Seychelles Cuisine: Exploring the Most Delicious Regional Dishes

With the vast Indian Ocean at its disposal, fish is a staple in Seychellois cuisine, and the Fish Curry, known locally as Kari Zourit, is a beloved dish. Typically made with fresh catch like kingfish or red snapper, the fish is simmered in a fragrant sauce of coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and an array of spices, including turmeric and cumin. The result is a creamy and aromatic curry that's often served with rice, lentils, and pickled vegetables.

For those with a sweet tooth, Ladob is a must-try dessert in the Seychelles. The star of Ladob is the ripe plantains or breadfruit. These fruits, when perfectly ripened, offer a natural sweetness that is the foundation of the dessert. They are typically sliced and cooked until tender, allowing their sugars to caramelize and infuse the dish with a rich, sugary flavour. Coconut milk, a staple in Seychellois cuisine, is the magical ingredient that transforms Ladob into a creamy and dreamy dessert. It adds a luscious, velvety texture to the dish and complements the natural sweetness of the fruit with its slightly nutty and tropical flavour. The result is a creamy, caramelized delight that perfectly balances the richness of coconut with the sweetness of tropical fruit.

Octopus curry is a popular dish in Seychellois cuisine. Making the octopus tender is the key to making a delicious curry, and this can be done by using a mallet and marinating it with spices, lime and herbs. The octopus is simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-based sauce infused with an array of spices, including ginger, garlic, lemongrass, turmeric, and a hint of a fiery chilli. These spices not only add depth and complexity to the dish but also infuse it with the warmth and vibrancy of the Seychellois culture.

Given its coastal location, Seychelles is a seafood lover's paradise, and Grilled Fish, or Grilé, showcases the island's fresh catch. The fish is seasoned with a blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and often served with a side of chutney or salad. The dish is popular among all the islands in the Seychelles, and you can find it at several restaurants in Mahe, and even at properties like Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas. The simplicity of this dish allows the natural flavours of the fish to shine.

Breadfruit chips are an immensely popular snack and side dish in Seychellois cuisine. They are a testament to the island's culinary creativity and the ample availability of local ingredients. Breadfruit, a starchy tropical fruit with a texture akin to potatoes, is abundant in the Seychelles and serves as the key ingredient in this delicious snack. The fruit's mild flavour and unique texture make it the perfect candidate for transforming into crispy, golden chips.