Mauritius also called the melting pot of flavors provides a diverse range of foods from many cuisines. Mauritius has a lot of marketplaces that sell international food. It’s worth noting that there is no specific Mauritian cuisine; the island of Mauritius was deserted until the Portuguese discovered it while sailing through the Indian Ocean. Slaves and indentured servants from South Asia and swathes of Africa were imported to work on plantations as colonial governments turned Mauritius into a plantation colony. In the end, voluntary migration occurred as well. Their cuisines were also blended into Creole throughout the years. It is obvious that their unique cuisine is a must-try.
Mauritian Seafood
A major portion of Mauritian cuisine is made up of seafood. Mauritian food is rich in seafood, from curries and stews to Chinese and Indian cuisines. The greatest seafood meals are Capitaine (a local fish) and crab soup, as well as calamari and lobsters. Even if you are not a fan of sea foods in general, we are confident that you will fall in love with the juicy – delectable sea foods in Mauritius.
Where to find it?
At any restaurant in Grand Baie, Mall of Bagatelle or Le Caudan Waterfront around Mauritius Island.
Bol renverser (upside downbowl)
This is one of the most popular dishes in Mauritius. Chicken or prawn, stir-fried vegetables, Chinese sauces, and rice is layered into a bowl and turned upside down when served. A fried egg is placed on top of the dome after the dish is turned upside down as a finishing touch.
Where to find it?
Any local chinese restaurant around Mauritius island.
Salade palmiste
This Mauritian specialty, sometimes known as “millionaire’s salad,” is undoubtedly one of the most unique meals. The Palmiste salad is a symbol of traditional Creole cuisine.Salad leaves, seafood (typically smoked marlin), and the sliced, are mixed together with a wonderful dressing and served with the sliced, raw heart of a palm tree. A seafood and salad connoisseur’s ideal meal.
Where to find it?
At any local Mauritian Creole style Restaurant.
Boulettes (dumplings)
How is the dish made?
Steamed dumpling stuffed with pork, chicken, or dried shrimp and finely diced chayote or chou chou (a vegetable found in Mauritius). To warm the body, it’s served with red-hot piment crazer (chilli sauce), a little broth, and slithers of spring onion.
Where are you likely to find it?
China-Town in Port Louis or in local Mauritian-Chinese restaurants.
La Rougaille
Rougaille, a Creole-inspired tomato-based combination that gives its name to a famous dish, is one of the best-loved of Mauritian cuisine’s coconut chutneys and spicy pastes. Creole, which is definitely worth visiting. It also serves octopus curry, aubergine fritters, and grilled fish in addition to its famous dish (which is often flavored with onions, garlic, and thyme with the tomatoes).
Where to find it?
At Rougaille Creole Restaurant in Grand Baie around Mauritius Island.
Fish Vindaye
Mauritian cuisine is famed for its super-fresh seafood, and the curry, Vindaye, is one of the most popular fish dishes. Vindaye is a strongly flavoured meal that is thought to have been influenced by Indian Vindaloo. It generally has fish cooked with turmeric, mustard, garlic, and ginger. It’s one of the region’s defining dishes, often acidic and with gently pickled fish.
Where to find it?
Try La Terrasse, also in Grand Baie, for a genuine example at a restaurant packed with locals.
7 curries
Despite the fact that Sept Cari (7 curries) is culturally associated with certain festivals and occasions, it is a favorite dish across all ethnic groups on the island. This vegetarian dish is commonly served at Mauritian Hindu weddings and celebrations, but it is also available in local Mauritian restaurants.
Ti puri, a fried flatbread on a banana leaf, is served with seven or more vegetable curries. Butter bean curry, spinach, rougaille, mashed pumpkin, chouchou (sautéed chayote), and banana curry are the traditional seven curries, however new specialties such jackfruit curry and ‘gato piment’ curry may be available.
Image by @kotmame
Where to find it?
At the local restaurant Kot Mame in Pointes aux Sables around Mauritius Island.