Introduction
This is a Komandoo Maldives food review, for the food offered across the resort in the Maldives. This is an honest review from our time on the island.
Food is a big part of what my husband and I love about travel. Enjoying different types of food and exploring different restaurants can be a major reason we travel somewhere.
We wanted to share our experience with Komandoo’s food. When booking a resort holiday, food is one of the top priorities to get right for a luxury holiday.
We visted Komandoo on September 2022.
Should I go Full Board or All-Inclusive at Komandoo Maldives?
Komandoo is an adults-only resort in the Maldives that offers full board and all-inclusive options.
When first booking our trip we opted for the full board package. This was over 12 months before we were due to travel. As the holiday neared, we look closer at what the full board vs the all-inclusive package included. When going on to the Komandoo website, the full board doesn’t look like an option. However, it was when booking through booking.com in 2021.
When looking the prices for drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, snacks as well as activities available on the island all range from $5-$20 for each item. We realised the all-inclusive option was the better value for money. We ended up upgrading when we arrived.
The full board option included three meals in the main buffet-style restaurant named Falhu. As well as two water bottles in the room, refreshed each day by the staff. However, other refreshments are available in the rooms via the minibar, the two bars and the Aqua restaurant. Charged at the end of the stay.
It is important to highlight that the all-inclusive doesn’t include everything on the menu. Certain snacks at the bar as well as certain bar drinks are not included and have extra charges. The lack of clarity on this when arriving or when booking is a little frustrating. As we did end up with some extra charges at the end of the stay.
An upgrade Includes the use of snorkel equipment, paddle boards, and kayaks. As well as a sunset boat trip (where we got to experience a whole school of dolphins). Dinner at Aqua was also included.
If you are a first-timer in the Maldives, I would recommend getting the all-inclusive. As it allows you to experience and structure your days a little more with a mixture of activities.
What are the food options at Komandoo Maldives?
Funnily, enough, a week before travelling my husband had a food intolerance test. He found he is allergic and intolerant to an incredibly long list of foods. Including, fish, onions, garlic, lactose and gluten – to name a few.
Food intolerances and allergies play a significant role in our day-to-day lives and many people discover intolerances. As mentioned you can go full-board or all-inclusive. There are also options to book into Aqua, which is located on the island. Alternatively the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is a short boat trip away. We chose to do both.
Falhu restaurant is open at certain times for food. Breakfast is served between 8 am and 10 am. Lunch between 12 pm and 2 pm. Dinner between 6.30 pm to 9 pm.
There is no room service at Komandoo. There are snacks and drinks available during these hours at the Kandu bar and the mini-bar in the room. During our stay, we were never hungry during the food hours, however, staying hydrated was necessary. The mini-bar and bars on the island were used frequently throughout the day.
The mini-bar in the room included alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water as well as chocolate bars. There was also the availability of fresh fruit and dry snacks like Pringles.
Falhu Restaurant
The majority of meals you’ll be having at Komandoo Maldives will take place in their Falhu Restaurant. A short walk on the pathway from Kandu bar. The restaurant had a sand floor, committed to continuing the barefoot experience of the island. The vast majority of tables are set up for two-person dining. Emphasising the adults-only couples retreat that many guests are seeking.
The restaurant operates buffet style, with the entire back wall presenting an array of food options. Each day, the chefs prepare dishes based on the day’s theme. Which range from Greek/Mediterranean, Turkish Night, BBQ night, as well as the weekly Maldivian night every Friday.
One of the greatest parts of the buffet is the live cooking element. Where two chefs will be on hand to cook certain elements of your food the way you want. For example, pancakes, eggs or your evening catch of the day. Another great part of the chefs being around is that you can get a little explainer. If the cuisine is not something you are familiar with.
My favourite thing as a fussy eater was the ability to try smaller plates of something. Without having to commit to a whole meal with the same ingredients. Which is a fun way to experience cuisines that I have not had a chance to prior.
Starters
The first section is filled with starters. Bread, cheeses, soups and salads to get the meal going, it is unlikely you’ll see the same type of bread and options available. Including gluten-free options.
At breakfast, bread, and pastries with options of preserves and jams are available as well as cold cuts and other light options. If you are more of a cereal and yoghurt person these were also available with often ingredients you may not think whip up in the morning.
One of the most interesting starts to the day is their shooters which are a different mix each day. We had the pleasure of trying many of their morning shooters to begin our meal from watermelon, mint and coriander to lemongrass and ginger and much more.
At lunch times, bread rolls, soups and salads are all available. There are always four new salad options every day so you’ll never be bored of what’s on offer. Dinner is also similar, and will largely be themed according to the day’s menu. With little finger foods available to begin your meals.
Mains
The mains for every meal includes two chefs who will prepare food in front of you with whatever you’d like.
At breakfast, the traditional English style of options such as bacon, sausages and eggs. Other options include crepes, pancakes and waffles, freshly made with little to no wait. Staples such as beans, and hash browns as well as alternating options also included.
Lunches are often a light affair, with less heavy options, most likely due to people having lots of activities in the afternoon.
However the hot climate, it was great to have a belly full, as you will find yourself sweating it away in minutes. I always found myself getting hungry as soon as it was close to eating time. Dinner mains always included two types of curry and rice as a secondary option to the main theme of the day.
Desserts
Desserts were my favourite part of each meal, in the mornings there was always a mixture of tropical fresh fruits, as well as a juicer for anyone who prefers to mix their smoothie.
For lunch and dinner, a mixture of mini-desserts are always available are favourite being the evening bavarois, which on each night was a different flavour. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you will likely be having a sampler of everything.
The only criticism for Komandoo Maldives for me of the dessert selection was based on the use of pistachios to decorate a lot of desserts. With a mild allergy to certain nuts, the risk of scraping off the decoration and leaving traces meant that some desserts were off the table.
Aqua Restaurant at Komandoo Maldives
Aqua Restaurant in Komandoo, Maldives offers a fine dining experience in a stunning location. Situated over the water, the restaurant boasts spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. The menu features a variety of seafood and international cuisine, prepared by talented chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The romantic ambiance and attentive service make Aqua Restaurant a perfect choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. Overall, Aqua Restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly complements the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maldives.
5.8 Undersea Restaurant Excursion from Komandoo Maldives
5.8 Undersea Restaurant in Maldives is an extraordinary dining venue situated five meters below the ocean’s surface. The restaurant’s innovative design offers diners panoramic views of the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs that surround them. The menu features a selection of international cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, prepared by experienced chefs using locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is breathtaking, providing a unique and unforgettable dining experience that truly immerses guests in the beauty of the Maldives. Overall, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant promises a magical dining experience that will leave guests with unforgettable memories of their time in the Maldives.
