Introducing a delightful, healthier option for 2023, the vegan-friendly Nova Maldives has unveiled a sensational new plant-based menu that promises to tantalize the taste buds of guests seeking a healthier and happier dining experience.
The benefits of adopting a plant-based diet are widely acknowledged, not only for personal well-being but also for the preservation of our planet. Numerous individuals, including renowned celebrities, have embraced veganism as a means to enhance their health and contribute positively to the environment.
While following a plant-based diet may seem easily manageable at home, the challenge often arises when embarking on a holiday. However, here’s the good news: when you choose the Maldives as your vacation destination, you can bid farewell to meat while savouring delectable dishes that celebrate the bounty of local produce.
Renowned for its vibrant vegetarian cuisine, infused with aromatic flavours, exotic spices, and fresh, plant-based ingredients, the Maldives has become a veritable paradise for both vegetarians and vegans.
A notable contributor to this culinary haven is Sanjeet Gopee, Nova’s Executive Chef, who has masterfully curated a new plant-based menu that will leave diners craving more. What sets this menu apart is its lactose-free and gluten-free offerings, ensuring that dietary restrictions need not limit the epicurean experience.
Sanjeet, an ardent advocate of authentic Maldivian cuisine, proudly states, “At Nova, we embrace and celebrate the diverse array of plant-based options that Maldivian culinary traditions have to offer.” His inventive menu is an enticing amalgamation of flavours and textures that cater to discerning palates.
Commence your gastronomic adventure with the exquisite Pumpkin Salad, featuring grated coconut, Maldivian spinach, a zesty lime dressing, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. The Kofta Quinoa presents itself as an enticing follow-up, with quinoa dumplings bathed in a rich, Maldivian spiced tomato sauce and accompanied by fragrant saffron rice. To conclude, indulge in the Coconut Tasting Platter, offering a delightful trio of young coconut mousse, coconut candy, and coconut truffle that will transport you to culinary nirvana.
The menu extends beyond these tantalizing options, boasting an array of mouth-watering flavours that cater to diverse appetites. Begin with a selection of Mezze, featuring classic favourites such as Hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and roasted beetroot carpaccio.
For a refreshing twist, delve into the grilled shimeji mushroom, celery root, and granny smith salad or savour the vibrant citrus and garden greens, composed of green papaya, shaved coconut, grilled asparagus, fresh avocado, grapefruit pulp, and a tangy mango-chilli dressing, garnished with pomegranate.
Soup enthusiasts will relish the robust flavours of the roasted Pumpkin soup, enhanced with fragrant nutmeg, pandan oil, and crispy pumpkin seeds. As for the main course, prepare to be captivated by the plant-based burger patty nestled in an activated charcoal gluten-free bun or the exquisite quinoa and breadfruit galette.
Indulge your senses further with the braised king trumpet, served alongside sous-vide cooked mushrooms, breadfruit rosti, grilled asparagus, and confit cherry tomato. For those with a penchant for sweets, the pineapple carpaccio, infused with saffron, accompanied by creamy coconut sorbet and finished with a refreshing mint glaze, beckons. Alternatively, the pandan semifreddo, accompanied by vegan chantilly cream and decadent dark chocolate shortbread, promises a delightful finale to your plant-based feast.
It comes as no surprise that the Maldives has earned its reputation as one of the premier travel destinations for plant-based cuisine in 2023.
Sanjeet emphasizes, “A plant-based diet holds immense significance, not only in combating climate change but also in reducing an individual’s carbon footprint and enhancing overall well-being.” Studies have proven that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods contributes to a decreased risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Furthermore, the fibre content in plant-based foods promotes healthy digestion, prevents constipation, and aids in weight management.
A well-planned plant-based diet can provide all the necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, ensuring optimal nourishment without sacrificing taste.
Sanjeet further asserts, “Opting for a plant-based diet promotes animal welfare, as it diminishes the demand for animal products and encourages more humane and sustainable farming practices.” With an ever-growing global population, the urgency to secure food sustainability and produce nutritious offerings becomes more apparent. Plant-based diets align with these goals as they require fewer land, water, and other resources in comparison to animal-based alternatives.
Nova, the shining star of Maldivian resorts, guarantees an exquisite vegan culinary journey that promises to delight even the most discerning of palates. Embark on this unique gastronomic adventure and discover a taste of paradise unlike any other.