One of the best ways to experience Mauritius is through its food as the Island offers a wide variety of food from different cuisines.
From street food to fine dining in luxury restaurants or colonial house, Mauritius is a place of melting pot for its unique combination of African, Indian, Chinese, French, and European flavors.
The island has plenty of dining options, multitude of international restaurants are found at hotels, resorts and all around the island some of which feature celebrity chefs and Michelin stars, where you can try the varied and delicious local Mauritian cuisine but locals and tourist go gaga over the street foods available in each corner of the Island.
If you are in Mauritius, do not hesitate to try some of the delicious food and drinks listed below:
1. Dholl Puri
The national dish is a yellow split-pea pancake that is cooked on a griddle and filled with cari gros pois (bean curry) and Mauritius’ famous rougaille (a spicy sauce of sweet tomatoes, thyme, garlic, and ginger) together with achard (pickled vegetables) and coriander chutney.
2. Gato piments
Known as Chilli ball, it is crispy outside and soft as snow inside, these tiny balls are an iconic street food of Mauritius. Split peas is mixed with spring onion, turmeric, and chilly and served on a warm baguette with a drizzle of hot sauce. These are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
3. Boulettes
Prepared by using chayote, chicken, seafood or vegetables and served in a broth infused with chilly and spring onion, this Mauritian-style steamed dumplings can be found at most market stalls and in all restaurants across the island and is made in various ways.
4. Tropical fruit salad
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 chilly salt. It may sound weird, but it is delicious.
5. Samosa
The samosa is filled with boiled potatoes, tuna or mince, spices, herbs and curry powder in a small triangular shaped ‘pastry’ which is then deep fried until light brown and is very much appreciated by the locals and foreigners. Simply dip this triangular shaped savory into a chilly sauce and appease your taste.
6. Mauritian Biryani
Definitely one of the signature dishes brought to Mauritius by the Muslim community, the Mauritian biryani is a very tasty meal made with basmati rice, lots of herbs and spices for the flavor, potatoes and beef, chicken or seafood. You will always see this delicious menu on table especially when there are festivals like Eid Ul Fitr in Mauritius.
7. Mine (Noodles)
Mine or Noodles is among the most popular Street Food/Snack and quick grab of the day meal in Mauritius.
There are so many ways to enjoy noodles; boiled or fried you can have with vegetables, meat or seafood! If you would like it to be spicy and hot then you can add the accompanying garlic sauce and chilli paste.
Local Drinks of Mauritius
1. Alouda
One of the popular drinks in Mauritius is the Alouda which is a pink sweet milky beverage with basil seeds, flavored with syrup and sometimes you can find ice cream in it. The best place to have it is at the Central Market of Port Louis.
2. Coconut Water
Mauritius is full of coconut trees, and obviously you can’t leave the island without drinking the refreshing coconut water which you can find on most beaches. After drinking it you can ask your vendor to cut it into half so that you can eat the white flesh.
3. Phoenix Beer
This beer is locally produced with a nice light taste and available all around the Island. Do not forget to try the chilled Phoenix Beer.
4. Mauritian Rum
This list would not have been complete without Mauritian rum. Obtained by distillation of sugar cane juice or that of molasses, you can enjoy it on the rock, in punch or cocktail as it is also available in different flavors such as lychee, lemon and chilly.