The Top 10 Mauritius Foods and Drinks You Must Try
The island nation of Mauritius is famed worldwide for its breathtaking beauty, embellished with shimmering beaches, colourful reefs, verdant greenery, and crystal clear lagoons. But did you know that Mauritius foods are as popular as the country’s unmatched natural beauty? The very cuisine of Mauritius is an enchanting blend of African, Chinese, Indian, and French influences, resulting in a style unique to the country. It’s what makes Mauritius food so fantastic!
Inevitably, you will find food in Mauritius infused with global techniques and flavours, such as rice-and-noodle platters from parts of Asia, mouth-watering pastries from Europe, and creamy curries laden with a Creole touch. These qualities make food from Mauritius one-of-a kind, and a must-experience on Mauritian family holidays. Besides trying traditional food in Mauritius, travellers are advised to also down some of the most popular Mauritius drinks, taking their gastronomic adventure to a whole new level!
To make eating in Mauritius more fun and hassle-free, the following guide outlines the must-have food and drinks in the scenic island nation. It also incorporates a helpful list of the best restaurants in Mauritius to head to during your visit.
What to Eat in Mauritius
Expect to find food in Mauritius heavily laden with a wide array of spices, more specifically the Creole-inspired delicacies with an offbeat take on classic European favourites. Here's what you can begin your food journey in Mauritius with:
1. Fish or Octopus Vindaye
Arguably the most popular Mauritius food, this pickled seafood delicacy can be found
practically everywhere on the island. The delectable and fragrant dish uses fish such as
tuna or sea bass, or octopus, packing a powerful punch with a tangy taste. Typically,
the meat is fried in ingredients like mustard seeds, turmeric, onions, garlic, and
ginger sauce. It is usually served with fresh slices of bread or rice, and many locals
eat this for a light lunch.
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2. Dholl Puri
Acclaimed as the national dish, Dholl Puri is what will help you experience the most
authentic flavour of Mauritius. It is a delicious savoury pancake-like delicacy,
featuring cumin, round yellow split peas, and turmeric in generous portions. The
stuffing is typically a lip-smacking butter bean curry, and the dish is served alongside
chillies, pickles, or a mango chutney. Although a popular street food, it can be
savoured as a snack or a whole meal.
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3. Mauritius Curry
Trying a Mauritius curry is an absolute must on your holiday, as this quintessential
dish will reveal more about the local flavours than anything else. Mauritian curries are
famed for their incredible and rich flavour, typically featuring Creole-centric spices,
chilli, and ginger, among other key ingredients. Seafood lovers can pick an aromatic
fish, shrimp, or octopus curry, served alongside a generous mound of hot piping rice.
You can also opt for chicken or goat curry in Mauritius.
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4. Boulet
Boulettes are an integral part of Mauritius traditional food, found everywhere on the
island. These are steamed dumplings that look very similar to the Chinese dim sum, and
are made using chayote (a type of squash). The filling typically consists of fresh
chicken, fish, beef, or vegetables mixed thoroughly with several spices and herbs. These
are cooked in a delicate chilli broth for a specific amount of time, after which the
dish is served as a thick soup. It’s a great dish to try on your all inclusive holidays to Mauritius.
5. Mauritian Biryani
A hugely popular Mauritian dish, Biryani is the island nation's take on one of the
most popular dishes in India. It features chicken, beef, or seafood, and a massive list
of spices for the marinade and the flavoured rice. Fried onions and potatoes are added
to the mx and it is slow-cooked over several hours. The Mauritian version uses a
modified spice mix to better suit the local palate. The dish pairs well with a tamarind
and chilli sauce or a carrot and cucumber salad.
6. Mine Frit
Another popular street food, Mine Frit is a fried noodle dish crucial to Mauritius
cuisine. Although typically a Chinese delicacy, the Mauritian variant uses local
flavours and techniques to make the dish unique. The process to make it is simple
enough, with the very basic version including frying the noodles in a massive wok with
some cabbage, carrots, and other desired vegetables. Any choice of meat can be added to
it, from shrimp and chicken to red meat. The seasoning consists of a range of sauces,
salt, pepper, and other spices, with a fried egg-strip garnish.
7. Heart of Palm Salad
Perhaps the most popular and costliest food from Mauritius, this delectable dish is
also famously called the "Millionaire's Salad" owing to the sky-high cost of its key
ingredients. It features the inner buds (or the heart) of a palm tree, which must be at
least seven years old. The arm-sized tube found inside the trunk of the tree is then
sliced and relished as a starter, or in this case, a salad. The salad incorporates an
array of fresh seafood served with a sauce rouge.
8. Haleem
Among the most delectable dishes, Haleem is a must-try food of Mauritius. It is a
spicy soup made using prime lamb, chicken, or other meats, found everywhere from popular
restaurants to street food joints. There is also a vegetarian variant of the dish,
making it easier for those with special dietary needs to enjoy this classic item with a
Mauritian twist. You can eat this as a snack or a meal, since it can be very filling.
9. Bol Renverse
Literally translated, Bol Renverse means an "upside down bowl" and is one of the
heartiest of Mauritian meals to enjoy on your cheap holiday to the island nation. Available widely
across Mauritius, the dish consists primarily of three key layers, beginning like this:
fried egg, stir-fried seafood or chicken with vegetables, and boiled rice. So, when the
dish is prepared, the egg is placed first, after which go the other layers as listed
here. However, the bowl is turned upside down before serving, featuring the egg at the
top.
10. Poutou
These deliciously sweet rice cakes with grated coconut are among the topmost must-try
Mauritius foods for dessert lovers visiting the region. The aroma itself will make you
hungry, with countless food stalls and restaurants serving hot poutos throughout the
day. You can have these anytime of the day, but enjoying them post-meal will leave a
great aftertaste. A traditional delicacy, it is unique in flavour and will leave you
wanting more for sure!
Popular Drinks in Mauritius
In addition to enjoying traditional food in Mauritius, take a bit of time to sample some of the most popular drinks Mauritius has to offer. There is no shortage of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the region, and you can pick whichever suits you best. Top must-try options include:
1. Phoenix Beer
Phoenix beer is the commonest and arguably the most delicious choice of beer and
pairs excellently with a wide variety of Mauritius foods. Mauritius' very own brand, it
is largely exported to regions in Australia, Europe, Madagascar, and Reunion Island. The
light-bodied pale lager is the celebrated national beer of the island nation, and is
brewed using the purest aquifer water alongside a mix of the top-most quality
ingredients. As such, it is crisp, smooth, and refreshing.
2. Rhum Arrangé
One of the most sought-after Mauritius drinks, Rhum Arrangé is an absolute treat to
enjoy, perfect for winding up an exciting and exhausting day of sightseeing. It is a
popular rum-based drink which is sweetened using star anise, cinnamon, or dried fruit.
Usually served as a digestif post meals, it is distilled using fresh sugarcane.
Originally from the French Caribbean islands, this specific type of rum was introduced
to Mauritius and the other Indian Ocean islands during French occupation.
3. Vanilla Tea
When it comes to non-alcoholic Mauritian drinks, Vanilla tea is among the top ones
that comes to mind. This is a unique concoction featuring milk, black tea, and locally
sourced fresh vanilla pods. The beverage is remarkably refreshing, and can be enjoyed
throughout the day. You can have this in any restaurant or café in Mauritius.
4. Ti Punch
A favourite drink for many locals, Ti Punch is primarily a cocktail famous in the
Caribbean. It is made using sugar cane syrup (or brown sugar), Rhum agricole, and fresh
lime. The flavour-packed drink majorly allows the rum to dominate the other ingredients,
ensuring you are left with a fantastic feeling afterward. It is popular across the
island, woven into the very cultural fabric of Mauritius. It’s a great drink to enjoy on
adults only holidays to Mauritius.
5. Alouda
Another variant of a popular Indian drink, the Alouda is a unique Mauritian take on
the Faluda. Typically, pink or green in colour, it pairs well with any Mauritius cuisine
and is made by dissolving basil leaves, agar agar, and milk with special essence. Topped
off with a scoop of ice cream, this utterly delicious dish can be enjoyed in three major
flavours, almond, strawberry, and vanilla. It's especially great to enjoy during summer
breaks to Mauritius.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Mauritius
Eating in Mauritius is most enjoyable when you pick the right places to dine at. Take a quick look at some of the best restaurants in Mauritius, wherein you can try stunning Mauritius foods. It will make your trip memorable indeed!
1. Le Pescatore
Besides serving the tastiest food in Mauritius, Le Pescatore offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean owing to its strategic location on the scenic north-western coast. Guests have the option to sit out on the veranda and enjoy hearty meals accompanied with equally delectable drinks, all the while soaking in breathtaking sights of the setting sun over crystal blue waters. You can pick any Mauritian dish you want from a vast menu, which also has some French-inspired creations. Popular things to try here include the yellowfin tuna, foie gras, and seafood risotto, all made using the freshest possible ingredients. These are great items to enjoy on a beach holiday to the region.
2. Escale Creole
Doubtless one of the best Mauritius restaurants, Escale Creole is located in the very heart of the island and boasts producing some of the most delicious and authentic food of Mauritius. featuring a strong sense of home-cooked meals, the restaurant offers flavourful dishes such as chicken curry with steaming rice or flatbread, a rich sausage stew, and fresh salted fish grilled without a blemish. The pleasant décor and a relaxed ambience make dining here one of the best experiences when visiting Mauritius.
3. One&Only Le Saint Geran
A five-star beachfront resort offering 5 on-site restaurants to choose from, the One&Only Le Saint Geran is a fantastic place to gorge on popular Mauritius traditional food prepared to perfection. If you head to La Pointe, you will have the chance to enjoy watching expert chefs roasting fresh catch of the morning over firewood. Invariably, you can expect an extensive menu featuring a variety of seafood items, alongside an amazing selection or the best Mauritian drinks.
4. Le Château de Bel Ombre
Le Château de Bel Ombre is the ideal Mauritian restaurant for a romantic dinner with your beloved. Perched in a majestically restored colonial structure, the restaurant offers an amazing insight into the region's rich past. In addition to the fabulous interiors, the building is surrounded by verdant gardens and a mesmerising water feature. Guests can take a quick post or pre-Mauritian meals stroll through scenic landscaped gardens.
5. Tables d’hôtes
For the uninitiated, Tables d’hôtes is actually a much-celebrated local tradition wherein people gather in a special restaurant or even at the home of their host. In simple swords, it's more of a private dinner feast, the amicable event bringing loved ones closer together so they can bond over great food. The sumptuous menu is thoroughly enjoyed, featuring a range of traditional food in Mauritius, each highlighting the heritage of this incredible nation. It's the most authentic way to savour the cuisine of Mauritius.
Wrapping Up
Enjoying the topmost Mauritius foods is the key to having the most fulfilling holiday in this gorgeous island nation. Mauritius cuisine is colourful, delectable, and affordable, making it easy to enjoy typical, authentic Mauritian meals during your trip. The accompaniment of delicious drinks is what makes eating in Mauritius more fun! Doubtless, you will remember the unmatched, delicious food from Mauritius long after your trip.
Remember that while traditional food in Mauritius is an absolute must-try, also ensure to try the most popular and best Mauritius restaurants unafraid to experiment with multiple global influences. So, keep these things in mind and come enjoy the most authentic flavour of Mauritius like never before!