{"id":102889,"date":"2018-03-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-20T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/food-of-mauritius\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:54:50","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:54:50","slug":"food-of-mauritius","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/food-of-mauritius\/","title":{"rendered":"Food of Mauritius: 9 unique things to try in Dodoland"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @derek_andrew_67<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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<\/a> and you will be greeted with some familiar and some downright peculiar dishes.<\/p>\n

Also read:<\/strong> Authentic experiences in Mauritius<\/a><\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @taste.of.mauritius<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some typical Mauritian dishes include:<\/p>\n

Curry<\/h2>\n

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<\/em>, mazavaroo<\/em> (chilli paste), lentils, rice, farata<\/em> (roti), mine frite<\/em> (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).<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @meluna0494<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fish vindaye<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @steve.low.451960<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Boulet (dim sum)<\/h2>\n

Mauritian-style steamed dumplings made with chayote<\/i> (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.<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Chinatown in Port Louis and Ti Kouloir in Grand Baie<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @tastingmauritius<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bol renverser (upside down bowl)<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @vanessdero<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dholl puri<\/h2>\n

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<\/em>\u00a0and filled with cari gros pois<\/em> (bean curry) and Mauritius\u2019 famous rougaille<\/em> (a spicy sauce of sweet tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and ginger). Sides include achard<\/em> (pickled vegetables) and coriander satini (chutney).<\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong> Dewa & Sons on Royal Road<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @angeliqued19<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Salade palmiste<\/h2>\n

Also known as \u2018millionaire\u2019s salad\u2019, 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.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @kevina.25<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gato piments<\/h2>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @kristou20<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tropical fruit salad<\/h2>\n

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!<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @koko_intheflex<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Coconuts<\/h2>\n

Drinking from a coconut may seem like a tropical clich\u00e9 but you are in paradise and it is kind of obligatory, so you can\u2019t leave Mauritius without drinking from one. Coconut vendors pepper the beachfront and are skilled in cutting them open. Ask for a \u2018coconut spoon\u2019 so you can eat the cream too!<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of @sublime_mauritius<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just a spoonful of sugar<\/h3>\n