The Maldives, a tropical paradise known for its luxurious resorts, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters, has also developed a thriving coffee culture. Over the past decade, coffee consumption has grown in the region, fueled by both locals and the high influx of international tourists. While the country may not yet have a very large number of established international coffee franchises, there are several coffee shop chains that have begun to take root. These establishments, both international and local, offer tourists and residents a place to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee, often with scenic ocean views.
1. The Coffee Club
- Overview: Originating in Brisbane, Australia, The Coffee Club is a globally recognized café chain with over 400 stores across nine countries. It is known for its varied menu, which includes a wide range of coffee, teas, and light meals. The Coffee Club is popular for its emphasis on great coffee and casual, modern settings.
- Presence in the Maldives: The Coffee Club operates in some of the major tourist-centric areas of the Maldives, including in upscale resorts. Its chic design and reliable quality of coffee make it a favorite among both tourists and residents.
- Offerings: In addition to its range of high-quality coffee, The Coffee Club also offers snacks, salads, burgers, and all-day breakfast options, which appeal to a wide variety of patrons.
- Why It’s Popular: Tourists often flock to The Coffee Club because it offers a familiar brand with international standards in the middle of the exotic Maldives. Its locations often boast beautiful views of the ocean, which enhances the coffee-drinking experience.
2. Costa Coffee
- Overview: As one of the largest coffee chains in the world, Costa Coffee is a British-based franchise known for its Italian-style coffee. With a strong presence in the Middle East and Asia, Costa Coffee is gradually making its mark in countries like the Maldives.
- Presence in the Maldives: Costa Coffee can be found in some of the high-end resorts and airports, catering to international tourists who are familiar with the brand.
- Offerings: Costa’s signature coffee blends, including their famous flat white, cappuccinos, and mochas, are accompanied by a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and snacks. Their seasonal offerings also tend to attract a diverse group of tourists.
- Why It’s Popular: The brand is well-established worldwide and ensures that customers get a consistently good cup of coffee. Many travelers who want familiarity gravitate towards Costa Coffee, especially at airports or in larger tourist hubs.
3. Meraki Coffee Roasters
- Overview: A boutique café and roastery that has started to gain a foothold in the Maldives, Meraki Coffee Roasters focuses on providing a premium coffee experience. They are known for sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them locally to create fresh, flavorful coffee.
- Presence in the Maldives: Meraki has gained attention in the capital city of Malé and in select resorts, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate local craftsmanship and ethically sourced beans.
- Offerings: Besides offering a variety of espresso-based drinks, cold brews, and pour-overs, Meraki emphasizes artisan brewing methods. Their menu often includes gourmet pastries and light snacks to complement their coffee.
- Why It’s Popular: Meraki Coffee Roasters is recognized for its artisanal approach to coffee. Coffee lovers who prefer to explore locally roasted beans find Meraki’s offerings refreshing and unique compared to larger international chains.
4. Café del Mar
- Overview: Although originally a beach club franchise from Ibiza, Café del Mar also offers a distinct café experience in many tropical destinations, including the Maldives. Known for its stylish beach club atmosphere, Café del Mar combines music, luxury, and a relaxing environment where patrons can enjoy coffee and other refreshments.
- Presence in the Maldives: Café del Mar operates at selected luxury resorts and tourist areas, making it accessible to guests seeking a unique coffee experience combined with music and views of the ocean.
- Offerings: Café del Mar offers premium coffee alongside an extensive menu of gourmet food, including breakfast items, salads, and desserts. They are known for their beachside settings, which attract tourists who want to relax with a coffee by the water.
- Why It’s Popular: The brand’s focus on ambiance, including music and luxurious settings, sets Café del Mar apart. It appeals to tourists looking for a blend of luxury, relaxation, and quality coffee in an idyllic setting.
5. Starbucks
- Overview: Although Starbucks does not yet have a strong physical presence in the Maldives, the popularity of the brand cannot be ignored. It is considered one of the most famous coffee franchises globally, and travelers often seek it out in locations where it is available, such as in airport lounges or select luxury resorts.
- Presence in the Maldives: Starbucks may not have standalone outlets in the Maldives yet, but it is occasionally featured in high-end resorts and is available via import in some luxury hotel settings. Tourists who crave Starbucks often find it in such exclusive settings.
- Offerings: The typical Starbucks menu includes a wide range of espresso-based drinks, cold brews, frappuccinos, teas, and an assortment of snacks and baked goods.
- Why It’s Popular: Starbucks is an internationally recognized brand with a loyal following. Tourists looking for a familiar coffee experience in an exotic destination tend to seek out the brand when they spot it.
6. Bliss Café
- Overview: Bliss Café is a popular local brand in the Maldives that has steadily grown in prominence due to its high-quality coffee and welcoming ambiance. It primarily operates as a local café brand, catering to both residents and tourists.
- Presence in the Maldives: Bliss Café operates in Malé and other nearby islands. It is often seen as a cozy and relaxed spot for those looking to unwind with a coffee.
- Offerings: Their offerings range from espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes to cold drinks like iced coffee and smoothies. Bliss Café also serves a variety of light meals, such as salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
- Why It’s Popular: Bliss Café’s welcoming atmosphere and local roots make it a favorite for people who want an authentic Maldivian coffee experience. It provides a more intimate and laid-back alternative to the larger international chains.
7. The Seahouse Brasserie and Coffee Shop
- Overview: Located in Malé, Seahouse Brasserie is a locally operated café that is popular among both tourists and locals. With a focus on providing excellent coffee in a scenic location, Seahouse Brasserie has carved out a reputation as one of the go-to spots for a good cup of coffee.
- Presence in the Maldives: The café is centrally located in the capital city and is a regular haunt for both residents and tourists who want to enjoy coffee with a view.
- Offerings: Seahouse Brasserie offers a variety of espresso-based drinks and fresh juices alongside a menu of local and international dishes, which makes it more than just a coffee shop. It’s an ideal spot for a casual meal.
- Why It’s Popular: The coffee shop’s prime location by the water, combined with its diverse menu and coffee offerings, makes it a relaxing place to take a break while exploring the capital city of Malé.
8. Island Coffee Shop
- Overview: Located in luxury resorts, Island Coffee Shop provides a laid-back island-themed coffee experience. The shop caters to tourists looking to enjoy coffee while taking in the beautiful Maldivian landscapes.
- Presence in the Maldives: Island Coffee Shop is typically found in resort settings, where visitors can enjoy their coffee amidst the pristine beaches and ocean views.
- Offerings: Their menu includes coffee classics like cappuccinos, lattes, and Americanos, along with fresh juices and light snacks.
- Why It’s Popular: The serene, picturesque surroundings of the Island Coffee Shop locations make it a special place to relax. Tourists enjoy the combination of high-quality coffee and the scenic beauty of the Maldives.
Conclusion
The Maldives is home to a growing coffee culture, with a mix of international franchises and local cafés providing a range of coffee experiences. From upscale coffeehouses in luxurious resorts to local cafés in Malé, coffee lovers will find plenty of options to satisfy their cravings. The blend of global brands like Costa Coffee and local favorites like Bliss Café ensures that both tourists and residents have access to diverse and high-quality coffee offerings in this tropical paradise.
