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Food of Mauritius: 9 unique things to try in Dodoland

mauritius cuisine

One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food. And the food of Mauritius is some of the tastiest you will ever try. It is considered one of the great Creole cuisines and is famous for its exciting street food scene.

Courtesy of @derek_andrew_67 via Instagram

Over the years, Chinese, French, European, and African migrants settled on the island of Mauritius and brought with them the flavours of their homelands. Wander through the streets of Port Louis and you will be greeted with some familiar and some downright peculiar dishes.

Also read: Authentic experiences in Mauritius

Courtesy of @taste.of.mauritius via Instagram

Some typical Mauritian dishes include:

Curry

Mauritian curries are in a league of their own in terms of flavour, but what makes them particularly exciting is the array of accompaniments and sides: achard, mazavaroo (chilli paste), lentils, rice, farata (roti), mine frite (fried noodles), and even dumplings. If you are feeling adventurous, try the hot Creole curry or head to Chez Rosy in Souillac for octopus curry (they are also known for their fresh lobster).

Courtesy of @meluna0494 via Instagram

Fish vindaye

A traditional seafood dish that is fantastically flavourful and one of the most famous dishes of Mauritius. Although the seafood ingredients can vary it is usually a decadent dish of fried, pickled fish in a tangy onion, turmeric, mustard seeds, garlic, and ginger sauce.

Courtesy of @steve.low.451960 via Instagram

Boulet (dim sum)

Mauritian-style steamed dumplings made with chayote (an exotic pear-shaped vegetable), chicken, seafood, or vegetables and served in a broth infused with chilli and spring onion. Boulet can be found at most market stalls and restaurants across the island and is made in various ways.

Where to go: Chinatown in Port Louis and Ti Kouloir in Grand Baie

Courtesy of @tastingmauritius via Instagram

Bol renverser (upside down bowl)

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.

Courtesy of @vanessdero via Instagram

Dholl puri

The national dish of Mauritius that locals and travellers alike go gaga over. Dholl puri is a yellow split-pea pancake that is griddled on a tawa and filled with cari gros pois (bean curry) and Mauritius’ famous rougaille (a spicy sauce of sweet tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and ginger). Sides include achard (pickled vegetables) and coriander satini (chutney).

Where to go: Dewa & Sons on Royal Road

Courtesy of @angeliqued19 via Instagram

Salade palmiste

Also known as ‘millionaire’s salad’, this is a Mauritian delicacy and definitely one of the more unusual dishes. Salad leaves and some kind of seafood (usually smoked marlin) are tossed together with a delicious dressing and served with the sliced, raw heart of a palm tree. A dream dish for seafood lovers and salad savants.

Courtesy of @kevina.25 via Instagram

Gato piments

Crispy on the outside and soft as snow on the inside, these tiny balls of fried chilli goodness are an iconic street food of Mauritius. Chana dal (split peas) is mixed with spring onion, turmeric, and chilli and served on a warm baguette with a drizzle of hot sauce. These are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Courtesy of @kristou20 via Instagram

Tropical fruit salad

It is nothing like you know. Fruit salad in Mauritius is the usual mix of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, lychee, guava, apple, and even a bit of cucumber, but the Mauritian twist is lashings of zesty tamarind sauce and a sprinkling of chilli salt. It may sound odd, but it is delicious!

Courtesy of @koko_intheflex via Instagram

Coconuts

Drinking from a coconut may seem like a tropical cliché but you are in paradise and it is kind of obligatory, so you can’t leave Mauritius without drinking from one. Coconut vendors pepper the beachfront and are skilled in cutting them open. Ask for a ‘coconut spoon’ so you can eat the cream too!

Courtesy of @sublime_mauritius via Instagram

Just a spoonful of sugar

Courtesy of @foodscribbles via Instagram

Relax hard, snack often

Popular Mauritian snacks to try: sliced Victoria pineapples or mangoes served with chilli flakes or marinated in vinegar, sugar, and chilli.

Courtesy of @koko_intheflex via Instagram

The best food markets in Mauritius

Port Louis Central Market

Address: Corderie Street, Port Louis, Mauritius

When to go: Get there in the morning before 9 am to avoid the crowds

Rose Hill Market

Address: Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, Mauritius

When to go: Anytime

Flacq Market

Address: Central Flacq, Mauritius

When to go: Wednesdays and Sundays

Courtesy of @mkspeter via Instagram

Beverages

For a little evening tipple on one of the amazing beaches of Mauritius or a chaser to a good lunch, try one of these popular Mauritian drinks:

Courtesy of @mkspeter via Instagram

Things you should know

Most countries have their own quirks when it comes to food and Mauritius is no different. These tips will help make your culinary experience easier and perhaps spare you a blazing tongue.

Courtesy of @yink44 via Instagram

A trip to Mauritius is more than just a sojourn in paradise. It is a sensory experience that will give you a chance to explore the unique, exotic flavours of Mauritian food. So be curious and try as many things as possible!

Be a traveller of the world and an explorer of food. They are, after all, two of life’s greatest pleasures.

Find cheap flights to Mauritius and let your next big food adventure begin!

Courtesy of @insta_shamz via Instagram

Have you tried the food of Mauritius? Or perhaps something weird and wonderful in another country? Share your foodie experience in the comments below!

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Featured image courtesy of @sublime_mauritius via Instagram

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