This country is a gem in its way, with scintillating bright blue seas and fully packed beaches, Mauritius is meant to be discovered the Mauritian style. That is by traveling with locals and having local
This country is a gem in its way, with scintillating bright blue seas and fully packed beaches, Mauritius is meant to be discovered the Mauritian style. That is by traveling with locals and having local foods that will marvel your taste-buds. Often described as the ‘melting pot of flavors,’ Mauritius offers a wide variety of food from different cuisines. Several markets sell global food products in Mauritius. It is interesting to know that there is no distinct Mauritian food; the island was uninhabited until the Portuguese found it on their voyage through the Indian Ocean. With colonial governments turning Mauritius into a plantation colony, slaves from and indentured servants from South Asia and swaths of Africa were brought to work in them. Eventually, voluntary migration also took place. Over the generations, their cuisines also got mixed into a Creole. It is evident that their diverse food is a must-try.
Here is a list of delicious food of Mauritius along with top places to pamper your taste buds.
1. Curries
Curries have become a significant component in the Mauritian cuisine due to strong Indian influence. They are, however, different from the traditional Indian curries. The Creole curries have garlic, onion and curry leaves as their base. Often savored with rice and bread, curries of Mauritius are not too spicy when compared to their Indian counterparts. The octopus curry on near Gris Gris beach will be a delight to your taste buds.
2. Farata
Sounds similar to parantha, right? Farata is the Mauritian variety of Indian parantha. It is often eaten with curry or chutney (read more on chutney later). Besides Farata, Roti Chaud is also served with chutney and curry. They are widely sold on the streets alongside all Indian restaurants.
3. Alouda
Sounds familiar again? Alouda is the variant of Indian Falooda. It is either pink or green in color and is made by dissolving agar agar( which is in turn obtained from seaweeds), basil leaves, and milk with essence. The best place to try Alouda is Alouda Pillay in Port Louis. It is also sold widely in the central market of Port Louis so that you won’t miss it anyway.
4. Bois Cheri Tea
Bois Cheri grows black tea, which is later added with imported flavoring substances. After taking a tour of the Bois Cheri tea factory, sit in the Bois Cheri café and enjoy a sip of this black vanilla tea. One great piece of advice- also take stock of Bois Cheri tea from the shop, you will miss the taste for sure.
5. Dim sums
Dim sums are a part of the Sino-Mauritian cuisine. All Chinese restaurants in Mauritius serve dim sums. They are small bite-sized portions of vegetables or meat. Dim sums are wrapped in dough, or steamed and fried. They are often served with chutneys. Don’t you find it similar to the Momos sold in your street? Momos and Dimsums are, in fact, the same dish. Momo is the Tibetan name for Dim sums of China. Some Chinese restaurants in Port Louis will quench your hunger for Dim sums.
6. Mauritian Biryani
Apart from being another Indian dish, Mauritian biryani is very similar to Hyderabadi Biryani. The flavored rice is made with a huge list of spices, long-grained Basmati rice, and yogurt. Also, potatoes are placed at the bottom to prevent the rice from burning or sticking to the vessel. Crunchy Socarrat, don’t you love the crust of biryani rice that forms a layer at the bottom of the pan?
7. Seafood
It is very obvious that an island surrounded by waters has some great seafood in store. Mauritian cuisine is said to be seafood-heavy as it forms a major part in stews and curries and other dishes as well. Crab curry, coriander and chili fish, fried squid, Vindaye ourite, Vindaye poisson, and other seafood-based dishes are a must-try. The best seafood of Mauritius is found along the beach roads and in the stalls along the beach. Get ready to eat the fresh catch from waters!
8. Dholl Puri
Dholl Puri is the best street food in Mauritius. Thin wheat bread is stuffed with ground split peas. It is served with curries, pickles, and chutney. It is sold all over the island, and you cannot afford to miss this dish.
9. Sugar
True, Sugar can never be a dish. For centuries Mauritians used sugar as a currency. Sugar is Mauritius is the most exported commodity of the island. You get to taste all types of sugar manufactured in this island at L’Aventure du Sucre, a sugar museum. You will have to visit this museum to taste variants of sugar for free!
10. Mithai
Sounds very Indian? If you are a sweet-toothed tourist, Mithais of Mauritius will be a delight to your taste buds. Mithais are sweet and buttery. Bombay sweets Mart, located in Port Louis, will let you taste most of their sweets.
11. Coconut cakes
Though coconuts are available everywhere, you should not miss drinking from a coconut on a beach in Mauritius. Coconuts are extensively used by Mauritians to make chutneys and cakes. Made from grated coconut and sugar, coconut cakes of Mauritius are delicious cookies. They are called tomato in Mauritius, though they are not made using tomatoes. Many restaurants in Port Louis sell delicious coconut cakes.
12. Mine Frites
It is another street dish in Mauritius. A fried noodle, this dish is topped with fried onions and chili. The best place to eat this Chinese food is from any stall in the China town. The noodles are fried in soy sauce; you will love it if you are a fan of Chinese cuisine.
13. Rum
Mauritian rum is pretty good, though it does not reach the standard of Caribbean rum. The best places to taste Mauritian rum are many: St Aubin, Chateau Labourdonnais, Rhumerie de Chamarel, among others. Rum is produced in various flavors like vanilla, coffee, kumqar, spices, and citrus fruits.
14. Coconut Chutney
Every curry meal in Mauritius is accompanied by chutney, of which coconut chutney is the most favorite one. It complements spicy curry. Coconut chutney is another Indian dish, which is widely eaten with Idlis in southern India.
15. Palm Heart Salad
Called as the ‘Millionaire’ salad,’ Palm heart salad is a Mauritian delicacy. After palm trees grow old, for about seven years, they are cut down. An arm-sized tube inside this trunk is sliced and eaten as a starter, which is later eaten with salad.
16. Bol Renverse
Bol Renverse is a type of biryani consisting of three layers: fried egg, chicken or seafood stir-fried with vegetables and sauces, and finally, the boiled rice. While preparing the dish, the fried egg is first placed in the bowl, then the fried veggies with chicken, and lastly, cooked rice. However, while serving, it is turned upside down. It is available in few Mauritian restaurants in Port Louis.
17. Boulettes
Boulettes are another variant of Chinese dumplings. When dim sums are served with flavorsome bouillon, they become Boulettes. Dumplings are made of meat, pork, fish or even vegetables. Streetside vendors at China Town in Port Louis cook tasty Boulettes.
18. Achard Legumes
This famous Mauritian pickle is made up of vegetables. Carrots, cabbage, French beans, and fried chilies form the main ingredients of this dish. Have it as a sandwich filling or with bread and biryani.
19. Gajak
These deep-fried Mauritian snacks are sold everywhere over the island. You will find gajak being sold everywhere, from small, stalls to street vendors and luxury restaurants. It is ostensibly the favorite snack of Mauritians.
20. Roti Chaud
Roti Chaud is flat Indian bread, served with various curries and pickles. They are sold on the street, carried on the back of a motorcycle. They are identical to Indian rotis. Trying Indian rotis in Mauritius is a great experience anyway.
Food in Mauritius is undoubtedly a melting pot of cuisines. With these dishes on your list, your food tour in Mauritius is going to satisfy your taste buds.