‘Golha Riha’ – The Maldivian Take on Meatball Curry
Have you ever heard of the dish ‘Golha Riha’? Well, if you have not, I am ready to tell you all about it! ‘Golha Riha’ is a fish based curry, a scrumptious delicacy originating from Laamu Atoll at Maldives. When translated to English, it loosely means Fish Ball Curry.
Photo: Laamu Tours
In appearance the curry has a thick consistency and has somewhat of a greenish-brown tone to it. It is made from Maldivian Curry Paste – the Laamu way- rich in flavors of local herbs and green scotch bonnet. Just like your everyday meatballs, fresh catch of fish will be rolled into balls and mixed in with the curry paste which in combination makess one of the most delicious local dishes.
Photo: Laamu Tours
Although the dish can be made anywhere if you have the right ingredients and a recipe, the authenticity remains only when made in Laamu. An event was hosted by Laamu Tour, under the title ‘Golha Riha Keyn Event’ in the capital Male’ City for all curry lovers, facilitating the golden opportunity to devour this dish specially made by the islanders of Laamu Atoll.
Photo: Laamu Tours
During the event, some very lucky popular public figures in Maldives were gifted with a special ‘Laamu Hadhiya’ consisting a handful amount of the curry. Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Ms. Zaha Waheed, Maldivian all-time favorite football player Mr. Ali Ashfaq, fastest man in the Maldives, Mr. Hassan Said, Captain of the Maldives National Football Team Mr. Akram Abdul Qanee are listed amongst the lucky recipients.
For anyone who is excited to cook up the dish, here is an easy to follow recipe from local food blog, Lonumedhu.