Joanna James
Frequently referred to as the "melting pot of flavours," Mauritius provides a diverse range of cuisines. You get food heavily influenced by the Chinese, Indian, African and European heritage. Since it is surrounded by the ocean, seafood is also a staple in the dishes used here. Check these dishes you need to try to experience the best of its varied cuisine.
Global techniques and flavours are inevitably incorporated into the Mauritius cuisine. You get a variety of spices like cardamom, chillies, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry leaves, garlic, ginger, fresh turmeric, mustard seeds, thyme and tomatoes adding flavours to the dishes. Dholl Puri is recognised as the nation’s national dish. It's a savoury, pancake-like treat which is served with heapings of turmeric, yellow split peas, and cumin. The dish is usually served with pickles, mango chutney, or chillies, and the stuffing is usually a delicious butter bean curry. Despite being a common street food, it makes a filling meal or a mouthwatering snack.
Another popular delicacy which can be located at some of the best restaurants in Mauritius is fish or octopus vindaye. Sea bass, tuna or octopus is used as the main ingredient in this dish which is marinated in a mixture made of turmeric, onions, mustard seeds, garlic, and ginger sauce and then fried. Rice or bread usually accompanies this delicacy. Another meal which is unique to this region is the country’s version of the Indian biryani. This meal encompasses seafood, chicken or beef along with spiced rice.
Try including Haleem in your menu to make a filling meal. This delicious soup is made of a variety of meat and is available at high-end restaurants as well as fast-food stands. There are vegetarian varieties of this soup too on offer at many places. Pair this up with your main dish and you will have a fest that is fit for a king!
If you are still on the lookout for delicious main courses, try sinking your teeth into dishes like Mine Frit (fried noodles), Bol Renverse (upside down bowl of fried egg, meat, vegetables and rice), Farata ( Mauritian variety of Indian paratha) and Poutou (sweet rice cakes with grated coconut).
If you are someone who would love to indulge in some foodie adventures seek out some independent restaurants as well as opulent hotels and resorts that offer fine dining. Try Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas which houses a wide variety of restaurants that offer not only local dishes but also seafood delicacies and international treats.
Mauritius’ street food scene is fantastic. You get a range of main dishes as well as ample snacks available at street stalls which are scattered around the city. If you are into Chinese cuisine, try sampling some dim sums (vegetable and meat dumplings). These can be found in all the Chinese eateries on the island. Boulettes are another form of Chinese dumplings which have been made using fish, meat or vegetables. Other snacks to grab on the go include gajak (deep-fried snacks), gateaux piments (Mauritian chilli poppers), and roti chaud (Mauritian flatbread).
If you are craving something sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth, not to worry, Mauritius has a huge choice of sweet delicacies. Pick what goes with your taste from dishes like Poudine Maïs (Mauritian corn pudding), Napolitaine (shortbread sandwich cookie), Jamalac (sweet fruit filled with water) and vermicelli (sweet milk pudding).
Mauritius has its own beer which is titled Phoenix Beer. It is a light alcoholic beverage which can be consumed easily as it is not strong. It is made with a combination of premium ingredients and the purest aquifer water and is smooth, refreshing and crisp. Tea lovers need to try some refreshing vanilla tea here. This is a special blend of milk, black tea, and fresh vanilla pods that are sourced locally. Other beverages you can try include Ti Punch (rum-based mixed drink), and Alouda (Mauritian version of Faluda).
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
