Welcome to the heart of the Maldives, where the sun kisses the azure waters, and the breezy tropical air whispers secrets of the Indian Ocean. You’re about to embark on a culinary journey that pays homage to the vibrant street food culture of the world within Maldives, and it all happens at Kaa Kada, the main restaurant at Oaga Art Resort.
Kaa Kada, which translates from Dhivehi to “food stalls,” is an embodiment of the spirit of Baiy Fiyafaalhi – a place that comes alive during auspicious occasions, where a variety of delectable offerings coexist under one roof. It’s like the heart of a bustling street brought right into the heart of the resort.
All-Inclusive Delight
At Kaa Kada, we have a unique approach to dining – à la carte all the way! Why? It’s not just about the deliciousness of food but also sustainability. The restaurant reduces food waste, utilises locally sourced ingredients, serves food piping hot, maintains top-notch hygiene standards, and caters to specific dietary preferences or restrictions with ease, by serving à la carte options.
In the morning, breakfast is a semi-buffet affair, where you can pick from a tempting spread of bread, pastries, yogurt, fruits, cereals, cheeses and more. Live stations offer hot waffles, pancakes, and eggs, making sure your day starts on a delicious note.
Lunch and dinner, however, are where the magic truly happens. The restaurant comes alive with an array of street-style food carts, each offering a distinct culinary experience.
A World of Flavors
First, there’s the Oriental Cart, where warming broths are served with homemade meatballs, be it chicken, fish or any other meat, paired with rice or egg noodles. A plethora of condiments and sauces lets you customise your dish just the way you like it.
Next, the South Asian Cart beckons with Thali’s and Clay Pot Biryanis, crafted to tantalise your taste buds with the authentic flavours of the Indian subcontinent.
For seafood enthusiasts, the Seafood Cart dishes out homely paellas and risottos that transport you to the heart of the Maldives’ coastal cuisine.
But the culinary journey doesn’t stop here; right next door to Kaa Kada, you’ll find Le’ Fuh Dan, an Italian specialty restaurant, where fresh, in-house-made pastas like fettuccine and ravioli, and a variety of stone-oven-fired pizzas await you.
Then there’s Baa Badhige, the specialty grill restaurant, where delectable grills and burgers, from fish to chicken, beef, or even vegan options, sizzle to perfection over an open fire.
What’s more, all these carts infuse the flavours of the Maldivian local cuisine within the recipes, offering one-of-a-kind options which travellers will not be able to experience anywhere else, in addition to the vegetarian, vegan and halal options available.
Beyond the Carts
Kaa Kada offers more than just its delightful food carts. Brunch options include smoothie bowls such as Açaí bowls, and if hunger strikes in the wee hours, Dhan Kada, or Midnight Munchies, has you covered. Picture savouring Mexican delights like burritos and nachos during the midnight hours – the perfect nightcap to your day.
For those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their villas, Thashibari, the in-villa dining service, ensures your meal is delivered to your door. It’s like a personal, culinary concierge on a tricycle, and the first delivery is on the house.
The Available Hours
Operating hours at Kaa Kada are well-suited to a relaxed island lifestyle. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner have their specific time slots, ensuring you can indulge in culinary delights throughout the day. The midnight munchies stall operates from midnight to 6 AM, guaranteeing that your cravings will be satisfied at any hour.
Sip and Savour
What’s a great meal without the perfect beverage? You can order drinks from the Raa Baa menu, available at the bar inside Kaa Kada. From specialty and classic cocktails to spirits, wines, beer, non-alcoholic mocktails, smoothies, juices, and a variety of teas and coffees – you’re spoiled for choice.
All-Inclusive vs. Exclusive
Kaa Kada offers an all-inclusive dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included in your stay. It even covers drinks from the Kaa Kada bar, mirroring the offerings at the main bar, Raa Baa. Additionally, travellers can enjoy the in-villa Thashibari dining service inclusively, once throughout their stay.
For those who seek something extra special, all the food carts offer up-sell options, giving you the freedom to explore additional culinary delights whenever your taste buds crave it. The brunch and midnight munchies are the exclusive options where you can go a la carte and create your own culinary adventure.
So, if you find yourself on the pristine shores of the Maldives, make sure to explore Kaa Kada at Oaga Art Resort. It’s where the vibrant street food culture of the of the world meets Maldivian local cuisine, offering a diverse range of delectable options to cater to every palate. Your culinary adventure in the Maldives begins here. Bon appétit!