Every Night a Different Theme at Magu - Ayada Maldives’ Signature Dining Experience

At the heart of Ayada Maldives lies Magu, the resort’s signature dining destination. Far more than a buffet, Magu is where breakfast and dinner unfold as journeys of flavour and artistry. Each dish is shaped by a team of international chefs who blend creativity with respect for the island’s natural abundance. The result is a dining experience that balances refined presentation with authentic taste, championing sustainability, locally sourced produce, and fresh harvests from the resort’s secret garden.

To ensure every evening feels distinctive, Magu presents a series of themed buffet nights, each one celebrating a different culinary tradition. With live cooking stations, seasonal ingredients, and menus designed to engage all the senses, Magu transforms dinner into a voyage around the world.

International Night

The week begins with a global feast that brings together the best of America, Europe and Asia. Guests can wander from one continent to another in a single evening, sampling everything from hearty roasts to delicate stir-fries. The experience is enhanced by crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs gathered on the island itself, giving international favourites a refreshing Maldivian touch. For many, International Night becomes a chance to rediscover beloved classics while uncovering new culinary surprises.

Italian Night

Italy’s regional diversity comes alive at Magu with dishes that highlight the country’s love of simplicity and seasonality. At the live pasta station, chefs prepare homemade creations to order, while the wood-fired oven produces pizzas inspired by Naples, Sicily and Venice. The salad counter brims with antipasti, bruschetta, and Caprese dotted with herbs from the garden. To finish, guests linger over desserts such as tiramisu and pistachio cannoli — timeless favourites that embody the warmth of Italian hospitality.

Maldivian Night

For an authentic taste of the Maldives, Magu dedicates an evening to the archipelago’s own traditions. Coconut, tuna, and fragrant spices take centre stage, with signature dishes like Mas Huni — a refreshing tuna and coconut salad — and Garudhiya, a light fish broth. Curries, rice, flatbreads, and local staples such as breadfruit and root vegetables complete the spread. Sweet Maldivian puddings, including Saagu Bondibai, round off the evening. To respect all palates, the resort’s famously fiery chillies are served on the side, allowing guests to adjust the heat to their liking.

Turkish Night

A culinary journey through Turkey brings together vibrant spices, smoky grills and wholesome comfort food. Guests can savour pide and lahmacun, enjoy imam bayildi and an array of mezze, or visit the live station for freshly grilled Adana kebab, köfte, and şiş kebab. Favourites such as chicken shawarma and handmade Turkish manti dumplings ensure the evening captures both the diversity and depth of Anatolian cuisine.

Latino Night

Colourful, spirited and full of flair, Latino Night channels the energy of Latin America. Homemade tacos, empanadas, and chimichangas add character, while the buffet itself features seafood paella, vegan chilli con carne, and crispy frito misto. At the salad counter, ceviche is the star — from traditional Peruvian reef fish to the island’s own Maldivian yellowfin tuna. Fresh produce from the garden adds brightness, while bold flavours and spices ensure the evening is as lively as its inspiration.

Asian Night

Asia’s vast culinary heritage is brought together in one sweeping evening. Guests can begin with a steaming bowl of hot pot, choose skewers from the Asian Zen grill, or sample sushi and sashimi prepared with precision. The buffet includes specialities such as chicken rendang, chilli crab, braised short ribs, and delicate dumplings, alongside stir-fried vegetables picked fresh from the garden. The salad and appetiser section offers Vietnamese spring rolls, Indonesian gado-gado and a refreshing bean sprout salad, while the fruit display celebrates the tropics in vivid colour.

Roast Night

For a taste of home comfort in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Roast Night brings the classic tradition of a Sunday dinner to Magu’s tropical setting. Slow-roasted meats, freshly grilled seafood, and crisp vegetables seasoned with herbs from the garden make for a hearty, wholesome spread. The colourful salad selection ranges from light greens with citrus dressings to hearty bowls featuring local produce, creating a dining experience that feels both indulgent and warmly familiar.

Daniel Diosi