Réunion Island is a hidden gem that blends tropical beauty with a rich cultural mosaic. As a French overseas territory, it retains a distinct European connection while boasting a vibrant mix of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and Malagasy influences.
Street vendors serve up crispy samoussas (Réunionese-style samosas) and fiery rougail saucisse, while beachfront restaurants offer plates of grilled swordfish and tropical fruit-laden desserts. We offer luxury and budget Reunion holiday packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape. Every meal on the island is a celebration of its cultural fusion, with ingredients and techniques borrowed from the many communities that have shaped its history.
The Cultural Tapestry of Réunionese Cuisine
Réunion Island’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of its multicultural history, shaped by centuries of migration and trade.
At the heart of this rich food culture is Creole cuisine, a dynamic blend of French refinement, Indian spices, Chinese techniques, and Malagasy resourcefulness.
Despite these diverse influences, Creole cuisine remains the soul of Réunion’s food culture. It is a cuisine deeply tied to the land, using locally grown vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and exotic fruits to craft comforting yet bold dishes.
Meals are often centered around rice, grains, and proteins—a staple that connects the different culinary heritages. The concept of “métissage” (cultural blending) is not just a historical reality but a defining feature of Réunion’s gastronomy, making it a living, evolving testament to the island’s past and present.
Must-Try Dishes in Réunion
Réunion Island is a paradise for food lovers, offering a diverse array of dishes influenced by French, Creole, Indian, Chinese, and Malagasy traditions.
Cari (Curry)
One of the most iconic dishes of Réunion, Cari (also spelled “Carry”) is a deeply aromatic curry that differs from its Indian or Thai counterparts in both preparation and seasoning. Unlike the heavy, creamy curries of India or the coconut-based curries of Thailand, Réunionese Cari is simpler and lighter, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The base of any good Cari is a slow-cooked blend of turmeric, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, onions, and thyme, giving it a distinct golden hue. The dish is usually prepared in a large pot or wok and served with steamed rice and lentils.
Rougail
A meal in Réunion is incomplete without Rougail, a spicy and tangy Creole condiment that can also be served as a main dish. Rougail is typically a tomato-based salsa, but its versatility allows for a variety of delicious versions. It is a staple accompaniment to rice and curry, adding an extra kick of heat and acidity.
Samoussas and Bonbons Piments
Réunion’s street food culture is a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Creole influences, and nowhere is this more evident than in its popular samoussas and bonbons piments.
Inspired by Indian samosas, these crispy, deep-fried pastries are filled with spiced meats, fish, vegetables, or cheese. They are widely available at street stalls and markets, offering a quick, delicious snack.
Spicy lentil fritters, made from ground split peas, garlic, ginger, and chili, are often compared to falafel but with a distinct Creole twist. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and best enjoyed hot.
Seafood Specialties
Being an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Réunion has no shortage of fresh seafood, prepared in both Creole and French styles. Whether grilled, stewed, or served raw, seafood lovers will find plenty to indulge in.
Must-try seafood dishes include:
- Grilled Swordfish (Espadon Grillé) – Often served with a side of rice and a zesty lemon-butter sauce.
- Octopus Stew (Civet Zourite) – A slow-cooked octopus dish simmered in red wine and spices, similar to a French ragout.
- Tuna Tartare – A nod to the island’s French influence, this dish features fresh raw tuna marinated in citrus and spices.
Many seafood dishes are best enjoyed at beachside restaurants, where diners can watch the sunset while savouring the flavours of the ocean.
Bouchons
A delightful remnant of the Chinese migration to Réunion, bouchons are small steamed dumplings filled with pork or chicken. Similar to Chinese siu mai, they are often eaten as a snack, served with soy sauce and chili paste, or even tucked inside a baguette to make a “pain bouchon” sandwich.
Popular in both casual eateries and roadside stalls, bouchons are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the Chinese influence on Réunion’s cuisine.
Iconic Desserts and Sweets
No exploration of Réunionese cuisine is complete without indulging in its delightful desserts and sweet treats.
Influenced by French pastry traditions, Creole home baking, and an abundance of tropical fruits, Réunion’s sweets offer a perfect balance of comforting flavours and exotic ingredients. From rich cakes to infused rums and fresh fruits, these iconic desserts showcase the island’s sweet side in the most delicious way.
Gateau Patate (Sweet Potato Cake)
A true Réunionese classic, Gateau Patate is a dense, moist cake made from mashed sweet potatoes, vanilla, and a hint of rum. Unlike traditional flour-based cakes, this dish has a smooth, pudding-like texture, making it incredibly rich and satisfying.
The secret to its unique flavour lies in the sweet potatoes grown on the island, which lend a natural sweetness and velvety consistency to the cake. The addition of vanilla, a prized local ingredient, elevates the aroma, while dark rum brings warmth and depth to the flavour. Some variations also include grated coconut or cinnamon for extra richness.
Flavoured Rum and Tropical Fruits
One of the most beloved traditions on the island is the preparation of Rhum Arrangé, a flavoured rum that is both a drink and a dessert in its own right. Unlike regular rum, Rhum Arrangé is infused with local ingredients.
Rhum Arrangé is often homemade, with each family or restaurant having its own secret recipe. It is left to mature for weeks or even months, allowing the flavours to meld together. Served as a digestif after meals, this spiced, fruity rum is a must-try for visitors looking to experience Réunion’s Creole heritage in a glass.
Beyond rum, the island’s tropical fruit scene is a treat on its own. Fresh mangos, lychees, passionfruits, guavas, pineapples, and bananas are enjoyed plain, in fruit salads, or blended into refreshing sorbets and juices. Their natural sweetness and vibrant flavours make them a healthy and delicious way to end a meal.
Créole Pastries and Cakes
Réunion’s baking culture is a delightful mix of French patisserie techniques and Creole creativity. Local bakeries serve up a variety of cakes, puddings, and pastries, often using corn, coconut, and tropical flavours to give them a distinct island twist.
Popular Créole desserts include:
- Gateau Ti Son (Corn Flour Cake) – A simple but delicious cornmeal cake, traditionally sweetened with honey or brown sugar and sometimes flavoured with vanilla or citrus zest.
- Poudine Maïs (Corn Pudding) – A comforting, soft pudding made from corn flour, coconut milk, and sugar, often baked until golden and slightly caramelized.
- French-inspired pastries – From buttery croissants to fruit tarts and éclairs, Réunionese bakeries offer classic French treats, sometimes with a tropical touch like pineapple, guava, or coconut fillings.
Best Places to Experience Réunionese Cuisine
Réunion’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as its landscapes, and there are plenty of incredible places to immerse yourself in the island’s unique flavours.
Traditional Creole Table d’Hôtes
For an authentic, home-style experience, visitors should seek out Table d’Hôtes, family-run guesthouses and small restaurants that offer traditional Creole meals in a cozy, intimate setting.
These establishments often serve set menus, featuring classic dishes like Cari Poulet (Chicken Curry), Rougail Saucisse (Sausage Rougail), and freshly caught seafood.
Dining at a Table d’Hôte allows guests to connect with locals, hear stories about the island’s culinary traditions, and enjoy meals prepared with time-honoured recipes. These meals are cooked with love, often using ingredients from the household garden or local markets.
A meal at a Table d’Hôte is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the heart of Réunion’s food culture, away from tourist hotspots.
Bustling Food Markets
For a lively, sensory experience, Réunion’s local markets are the best places to sample Creole flavours, buy fresh produce, and try street food specialties. These markets offer a kaleidoscope of aromas and colours, with vendors selling everything from spices and exotic fruits to samoussas and bonbons piments.
Markets are the best spots to experience the true flavours of Réunion, mingle with locals, and bring home spices, vanilla, and preserves as souvenirs.
Beachfront Restaurants and Seafood Shacks
Nothing beats dining by the ocean, enjoying the freshest seafood while listening to the waves. Réunion is home to some fantastic beachfront restaurants and seafood shacks, many of which are located near luxury resorts offering stunning views. These establishments serve grilled swordfish, octopus stew, and tuna tartare, paired with fine wines or exotic cocktails.
Le Dina Morgabine Saint Gilles & Le Dina Morgabine Saint Denis
- Le D.C.P (Saint-Gilles-les-Bains) – Specializes in ultra-fresh, locally caught tuna and swordfish. The tuna tartare and seared fish platters are must-tries.
- La Marmite (Saint-Denis) – A great spot for traditional Creole cuisine, including Cari Camaron and grilled meats.
Le Saint Pierre & La Villa Delisle
- Le Jardin de l’Etat (Saint-Pierre) – A charming open-air restaurant known for its Creole seafood and tropical fruit desserts.
- Le Vieux Port (Saint-Pierre) – Perfect for seafood lovers, offering grilled lobster, fresh oysters, and octopus civet.
Iloha Seaview Hotel
- Kotémer (Saint-Leu) – This seaside restaurant at Iloha Seaview Hotel serves elegant Creole and French fusion dishes, with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
Le Ness by D-Ocean & Le Saint Alexis
- La Terrasse du Saint Alexis (Saint-Gilles-les-Bains) – Offers a fine-dining experience with a menu that highlights Réunion’s seafood and Creole flavours, all with an ocean view.
Le Blue Margouillat
Le Blue Margouillat Restaurant (Saint-Leu) – One of Réunion’s best gourmet restaurants, serving modern Creole cuisine with an artistic touch. Expect dishes like civet zourite (octopus stew) and foie gras with tropical fruit compote.
Palm Hotel & Spa & Le Diana Dea Lodge
- Le Makassar (Petite-Île) – A refined, contemporary restaurant serving dishes inspired by both Creole and French gastronomy. The grilled seafood and seasonal fruit-based desserts are a must-try.
- L’Atelier des Saveurs (Sainte-Anne) – Nestled near the beautiful Diana Dea Lodge, this restaurant is a hidden gem for high-end Creole cuisine.
Cooking Classes and Food Tours
For travellers who want to go beyond just tasting Réunionese cuisine and truly immerse themselves in its culinary culture, cooking classes and food tours offer an exciting, hands-on experience.
Cooking classes in Réunion are a fantastic way to master the island’s most iconic dishes, particularly Cari (Réunionese curry) and Rougail (spicy Creole condiment). These classes are often hosted by local chefs, Creole home cooks, or at guesthouses, allowing visitors to experience authentic island cooking.
Participants will:
- Visit local markets to pick fresh ingredients like turmeric, ginger, tomatoes, and Creole sausages.
- Learn traditional spice-blending techniques that give Réunionese dishes their distinctive depth.
- Cook a full Creole meal, often consisting of Cari Poulet, Rougail Saucisse, lentils, and rice.
- Enjoy a homemade feast, sometimes paired with Rhum Arrangé or fresh tropical juices.
These classes not only teach valuable cooking skills but also offer a chance to connect with locals and gain insight into the island’s food culture.
Conclusion
Réunionese cuisine is a melting pot shaped by centuries of migration and local innovation. From the aromatic spices of Indian curries to the smoky flavours of Creole rougail, every dish tells a story of the island’s diverse heritage.
The bold use of turmeric, ginger, chili, and vanilla, combined with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and hearty stews, creates an unforgettable dining experience that is both comforting and exciting.
