The Legend of Baabaa Gaadiyaa: From Resort "Mess Boy" to the King of Maldivian Street Food

In the deep south of the Maldives lies Fuvahmulah, a solitary volcanic emerald that defies the country’s typical coral geography. Known for its lush wetlands and fertile earth, this island has recently become the birthplace of a culinary uprising led by one man: Hassan Atheeq, better known as "Baaba."

The Crucible of Hospitality

Atheeq’s path to the throne didn't start over a grill, but within the disciplined, high-pressure corridors of luxury resorts. In the early 2000s, he joined Mirihi Island Resort as a "mess boy"—the most invisible gear in the resort machine.

Over 15 years, he climbed the ranks to become a waiter, quietly absorbing the gold-standard service levels of five-star hospitality. While his friends in Malé knew him as a fun-loving, humble young man, Atheeq was secretly building a blueprint for a revolution.

2020: The Pandemic Pivot

The global upheaval of 2020 was the catalyst for Atheeq’s homecoming. As the pandemic shuttered the resort industry, he returned to the fertile shores of Fuvahmulah to launch his first gaadiyaa (traditional food cart) on August 19, 2020.

He started with the staples—sausages, hedhikaa (short eats), and kurandi. But it was his shawarmas that changed everything. They represented a bridge between rustic island comfort and the international finesse he had mastered during his years in luxury tourism.

The Birth of a Green Revolution

On New Year’s Day 2022, Atheeq unveiled the modern Baabaa Gaadiyaa: a high-spec, four-wheeled truck decked in signature red branding. It quickly became a regional magnet, but Atheeq wanted more than just good food—he wanted sustainability.

In October 2022, in partnership with Fenaka Corporation, the truck was fitted with solar panels. This allowed the business to power everything from ice-cold drinks to the grills using clean energy, making it one of the most eco-friendly small businesses in the Maldives.

The MVR 770,000 Milestone: A National Phenomenon

By 2025, the brand was no longer just an island secret; it was a national sensation. At the Maldives Expo 2025 in Hulhumalé, Baabaa Gaadiyaa achieved legendary status:

• 9 Days of Service: The truck became the focal point of the event.

• 11,000+ Shawarmas Sold: The demand was so massive that Dhiraagu Fintech launched a "1-Rufiyaa Shawarma" promotion to manage the crowds.

• Record Revenue: The event culminated in a staggering MVR 770,000 in total sales.

True to his roots, Atheeq remained grounded. Following the Expo, he livestreamed a donation of MVR 20,000 to the International Aid Campaign for Palestine, fulfilling a public pledge to share his success with those in need.

Beyond the Grill: The Karaoke Experience

Atheeq is now evolving the "Baabaa experience" from a quick-service stop into a social destination. The Baabaa Gaadiyaa station in Fuvahmulah recently introduced private karaoke rooms, allowing fans to pair their world-class shawarmas with music and community celebration.

A Legacy of Island Excellence

Today, Baabaa Gaadiyaa is more than a food truck; it is a cultural landmark. It serves as a living testament that resort-level quality belongs in the heart of local communities. With plans for an even larger, more advanced fleet on the horizon, Atheeq’s journey from "mess boy" to "Street Food King" continues to inspire entrepreneurs across the archipelago.