Seagull Café: Nostalgia from Childhood, Nestled in Greenery & Warmth

When my legs ached from exploring Male, a local friend dragged me into Seagull Café—stepping through the glass door, I instantly understood why she’d said, “It was here when I was a kid.” The two-story building is draped in greenery, with a large tree shooting up from the ground floor right through the ceiling. Sunlight filters through leaves onto wooden tables, like stepping into a “secret garden hidden in the city.” No tourist crowds here, just locals chatting over coffee, their ease a testament to the café’s “growing up together” vibe. 🌿 A Nostalgic Space That “Breathes”: Greenery & Old Memories The café has two floors. The first floor is wrapped in greenery—large leaves dangle from windows, twining around wooden railings. Upstairs, the view opens up, highlighting that towering tree (its trunk even strung with tiny lights, glowing like stars in the foliage at dusk). My local friend smiled, “When I was little, this tree was thinner. Now I bring my kid, and he loves clinging to the rail to watch the leaves sway.” Old charm blends with fresh greenery, balancing warmth of time with vibrant life. Dining here feels like “visiting an old friend’s backyard.” 🍽️ Must-Try Dishes: Classics Locals Grew Up With 🌞 Brunch Stars: Fried Rice & Pasta Steal the Show Nasi Goreng: Maldivian-style “national fried rice.” Grains are separated, fragrant with Southeast Asian spices, hiding chicken bits, shrimp, and a fried egg. Drizzle with local chili sauce—it’s so tasty you’ll keep shoveling. “I pestered my mom to bring me here after school as a kid,” my friend said. “Now my kid fights me for bites.” Carbonara Pasta: Creamy sauce (rich but not heavy) mingles with salty bacon crumbles and mellow cheese. Pasta is al dente, each strand coated in sauce—you’ll scrape the plate clean. Worried about portion size? Opt for the kids’ meal: just right, with a small fruit side, perfect for lighter appetites. 🍦 Dessert Highlight: Yogurt Ice Cream is a “Hidden Gem” Don’t skip the ice cream! The yogurt flavor is a standout—brightly tangy, like “sunshine frozen into cream,” smooth without icy chunks. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after a meal. The dessert case also has chocolate cake and fruit tarts (both delicious and Instagram-worthy), which locals often pair with coffee. 💰 Prices & Hours: A Bit Pricier, But Worth It—Don’t Miss Opening Times Prices are slightly higher than similar spots: a main + drink averages over 200 MVR (≈¥95) per person, but locals agree “the old flavors and vibe make it worthwhile.” Hours to note: Saturday-Wednesday: 7:00-23:00 Thursday: 7:00-23:59 (extra time to linger!) Friday: 16:00-23:00 (opens late—don’t arrive early!) 🏛️ Nearby Hotspots: Perfect for Post-Meal Exploring The café’s location is unbeatable—steps from major sights: 3-minute walk to Sultan Park 1-minute walk to National Museum 1-minute walk to Islamic Center ~4-minute walk to Mulliaage ~4-minute walk to Malé Friday Mosque My local friend’s go-to plan: “Brunch here in the morning, then wander the museum and park. Come back for ice cream in the evening—slow, perfect day.” I spent an afternoon at Seagull, watching schoolkids grab ice cream, elderly folks sipping coffee with friends. Suddenly, I got it: old cafes aren’t just about food—they’re repositories of memories, passed down through generations. Next time in Male, skip the flashy spots. Sit here, order Nasi Goreng, watch leaves dance in the breeze—you’ll taste the soft, warm soul of the Maldives. #Maldives #LetsGoMaldives #MaldivesTravel #MaleMaldives #MaleCafé #SeagullCafé #MaldivesGuide