Mauritius is a small island nation with a big personality, especially when it comes to food. Influences from Indian, Creole, French, Chinese, and African cuisines blend harmoniously, creating a distinct and flavourful culinary identity that reflects the island’s diverse heritage.
Food is more than just sustenance in Mauritius—it is a vibrant expression of history and family. The island was first discovered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, later colonized by the Dutch, French, and British, and became a central hub for the spice trade.
Over time, waves of Indian labourers, Chinese merchants, and African settlers brought their unique culinary traditions, which intermingled with local ingredients and techniques to form what is now a dynamic and unmistakably Mauritian cuisine. We offer luxury and budget Mauritius packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
From bustling street markets where vendors serve piping-hot dholl puris to the grand feasts prepared for religious and cultural festivals, food is at the heart of Mauritian society. This deep connection to food makes Mauritius a dream destination for culinary explorers.
Street Food Delights
Mauritian cuisine is best experienced on the streets, where the island’s vibrant food culture comes alive.
What makes Mauritian street food so special is its ability to capture the island’s multicultural essence in every bite. Influences from Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French cuisines merge seamlessly, creating a variety of dishes that are both unique and deeply rooted in tradition.
Vendors often operate from small carts or roadside stalls, dishing out freshly made treats to long queues of locals who swear by their favourite spots. Here are some must-try street food delights when visiting Mauritius.
Dholl Puri & Roti
Dholl puri is the undisputed king of Mauritian street food. This soft, thin, and slightly chewy flatbread is made from yellow split peas and is typically filled with a delicious mix of curries, rougaille (tomato-based sauce), and pickles.
Its close cousin, the roti, is just as beloved—fluffy, slightly thicker, and often served with a variety of chutneys and spicy accompaniments. Both are incredibly affordable, making them a staple snack or light meal for locals and visitors alike.
Gâteau Piment (Chili Cakes)
These small, deep-fried lentil fritters are a Mauritian take on falafel, but with a spicy twist. Made from crushed split peas, chilies, coriander, and cumin, these crunchy little bites are often enjoyed on their own or sandwiched in a buttered baguette for a quick, satisfying snack.
Gâteau piment is a popular breakfast item and can be found at nearly every market stall or food vendor across the island.
Mine Bouille (Boiled Noodles)
While fried noodles (mine frite) are common in many parts of the world, mine bouille is a uniquely Mauritian street food treasure. This dish consists of soft, boiled egg noodles served with a flavourful broth, vegetables, and sometimes chicken or seafood.
Often garnished with fresh herbs and chili sauce, it’s a comforting and warming meal, perfect for those who want a break from spicy flavours.
Samoussas & Biryani Wraps
A legacy of Indian influence, samoussas (Mauritian-style samosas) are crispy, deep-fried pastry triangles filled with spiced potatoes, lentils, meat, or fish. They make for an excellent snack, especially when paired with tamarind or coriander chutney.
Another favourite is the biryani wrap—a soft roti stuffed with fragrant biryani rice and meat, offering an easy-to-carry, filling meal for those on the go.
Seafood Specialties
The island’s rich marine ecosystem provides an abundance of fresh fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, making seafood a central part of its culinary identity. Mauritian cuisine showcases an exquisite variety of seafood dishes that highlight the island’s diverse cultural influences.
Many of the island’s best seafood dishes are inspired by Creole, Indian, and French flavours, blending aromatic spices with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Below are some must-try seafood specialties that define the Mauritian dining experience.
Octopus Curry (Cari Ourite)
One of the most beloved seafood dishes in Mauritius, octopus curry is a true local delicacy. The octopus is slow-cooked in a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and curry leaves, allowing the flavours to infuse into the tender meat.
Often served with fragrant basmati rice or roti, this dish perfectly encapsulates the island’s love for bold, spicy flavours. Some coastal restaurants even offer variations that include coconut milk for a creamier, slightly sweet twist.
Rougaille Poisson (Fish in Tomato Sauce)
Rougaille is a classic Creole dish, and when made with fresh fish, it becomes a Mauritian seafood staple. This tomato-based stew is infused with garlic, thyme, ginger, and chilies, creating a rich and flavourful sauce that brings out the natural taste of the fish.
It’s typically served with white rice and lentils, making for a hearty yet comforting meal. While red snapper and kingfish are commonly used, locals also prepare it with freshly caught tuna or barracuda.
Grilled Lobster and Fresh Prawns
Mauritius is famous for its succulent lobster and prawns, often grilled over an open flame and served with garlic butter, lemon, and a side of fresh tropical salad. This dish is a must-try for those seeking a luxurious seafood experience.
Many beachfront restaurants and hotels offer freshly caught lobster paired with locally made rum-based sauces, elevating the dish to a whole new level.
Vindaye Poisson (Pickled Fish with Mustard and Spices)
A dish with strong Indian and Creole influences, vindaye poisson is a tangy, aromatic seafood delicacy. Fresh fish—often marlin or kingfish—is marinated in a mixture of mustard seeds, turmeric, vinegar, and garlic, then lightly fried and left to absorb the flavours.
It’s typically served cold with fresh baguette or rice, making it a great option for a light yet flavourful meal. This dish is popular at family gatherings and often prepared in advance, as the flavours deepen over time.
Best Coastal Restaurants for Fresh Seafood
For travelers staying at some of Mauritius’ finest beachfront resorts, indulging in the island’s exceptional seafood is a must. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants near or within the top resorts.
Indian Influence
Mauritian cuisine would not be the same without the rich influence of Indian flavours. The heavy use of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cloves in Mauritian dishes is a direct result of Indian culinary heritage.
Mauritian Biryani
Biryani is a dish that has travelled across the world, with each region adding its own signature touch. In Mauritius, biryani is a special occasion dish, often prepared for weddings, religious celebrations, and family gatherings.
Unlike the typical Indian version, Mauritian biryani is influenced by Persian and Mughal cooking styles, featuring layers of fragrant basmati rice, marinated meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), potatoes, fried onions, and a medley of spices like saffron, cinnamon, and star anise.
The addition of fried potatoes gives Mauritian biryani a unique texture and flavour, making it a beloved dish across the island.
Cari Poulet (Chicken Curry) and Cari Poisson (Fish Curry)
Curry is an essential part of daily Mauritian meals, but it has taken on a distinct local character. Unlike its Indian counterparts, Mauritian curries are lighter and often made with a tomato-based sauce, featuring ingredients like garlic, ginger, onions, and curry leaves.
Cari Poulet (Chicken Curry) is a household staple, typically cooked with fresh curry leaves, thyme, and a blend of roasted spices. It is served with rice, lentils (dal), and pickles, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Cari Poisson (Fish Curry) showcases Mauritius’ coastal bounty, with fresh fish cooked in a lightly spiced tomato sauce. The use of mustard seeds and tamarind gives it a slightly tangy taste, balancing the rich flavours of the curry.
These curries are not as heavy on cream or butter as some Indian variations, making them a lighter but equally flavourful alternative.
Farata and Chutneys
Farata, Mauritius’ version of the Indian paratha, is a soft, flaky flatbread that is often enjoyed as a breakfast staple or served alongside curries. Made with simple ingredients—flour, water, and oil—farata is cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown and slightly crispy. It is typically eaten with a variety of chutneys and pickles, each adding a burst of flavour.
Creole Creations
Food plays an essential role in Creole households, where meals are meant to be shared with family and friends. Creole dishes are often prepared in large batches, bringing people together around a communal table.
The flavours of Creole cooking have also found their way into Mauritian restaurants, where they are enjoyed by both locals and visitors looking for an authentic taste of the island.
Rougaille Saucisse (Sausage in Tomato Sauce)
Rougaille is one of the most iconic Creole dishes in Mauritius, and its versatility makes it a favourite in many households. It consists of a rich, tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, thyme, ginger, and chili, creating a balance of tangy and slightly spicy flavours.
While rougaille can be made with different proteins, such as fish or salted meat, the most popular version is rougaille saucisse, made with Creole sausages that are lightly smoked and seasoned.
For visitors looking to taste this beloved dish, many Creole restaurants serve rougaille saucisse as a staple item on their menus.
Daube de Boeuf (Slow-Cooked Beef Stew)
A perfect example of French influence in Creole cuisine, daube de boeuf is a rich, slow-cooked beef stew that is reminiscent of the French boeuf bourguignon. However, in Mauritius, this dish takes on a Creole twist with the addition of tropical flavours and local spices.
Daube de boeuf is often served during special occasions or Sunday family lunches, accompanied by fragrant rice or mashed potatoes. Some variations also include olives or carrots for added texture and sweetness. For those looking to experience an authentic Mauritian Creole meal, daube de boeuf is a must-try.
Palm Heart Salad (Salade de Cœur de Palmier)
Unlike the rich stews and curries typically associated with Creole cuisine, salade de cœur de palmier is a light and refreshing dish that showcases the island’s tropical produce.
This salad is often prepared with a mix of fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of chili for a subtle kick. Given the rarity of palm hearts, this dish is considered a delicacy and is often found in fine-dining Creole restaurants or as part of celebratory meals.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine has had a significant influence on Mauritian food culture, adding a distinct dimension to the island’s already diverse culinary landscape. Today, Chinese cuisine in Mauritius is widely enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Mine Frite (Fried Noodles)
Mine frite is a beloved street food staple and a go-to comfort dish for many Mauritians. What makes Mauritian mine frite unique is the subtle addition of Creole influences, such as a hint of tomato-based rougaille sauce or the use of local chili pastes.
Bol Renversé (Upside-Down Bowl)
Bol renversé, or the “magic bowl,” is one of the most famous Chinese-Mauritian dishes. Its name, which translates to “upside-down bowl,” comes from the way it is served. The mixture is placed in a deep bowl, topped with a fried egg, and covered with rice before being flipped upside down onto a plate.
The result is a beautifully presented dish with layers of textures and flavours, where the rich sauce seeps into the rice, and the runny yolk of the egg adds a creamy finish. Bol renversé is a favorite in both home cooking and restaurants, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Mauritius.
Peking Duck and Chinese Dumplings
Peking duck is one of the more refined Chinese dishes found in Mauritius, particularly in high-end Chinese restaurants. Chinese dumplings are widely enjoyed across the island. Some restaurants even offer a Mauritian twist by incorporating Creole spices into the dumpling fillings.
Conclusion
For food lovers, Mauritius offers a unique gastronomic experience shaped by its multicultural heritage. From the bustling street markets of Port Louis to the elegant beachfront restaurants of Belle Mare, every bite is an invitation to explore the island’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
What makes Mauritian cuisine so special is its ability to evolve while maintaining deep-rooted traditions. The island’s signature dishes are a testament to how food is an integral part of daily life.
