Male Carb Lot Restaurant, a 1st-Floor Gem with Mouthwatering Freshness

Wandering Malé until our legs ached, we were lured into this warm-lit seafood spot on the 1st floor—Male Carb Lot Restaurant. We’d assumed Maldivian seafood was either shockingly pricey or limited to simple grills, but here, a table full of fresh catches awaited: steamed fish, charcoal-grilled shrimp, crispy roasted chicken, and even fresh-pressed juices. When we saw the bill, we were stunned: “Can you really eat this affordable seafood in the Maldives?” 🦐 Food Review: So Fresh It Makes You Lick Your Fingers, Too Many Options to Choose 🌟 Seafood Platter: Every Bite Tastes “Just Off the Boat” We ordered a mixed seafood platter, still steaming when it arrived: Steamed Grouper: The MVP of the meal! The fish was caught that day, scales shimmering silver, perfectly steamed—chopsticks split it into tender flakes that almost melted in our mouths. Drizzled with soy sauce mixed with local lime juice, it had a hint of tartness to balance the freshness, with zero fishy aftertaste—just pure “ocean sweetness.” We even picked meat from the bone crevices. Charcoal-Grilled Prawns: Shells charred crisp, peeling off easily to reveal plump, firm flesh. Each bite carried the smoky aroma of charcoal, with just enough black pepper and salt to enhance the flavor—no need for dipping sauce. The shrimp roe’s fragrance lingered on our fingers long after. Garlic Vermicelli Steamed Scallops: Scallop meat bigger than a coin, resting on softened vermicelli. The slightly spicy garlic sauce mixed with vermicelli soaked up seafood juices—each bite was a burst of “garlic aroma + scallop freshness + silky vermicelli,” so good we wanted to lick the shells clean. 🍗 Unexpected Highlight! Roast Chicken Steals the Show from Seafood We came for seafood, but the roast chicken won us over. The whole bird glistened with oil, skin roasted to an amber hue—tearing it apart made a “crunch,” while the meat inside stayed juicy. The marinade mixed local spices (a hint of curry leaf and lemongrass), savory with a fresh twist, perfect for cutting through seafood richness. Even the chicken breast wasn’t dry; our friend said, “It’s better than dedicated roast chicken spots!” 🍹 Fresh-Pressed Juices: Refreshing with Visible Pulp We ordered mango and pineapple juice, both freshly chopped and squeezed, with tiny fruit bits floating in the cups. Mango juice was thick enough to coat the glass, sweet from ripe local mangoes, no added sugar. Pineapple juice had a tangy kick, balancing the heaviness of seafood—downing two cups felt like drinking “island sunshine,” much more quenching than bottled drinks. 💰 Incredibly Affordable: Rare “Seafood Freedom” in the Maldives In the Maldives, seafood often comes with “per-gram pricing” sticker shock, but not here: two people sharing a seafood platter + half a roast chicken + two juices cost under 400 MVR (around ¥190). Compared to other spots where “one shrimp costs ¥50,” this is a “seafood lover’s paradise.” Locals regularly stop by to take food to go: uncles in white robes carrying roast chicken in plastic bags, aunties picking fish from the tank. The owner recommends “the freshest catch of the day” in fluent English—no tourist traps, just honest, bustling energy. 📍 Tips for Your Visit: Location: On the 1st floor, with a small streetfront. Look for the sign with a “seafood tank + charcoal grill”—you’ll smell grilled shrimp as you pass. Best for: Seafood fans, budget travelers wanting a good meal, groups (platters let you mix seafood for better value). Pro tip: Order local long-grain rice—mix it with seafood juices for an extra flavorful bite! After eating at so many Malé spots, this 1st-floor seafood joint surprised us most—no fancy decor, just “freshness” and “value.” Seafood lovers in Malé, don’t miss this “just-off-the-boat sweetness”—a full, happy stomach makes the trip worthwhile. #MaldivesTravel #MaldivesFoodTour #SeafoodLovers #MaleSeafood #MaleEats