Mouth-Watering Mauritian Cuisine

Mauritius is a mix of cultures and has an eclectic history. Originally it was uninhabited and the spot where Dodos lived peacefully. Then the British, Dutch and French colonialists arrived, bringing with them Malagasy (Madagascan) slaves. Chinese traders sailed through the Mauritian waters and indentured Indian labourers were brought to the island. And everyone had a part in influencing Mauritian cuisine.
Mauritian food is all about tucking into a myriad of flavours. With influences from across the world, this subtropical island is a venerable melting pot of tastes. Here’s why choosing what to eat is going to convince you that you need another Mauritian trip as soon as possible.

Europe

The Dutch, British and French colonists brought European cooking techniques to this subtropical island during the 16th to 19th centuries. Local bakeries and cafes reflect their influence through their freshly baked breads and pastries.

While exploring Mauritius, enjoy traditionally made croissants and snack on the ever-popular Mauritian Poulet au Pain (chicken rolls). Appreciate your baked goods along with some black vanilla tea, made on the island at the Bois Cheri tea estate.

Madagascar

In the 1600s the Dutch brought slaves from Madagascar. They intended them as labour for the industries they were setting up. The Madagascans introduced Creole cooking to the Mauritius food menu. And their legacy can be enjoyed in non-spicy curries and tasty stews, such as tomato-based Rougaille.

Don’t leave Mauritius without trying a Tomayto. It couldn’t be more different from what you imagine it is. Surprisingly it’s not a tomato dish. It’s actually a grated coconut cookie. And quite delicious too!

India

The end of slavery, in 1835, brought approximately 500 000 indentured labourers from India to work the island’s sugarcane fields. Of all the flavour influences, traditional Indian cooking has left the largest impact on Mauritian cooking.

The Indian people brought with them the culinary styles and techniques of their homeland. Then adapted them with the ingredients that were available to them. This resulted in mouth watering dishes, like the Dholl Puri. Dholl Puri is widely regarded as Mauritius’s national dish. It’s a thin fried bread, similar to a pancake, filled with curried yellow lentils and available everywhere. You’ll find it at street vendor stalls, in mobile kitchens and sold off the back of motor bikes as well as in restaurants.

Treat yourself and visit the Central Market in Port Louis for a Mauritian food stroll. Wander around the market as you sample the masala chicken kebabs, biryani, curried samosas and manioc goujons. For dessert, round off your cuisine meander by trying the sugary and buttery Indian sweets called Mithai.

China

Some Chinese people were brought to Mauritius as indentured labourers, while others came later as traders. These people mostly came from China’s southern regions. With them they brought Cantonese style cuisine.

Experience this style of Mauritian cooking when you try Mine Frites. The best are found in ChinaTown. Mine Frites is a simple and tasty fried noodle dish accompanied with soy sauce, spring onions and chilli. Mauritians also make their own type of Dim Sum called Boulet. These steamed, bite-sized dumplings are stuffed with prawns, fish or chou chou (a local vegetable). Then served in a salty fish broth with lots of chilli. Which is just Delish!

5 Mauritian Favourites

1. Seafood

Seafood in Mauritius is exceptional. And widely available. Is your preference seafood that’s been baked, grilled, fried, stewed, steamed, sauteed or raw with lemon juice? You can literally find seafood prepared any which way you want it and flavoured with influences from China, Italy, Madagascar or India.

The seafood variety includes lobster, calamari, crab, oysters, smoked marlin and for those who feel adventurous, sea urchins. A traditional seafood dish that’s not to be missed is Fish Vindaye. It’s fried pickled fish that’s served in a wonderfully flavoursome sauce made from onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric and mustard seeds.

2. Bol Renverser (The upside-down bowl)

This fun and yummy Mauritian dish involves layering stir fried vegetables, chicken or prawn, rice and sauces in a bowl. The bowl is then turned upside down and a fried egg is placed on top before serving it.

3. A Twist on Fruit Salad

It’s taken for granted that you’ll have a choice of tropical fruits when you explore Mauritian cuisine. However, if you are thinking of traditional fruit salad, then it’s time for a change. Mauritian fruit salads include all the usual pineapple, guava, apple, mango… Where things get interesting is the addition of cucumber, sprinkles of chilli salt and a tangy tamarind sauce.

4. Gato Coco

This sweet coconut cake can be found in various colours and shapes as well as flavours. Keep an eye out for them when you pass by patisseries or corner stores. They are available throughout Mauritius.

5. Mazavaroo

Locals are crazy about chillies. They add it to everything they can; including fruit. For example, unripe mango and Victoria pineapples. Mazavaroo comes as a chilli paste. It’s included as a condiment throughout the island and used prolifically to add a bit of extra fire to Mauritian food. Mazavaroo also makes an excellent souvenir or gift for someone back home.

Mauritius has a Whole World of Flavour Waiting for You to Enjoy!