Go Back
Bajiyaa and Bis Keemiya: Classic Maldivian Savory Pastries

Bajiyaa and Bis Keemiya: Classic Maldivian Savory Pastries

Bajiyaa and bis keemiya show how Maldivian snack culture has developed through centuries of contact across the Indian Ocean. Bajiyaa resembles a small samosa, while bis keemiya is a fried pastry that may contain tuna, onion, cabbage, egg, or other fillings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Snack
Cuisine: maldive

Ingredients
  

  • For the Bajiyaa Filling
200 g cooked tuna, finely flaked
1 small onion, finely chopped
½ cup grated coconut
2 fresh green chilies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
5–6 curry leaves, finely chopped
  • For the Bis Keemiya Filling
150 g cooked tuna, finely flaked
1 small onion, finely sliced
½ cup finely shredded cabbage
1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped
1–2 green chilies, finely chopped
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • For Assembly and Frying
16–20 spring-roll wrappers or thin pastry sheets
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water, for sealing
Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Method
 

Prepare the bajiyaa filling by combining the tuna, coconut, onion, green chilies, ginger, cumin, black pepper, salt, curry leaves, and lime juice in a bowl. For the bis keemiya filling, mix the tuna with shredded cabbage, onion, chopped egg, chilies, black pepper, salt, and lime juice. Keep both fillings relatively dry so the pastry remains crisp after frying. Place a small amount of filling in the center of each pastry wrapper, fold the sides inward, and roll or fold into a neat triangle or rectangular parcel depending on the style you prefer. Brush the final edge with the flour-and-water mixture and press firmly to seal. Heat vegetable oil over medium heat and fry the pastries in small batches until crisp and golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving warm.

    Video

    Notes

    Never overfill the pastry. A small, compact amount of filling gives the bajiyaa and bis keemiya a crisp, delicate shell and prevents them from opening or bursting during frying. Keep the oil at a steady medium temperature—too hot and the pastry will brown before becoming crisp; too cool and it will absorb excess oil.