Discover the Delights of Mauritian Cuisine

Welcome to Mauritius, a small but mighty island with an extraordinary culinary scene. Despite its size, the island boasts a diverse food culture, blending flavors and traditions from Creole, French, Chinese, and Indian communities. The result is a fusion of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

What makes Mauritian cuisine truly unique is the abundance of top-quality ingredients that thrive in the island’s fertile soil. From deliciously oversized vegetables to succulent, sweet fruits, every bite is a feast for the senses.

When it comes to satisfying your cravings, the street food scene in Mauritius is an absolute delight. You can quench your thirst with a refreshing sip of fresh coconut water or explore the exciting flavors of chopped fruit sprinkled with a spicy kick of chili and sugar. For those seeking a spicier adventure, hot curries topped with chili and pickles, all wrapped in buttery breads, are a mouthwatering treat. And if you’re in the mood for something savory, the Chinese fried noodles are sure to impress.

If you prefer a more refined dining experience, Mauritius has a wide range of exceptional restaurants that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to savor authentic Mauritian dishes or seeking a gourmet affair with a fusion twist, the island has it all.

So, embark on a culinary journey and discover the flavors of Mauritius. From vibrant street food to sophisticated dining, every bite is a celebration of this island’s rich and diverse food culture.

When you visit Mauritius, don’t confine yourself to your resort. Instead, venture out and discover the island’s incredible cuisine.

Allow me to present the top 25 culinary delights of Mauritius, along with the finest establishments to indulge in these delectable treats.

1. Dholl pori

Considered by many as the national dish of Mauritius, Dholl pori is an absolute must-try.

You can find stalls that sell dholl puris all over Mauritius, but the best place to get them is Dewa in Rose-Hill. If you’re in Rose-Hill, just ask someone and they’ll tell you where it is. Dholl puris are believed to have originated from paratha, an Indian flatbread. When Indian immigrants came to Mauritius, they couldn’t find the ingredients to make paratha, so they came up with a substitute. They fried a thin bread, stuffed it with ground yellow split peas, and served it with bean curry, atchar, and chutney. If you want to know how to make dholl puri, you can check out a recipe and video here.

Now, let’s move on to the second highlight – Victoria pineapples.

When it comes to tropical fruit, Mauritian pineapples are in a league of their own. These pineapples are bursting with sweetness, making them even more scrumptious than their South African counterparts. Imagine indulging in this tropical delight while lounging on a sandy beach, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean just a stone’s throw away. It’s the perfect setting to savor the juicy goodness of a freshly cut pineapple, lovingly prepared by beachside vendors who are always ready to serve up these tantalizing treats.

3. A Feast of Flavors: Curry and More

How can Mauritius not have amazing curry with its strong Indian influence in food? But it’s not like the curry you’re used to in Durban or India. Mauritian curry has a unique flavor, even though it has a similar base – garlic, onion, fresh curry leaves, and turmeric. There isn’t just one type of curry in Mauritius – you can find everything from tomato-based Creole curries (usually not too spicy, with chili served on the side) to Indian ones. Mauritian curries are usually served with rice or bread (faratha), lentils, and tasty accompaniments like different chutneys and achard (vegetable pickles made with mustard). And of course, you can’t forget about the ubiquitous mazavaroo (see number 7).

So, I tried octopus curry, but I wasn’t a big fan. The octopus was a little too chewy for my taste. However, it’s a pretty popular dish in Mauritius, and I think you should give it a try. Locals say that the best place to get octopus curry is Chez Rosy, which is near Gris Gris beach on the southern coast of Mauritius.

4. Vanilla tea

The Bois Cheri tea estate, located in the southern part of the island, is where they grow black tea. They combine it with Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka and add a touch of vanilla flavoring from South Africa (believe it or not) to create a delightful black vanilla tea. You can find this tea all over the island, including on Air Mauritius flights, but the best place to savor it is at the Bois Cheri café. After taking a tour of the tea factory and trying out some tea samples, treat yourself to a cup of tea at the café, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. From there, you can feast your eyes on the sprawling tea plantation fields, surrounded by majestic palm trees and overlooking the beautiful southern coastline. For a perfect accompaniment to your cup of tea, indulge in a delicious tea-infused delight such as tea sorbet or papaya panna cotta with tea jelly. Before you leave, don’t forget to stock up on some Bois Cheri tea from the shop to enjoy at home.

5. Seafood

I’ve got one word for you: seafood. And let me tell you, Mauritius knows how to do seafood right. You can have it any way you like: baked, grilled, fried, or sautéed. That’s the beauty of it. From the local fish called capitaine to succulent calamari and lobsters, Mauritius has an incredible variety of seafood that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Just take a look at the vibrant and diverse Mauritian cuisine, and you’ll see that seafood takes center stage. Whether it’s savory curries, hearty stews, flavorful Chinese dishes, or aromatic Indian delicacies, seafood is the superstar. If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’ll feel like you’ve found heaven on earth in Mauritius.

6. Sugar

Mauritius is famous for more than just its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Get ready for a sweet surprise, because sugar is a big deal here. Mauritius is known as a sugar paradise, and for good reason. The island is covered in lush sugarcane fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. The locals have mastered the art of turning this golden crop into all sorts of delicious treats. From sugar cane juice that’s tangy and refreshing to glistening sugar crystals that add an extra dose of sweetness to your favorite desserts, sugar is an essential ingredient in Mauritian cuisine. So if you have a sweet tooth like me, you’re in for a real treat in Mauritius.

Seriously, for so many years, sugar was the currency of Mauritius. But now, things have changed, and the economy of the island has diversified. Still, sugar remains a major export, as you can see from the vast fields of sugar cane that cover the island. Mauritius actually produces some of the best sugar in the world, although you might not think much about it as you enjoy your fifth dessert of caramelized pineapple. I mean, sugar just tastes like sugar, doesn’t it? Well, you’re wrong. If you want to truly experience the delicious sugars of Mauritius, you have to visit L’Aventure du Sucre. It’s an amazing sugar museum where you can try around nine different types of sugars. Trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss.

L’Aventure du Sucre is located near Pamplemousses in the northern part of the island. Just look for the sign on your right-hand side as you drive off the highway.

Now, let’s move on to the next item on our list: Mazavaroo.

Can you believe it? Mauritians eat chilli with everything – I mean absolutely everything! Even fruit, like unripe mango with chilli in a bag, and baguettes. Of course, you’ll find it in your regular curries and fish dishes too. It’s a staple. There’s always a dish of chopped chilli or chilli paste called mazavaroo. And let me tell you, as a chilli-lover myself, I was a big hit with the locals. They couldn’t believe I could eat bowls of noodles smothered in chilli paste without even flinching or breaking a sweat. They said, ‘Wow, the Europeans never eat chilli like this!’ Finally, a talent for eating! If you’re up for it, you can grab a bottle of mazavaroo as a fiery souvenir from one of the many markets on the island. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own at home with this easy recipe.

8. Gajak

In Mauritius, we have a wide variety of delicious snacks called Gajak. These snacks are usually deep-fried and can be found being sold from glass boxes on the back of motorbikes and food stalls near markets, beaches, and on the side of the road. You should definitely try some of the local favorites like samoosas, eggplant fritters, cassava chips, and potato fritters. The crispy goodness of these deep-fried treats goes perfectly with number thirteen.

9. Dim sum

If you’re in Mauritius, don’t miss out on trying some delicious Cantonese food. Thanks to the Chinese population here, we have amazing Cantonese cuisine. I had the most incredible dim sum at First Restaurant in Port Louis. The dim sum here is a blend of Cantonese flavors with a Mauritian twist, like shrimp and taro dumplings.

I want to tell you about a unique Mauritian dish called boulet. Boulet are dumplings made by the Mauritians themselves. They use fish, prawns, or chou chou, which is a pear-shaped vegetable. The dumplings are steamed and then served in a fish broth with lots of chilli. You can find boulet at streetside stalls, where they serve this delicious and spicy treat.

If you’re looking to try some more Mauritian cuisine, I recommend fish vindaye. This dish is said to be adapted from the Indian vindaloo, although there’s some debate about it. It’s made with mustard, garlic, ginger, turmeric, onion, and usually fish. However, you can also find versions made with vegetables. It’s usually served with rice, lentils, pickles, and chutneys. Trust me, it’s absolutely delicious!

Another Mauritian delight you should try is alouda. This refreshing drink is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. It’s made with milk, flavoured with exotic ingredients like agar agar, basil seeds, and rose syrup. It’s a sweet and creamy beverage that you won’t be able to resist!

If you’re ever in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap, you might come across a popular local drink called falooda. It’s a sweet, pink, milky beverage with little tapioca balls, and it tastes even better with a dash of vanilla syrup. But here in Port Louis, Mauritius, we have our own version called alouda. Just like falooda, it’s a refreshing treat, especially after a hot and humid morning at the bustling Port Louis food market. Trust me, that’s exactly where I went to satisfy my craving for this milkshake-like drink.

12. Mithai

If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself in Mauritius, you must try mithai – traditional Indian sweets. Warning: they are incredibly sugary and rich, so it’s best to indulge in moderation (unless you want to buy a whole new wardrobe when you get back home!). The Bombay Sweets Mart in Port Louis is the ultimate destination to find these delectable treats. The friendly shop assistants will even let you sample their impressive selection of 30 different types of mithai, so you can find your favorite.

13. Coconuts

When you visit Mauritius, you absolutely have to try drinking from a coconut. It might sound a little bit cliché, like something you’d find on a tropical island, but trust me, it’s worth it. You don’t really come across coconuts at home, so it’s a unique experience. And let me tell you, coconut water is incredibly refreshing. The best place to find coconuts is on the beach. You can buy one from a friendly beach vendor, take a sip of the delicious water, and even get a picture of yourself enjoying it. It’s the perfect way to show off that you’re on vacation on a tropical island. And once you’re done, you can take it back to the vendor and they’ll cut it up for you, so you can enjoy the tasty coconut flesh inside.

14. Mine frites

Let me tell you about another yummy street food dish called mine frites, which is basically fried noodles. These noodles are cooked in soy sauce and topped with spring onions and chili – a perfect combination of flavors (see number five). If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something influenced by Chinese cuisine, head over to Chinatown. There, you can find street stalls that serve the best mine frites in town. And don’t forget to add lots of chili, because that’s how we do it in Mauritius!

But wait, there’s more! After you’ve satisfied your noodle cravings, cool yourself down with a bowl of herbal black jelly called la mousse noir. I know it sounds strange and looks weird, but trust me, it tastes amazing. It has a subtle flavor with a hint of sweetness and it’s incredibly refreshing. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and enjoy a unique dessert.

15. Phoenix beer

When I think of Mauritius, one thing that comes to mind is their local beer, Phoenix. It’s won awards and is a crisp and refreshing lager that pairs perfectly with any dish you have on the island. But it’s also great to enjoy on its own while watching the stunning sunset on the beach.

Let’s move on to something delicious to eat – farata. It’s similar to Indian paratha, a flatbread that is absolutely divine when eaten with curry. You can find farata being sold at street stalls or in Mauritian and Indian restaurants. Trust me, it’s buttery, doughy, and absolutely delicious.

Now, let’s talk about a teatime treat – gateau patat douce. These sweet potato cakes are a burst of flavors. Imagine sweet potato dough filled with coconut, cardamom, and sugar, and then deep-fried to perfection. It’s a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

And of course, we can’t forget about rum. Mauritius is known for its rum, and it’s definitely something you should try. Whether you enjoy it straight or in a cocktail, the taste of Mauritian rum is something you won’t forget.

So as you explore the flavors of Mauritius, be sure to try Phoenix beer, indulge in some farata, savor the sweetness of gateau patat douce, and raise a glass of rum to the incredible tastes this island has to offer. Enjoy!

When it comes to rum, there are different levels of quality. While Mauritian rum may not be as renowned as the rum from Reunion island or the Caribbean, it is still quite impressive. In fact, the three distilleries on the island produce agricole rum, which is made the proper way, using sugar cane juice instead of molasses.

Out of the three distilleries, St Aubin and Chateau Labourdonnais create exceptional rums. I highly recommend doing a rum tasting at each location to experience their flavors firsthand. However, if you’re looking for something truly extraordinary, you must visit Rhumerie de Chamarel in Chamarel, situated in the southwest of the island. Their award-winning double-distilled rum, aged in oak, sets it apart from the rest.

All three distilleries also offer a range of flavored rums, infused with vanilla, coffee, kumquat, spices, and citrus fruit. These rums have a touch of sweetness added, making them more accessible for those who aren’t die-hard rum enthusiasts.

So, if you’re up for a rum adventure in Mauritius, be sure to explore these distilleries and discover the variety of flavors and craftsmanship they have to offer.

19. Ti Rum Punch: A Petite Island Delight

Let’s talk about a tiny treasure called Ti Rum Punch, number 19 on my list. This delightful drink is a popular choice across the island, offering a variety of ingredients that add a unique twist to a classic blend of rum and sugar syrup. Now, my personal favorite is the Graham’s Ti Rum Punch, which features a refreshing burst of fresh lime juice. If you find yourself craving this tropical delight, fear not! You can conveniently purchase pre-made Ti Rum Punch from the renowned Rhumerie de Chamarel. Take a bottle home, relax, and indulge in a sip of paradise as you watch the sun set and reminisce about your magical time in Mauritius.

20. Vanilla-Infused Delicacies: A Flavorful Adventure

Prepare yourself for a tantalizing experience as we explore number 20 – the enchanting world of vanilla-infused food. Imagine an exquisite vanilla orchid, softly whispering its aromatic secrets at St Aubin. This island treasure will take your taste buds on a journey they will never forget. Prepare to be captivated by the delightful flavors of vanilla that infuse a wide array of culinary creations. From creamy desserts to savory dishes, vanilla adds a touch of magic to every bite. So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable gastronomic adventure, be sure to indulge in the wonders of vanilla-infused food during your stay in Mauritius. It’s an experience that will leave your palate dancing with joy.

Did you know that the vanilla you find in the markets and souvenir shops in Mauritius is not actually from Mauritius? It’s low-quality vanilla from Madagascar. But if you want to taste true Mauritian-grown vanilla, there is only one place to go – St Aubin. This restored colonial mansion has its own small vanilla plantation and rhumerie. And let me tell you, their coffee rum is absolutely delicious!

When you visit St Aubin, make sure to stop by the Vanilla House. You’ll be greeted by the delightful scent of vanilla as soon as you step inside. Here, you can learn all about how vanilla is grown and take a stroll through their garden to see the vanilla plants for yourself. It’s fascinating to discover that vanilla plants are actually orchids!

And after you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the restaurant on the veranda of the old sugar plantation mansion. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. They offer a mouthwatering menu that includes chicken cooked in vanilla and a delectable vanilla creme brulee. It’s a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Chateau Labourdonnais located in Mapou, near the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, is known for cultivating rare Tahitian vanilla, which can only be found there and in Tahiti. I had the pleasure of tasting the creme brulee made with this exquisite vanilla at La Table du Chateau, the restaurant situated in the chateau’s beautiful gardens. Let me tell you, it was the most incredible creme brulee I’ve ever experienced.

21. Coconut Chutney

Out of all the different chutneys in Mauritius – and believe me, there are hundreds, each accompanying a curry meal – coconut chutney was my absolute favorite. It has a delightful zingy and fresh taste, enhanced by the quintessential island ingredient – coconut. The best part? It provides a cooling balance to the spicy mazavaroo-laced curry.

22. Palm Heart Salad

Did you know that there’s a dish called the ‘Millionaire’s Salad’ in Mauritius? It’s made from the heart of a palm tree, which is harvested after the tree has grown for seven years. This inner tube of the tree can feed around three people as a starter. Some people enjoy it raw in a salad with smoked marlin, while others prefer it cooked in a sauce. Personally, I don’t think it has much flavor, and I feel a bit guilty for the poor palm tree. But hey, it’s still worth a try! And if you do try it, maybe you can make up for it by planting a palm tree in your garden when you get back home.

23. Coconut Cakes

In Mauritius, they have these delicious cookies that they call coconut cakes. They’re made from grated coconut and sugar. I had some really tasty ones at a family-hosted restaurant called Escale Creole in Moka, near Port Louis. Give them a try if you get the chance!

24. Rougaille

Rougaille is a popular dish in Mauritius. It’s a special tomato stew made with meat or fish, garlic, onion, and thyme.

25. Roti chaud

Roti chaud from the Flacq market

Now, let’s talk about roti chaud or hot roti. It’s a delicious flat Indian bread that is served with different curries, chutneys, and pickles. You can find it being sold from the back of a motorbike or at street food stalls.

Honorary mention: Briyani

Before I forget, I have to mention briyani. It’s an amazing dish in Mauritius made with rice, beef, chicken, fish, mutton, or vegetables. It also includes yogurt, saffron, and spices. Briyani has its roots in the Muslim community of Mauritius.

And now, let’s talk about what you should avoid eating and drinking in Mauritius.

Stay away from shark fin soup. I don’t need to explain why!

If you’re in the mood for coffee in Mauritius, you might want to think twice before trying the locally grown Chamarel coffee. Honestly, it doesn’t taste very good. It’s best to stick with imported options instead.

While you’re here, check out some of my other blogs about Mauritius food:

One of my favorite recipes from Mauritius: Rum flambeed pineapple and banana

In the February 2013 issue of MzansiBride, you can read my feature on Mauritius, complete with beautiful photos by Russell Smith.