Mauritius is a beautiful island where three continents meet on a plate. The local cuisine here is a delicious mix of Indian, Chinese, French, and African influences, making it a true food paradise. Prepare to feast on incredible spices, fresh seafood, and mouth-watering street snacks.
1. Dholl Puri
This iconic street food is a must-try for every visitor. Dholl puri consists of two thin, soft flatbreads made from ground yellow split peas, which are lightly griddled. These are usually served rolled up, filled with creamy butter bean curry, a tangy tomato-based rougaille, and a touch of local chilli paste and pickles. It’s affordable, portable, and bursts with complex, comforting flavours in every bite. Look for the vendors with the longest lines; that’s how you find the best ones.
2. Rougaille
Rougaille is a traditional Creole stew that creates the foundation of many Mauritian home-cooked meals. It’s made by slow-simmering fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and thyme, creating a rich, flavourful, and slightly tangy sauce. The sauce is typically combined with seafood, sausage, or chicken, or sometimes even salted fish for an extra punch. This dish beautifully represents the island’s French and African culinary roots.
3. Octopus Curry (Cari Ourite)
Given that Mauritius is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, a spectacular seafood dish is mandatory. Octopus curry, locally known as Cari Ourite, is a rich, aromatic speciality. The octopus is cooked until perfectly tender, often simmered in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk, turmeric, and a blend of Creole spices. For those staying on the East Coast, the restaurants near Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas are famed for serving exceptional, fresh versions of this dish, reflecting the island’s abundance of quality seafood.
4. Boulettes
Thanks to the island’s significant Chinese heritage, steamed dumplings, or boulettes, are a beloved snack. These savoury parcels are typically filled with a mixture of grated vegetables like chayote (known locally as chou chou), fish, or meat. They are served either alone or submerged in a light, clear, and steaming hot broth, often topped with fresh coriander and a dash of powerful chilli sauce. This warm, comforting dish is the perfect light meal on a cooler evening.
5. Gateaux Piments
For the perfect crunchy snack, try Gateaux Piments, which translates directly to “chilli cakes”. These are small, deep-fried fritters made from yellow split peas, chopped fresh chillies, coriander, and spices. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are a quintessential street food, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or tucked inside a baguette for breakfast. You’ll quickly find that some of the best restaurants in Mauritius are actually the small, unassuming street food stalls serving up these addictive little bites all day long.
6. Fish Vindaye
Vindaye is Mauritius’s tangy, mustard-based curry or pickle with bold Indian origins. The most popular version features fried fish that is then coated in a vibrant, punchy marinade of mustard seeds, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Because it is often served cold or at room temperature, it has a distinct flavour that separates it from traditional hot curries. To experience the full range of the island’s flavours, pair this sharp, tangy speciality with plain rice and lentils.
