buffet—nothing mind-blowing, but solid, classic Western fare (no wonder they call it “typical white people food”): a salad bar with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese shavings; hot dishes like roasted chicken legs, pasta, mashed potatoes; a pot of tender stewed beans. But the standouts were in the details: Roast beef: Thinly sliced, edges slightly charred, and each bite released juicy, sweet meaty goodness. Dipped in black pepper sauce, it was tender enough to melt—even cold, it didn’t dry out. I went back for seconds (and thirds). Chocolate profiteroles: Hidden gems in the freezer! Crisp, flaky pastry shells; bite into one, and cold chocolate cream oozed, sweet but not cloying, mingling with the buttery crust. Even my friend, who avoids sweets, grabbed three. Other picks: Roasted chicken wings (crisp skin, tender meat), fruit salad (super sweet pineapple and watermelon)—great for grabbing a quick bite. 💸 Vs. Arena: $20 with Drinks = Better Value, Hands Down Anyone familiar with Maafushi might debate Kaani vs. Arena’s buffets—only $2 difference, but big gaps in details: Kaani: $20 includes free water, tea, and coffee (unlimited refills). Grab a cup, head to the bar—cold or hot water, no extra charge. Arena: $18 includes no drinks. 500ml mineral water costs $1, 1500ml $2; a coffee tacks on $3. For two people, drinks alone make Arena pricier than Kaani. For budget travelers, Kaani’s “drink freedom” is a win—$20 for a full meal + all the drinks you want, with beach seats up for grabs. Value? Clearly in Kaani’s favor. ✨ Who’s This For? “Lazy” Folks Wanting a Hassle-Free Dinner If you’re not fixated on “authentic local flavors” and just want to sit by the sea, breeze in your hair, no menu stress—Kaani’s buffet fits. No need to decode dishes; grab what you like. Transparent pricing ($20 for a full belly), plus free access to the hotel’s beach (night views). Leaving, string lights on the sand lit up, blending with stars in the distance. Suddenly, I realized $20 buys more than beef and profiteroles—it buys “dining on sand, listening to waves, eating slowly” vacation vibes. In busy Maafushi, that ease? Pretty rare. Next time in Maafushi, skip the restaurant hunt—head to Kaani. Let the roast beef’s aroma mix with sea breeze, and remember: sometimes simple joys are the best value. #MaafushiFood #KaaniHotelBuffet #MaldivesBudgetDinner #BeachfrontDining