Putting the Spin in Fun: Kaleo at the Maldives Food Carnival 2024

It’s that time of the year again, the telltale multi-colored flags and fairy lights are strung up and small businesses and artists gear up for a full day of bustling and hustling at the Maldives Food Carnival 2024. We at Kaleo Media visited some of the stalls and had a chat with the faces that have been beckoning visitors to Hulhumale’ Central park simce the event began on 3 July. Catch them before they are gone this Monday, and understand the dedication and hard work.behimd each of these ventures.

Kaleo said Hello again to Himoo who was surrounded by so many vying to get a taste (literally). Gen Z’s (genz_mv on instagram) Yopokki products were all the rage at the Food Carnival and we can understand why. “Our most popular is the Rose and Spicy”, she said. While so many visitors make a straight beeline to try their favorite Korean products at the stall, so many curious visitors ask about what these novel peoducts taste like; hnec the free sampling. Very few walk away without infulging in a Tteokbokki stick or two, or maybe three.“Its a wonderful platform to reach potential customers, new customers and also interact with our actual customers”, Himoo said, who wanted to appreciate Generation Z for their interest in all things Korean, “The business is dedicated to them”. Visit the stall and see what all the hype is about. It’s the one with a massive tub of Yopokki, you can’t miss it.

The evening air was filled with excitement as Miss Yooli read to an enchanted crowd. The efforts behind this are supported by a collaboration between Book Run and Reading Room MV. A few feet to the left, and you will find the Book Run stall (bookrunmv on instagram), attracting curious kids and fascinated visitors of all ages. Enid Blyton, Lemony Snicket, Tui Sutherland and Sir Arthor Conan Doyle found themselves at home with several infinitely talented Maldivian authors of classics like Hedhun Vedhun and Boduthakurufaanu and Chuttee Dhathuru at Book Run. Co-founder, Ahmed Karam noted how an opportunity like this means reaching beyond the physical location of the business and connecting with different demographics. He believes everyone appears to be immensely enjoying themselves at the event and remarked that the most requested books happen to be children’s books. He added, “We especially love to feature the works in Dhivehi and that of Maldivian artists and authors”.

Nestled in a corner of the tent, this small business drew plenty of visitors with the beckoning call of its shell-white and marble-perfect trinkets. Co-founder, Sofwa remarked at how the Food Carnival not only helps connect with customers, but also with other businesses and their owners. Every piece looking like it has been frozen mid-motion with their intricate details, most visitors marvel and ask if the pieces are handmade; which they are, by the way. Sofwa along with partner Zifaaf are proud owners of this elegant undertaking with unbelievably perfect finishes. Hurry up and grab them (@adorn.home_ on instagram) while they last! The Cloud Tray and Shell Trinkets are selling fast.

Nearly every single social media story of this year’s Food Carnival was in full bloom; and it’s all thanks to Crocheters Maldives. We found that there were about 20 different crochet-related businesses that came together to contribute to this beautiful stall. Eyes of all ages were stopped, mid-track by the beautiful display of toys, earrings, keychains, baby outfits and especially the forthung mountain of florals. Not to mention the sign, “If you love her, buy her flowers” that none could refuse. Crocheted tulips and lilies in hand, a lot of the visitors pondered regarding the price, possibly undermining the cost of raw materials as well as the countless hours and days that have also been woven into each stunning piece. Can’t get enough? Check out their masterpieces and get familiar with these business at @crocheters_maldives on instagram.

The signature wall of pale pink and peach flowers beckon once more at the Food Carnival this year, and so are the captivating goodies. Welcoming everyone with the same smiling face and warmth, we caught Myne with the signature mouthwatering brownies we have missed so much. “There are so many flavors here we haven’t done for a while, that we are making just for the Food Carnival”, she said. Visitors can enjoy the Classic, Walnut Fudge, Nutella Raspberry Brownies, but you have to catch this stall early. As usual, Whisk has a knack for being grabbed up fast, “Although our Nutella Brownies are the best-selling ones, today we are sold out of the raspberry”.