Mauritian Gastronomy

Mauritian Gastronomy

Maurice is a bliss for the palate and the senses, where the ethnic diversity of the native population is mirrored in its cuisine. It is a beautiful place for a true gourmet experience.

The cuisine of Mauritius, with its assortment of flavors and aromas, is undeniably a gastronomic pleasure. Mauritian cuisine uses local as well as imported products. The meat generally come from Australia, the venison is local, and the fish and seafood are mostly caught locally, but can also come from the neighboring islands (such as Seychelles).

Mauritians have adopted culinary traditions from France, Africa, Mughlai, India and China, with their fruits, vegetables, spices and other ingredients and all of these inspirations have been used to create a style of fusion cooking. With all these inspirations from French, British, Indian, Chinese and Creole culinary traditions, Mauritian cuisine is a unique combination and is filled with history and knowledge.

Creole cuisine

Rice is a staple of most Creole meals. It is served with chayote, pumpkin, squash, eggplant, greens vegetables and pickles. Meat and fish are generally served as a “rougaille”, that is, cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, herbs and pepper. Creole cuisine is colorful and slightly spicy, but especially well scented. The Mauritian lagoon is rich in fish and shellfish that are often eaten grilled or fried, accompanied with green lemons. Fish, crab, as well as vegetable soups, are also very popular.

Chinese cuisine

The dish that is best known in Chinese cuisine is noodles fried; However, Chinese food is richer and more varied than that. Thanks to the wok, a kitchen utensil with a broad round base and which is placed on the flame, vegetables, bamboo and mushrooms are kept firm and crunchy. Chinese cuisine based on pork, beef, shrimp, and fish is always accompanied by soy sauces, ginger, lemongrass, and herbs.

Indian cuisine

Scented with saffron, turmeric, coriander, cardamom and cumin, Curry is the more traditional Indian food dish. Fish, chicken or beef curry is always served with green vegetables. Like the Creole kitchen, rice is a staple of most Indian meals. Two of the meals that everyone must try during their vacation in Mauritius are the Briyani, made with rice, spices, yoghurt, meat or fish, with a refreshing salad of cucumber, and Vindaloo, a meal of fish marinated in a mixture of vinegar, mustard seeds, turmeric, onion, garlic, ginger and hot peppers, all cooked in oil.

Street Food

Street food is delightful in Mauritius. You can find an incredible variety of food and drinks, such as fresh coconut water, fruit with chili and tamarind marmalade, hot curries filled with peppers, pickles wrapped in buttered bread, or Chinese fried noodles. Below are a few examples of Mauritius street food:

Dholl puri

You will find some Dholl puri everywhere in Mauritius. At every street corner, in every city, you can taste one of the most popular street food of the island. This flatbread stuffed with cooked yellow peas that have been mixed and seasoned is a tasty snack, simple and practical.

Roti

Roti is a flatbread of Indian origin, usually served with various curries, chutneys and pickles, same as the dholl puri. You will probably buy them with a merchant on a motorcycle or at a street food stand. Street food lovers will certainly appreciate the roti and its tasty curry.

Fried Snacks

You will find these snacks in each Tabagies (small shops), markets or street stalls. They are made from different vegetables. The Gato Piment (Chili cake) being the most popular; without a doubt, you will love these little balls of yellow peas and chili.

Alouda

The Alouda is a local drink made from milk, an exquisite drink perfect for any summer day. This drink can be purchased at any market, especially the Port Louis market. Basil seeds are one of the most important ingredients required to make an Alouda. A jelly made from agar is also added for the texture, and sometimes you get a scoop of ice cream with the mixture, making it even more irresistible.

The 64 suggest a catering service for a Mauritian diner. Rougaille, Tandoori, Vindaye…Every day a different meal can be delivered to your villa. Do not hesitate to order at the conciergerie until the morning before.