Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, has a rich culinary scene with African, Indian, Chinese and European influences. As the country celebrates 55 years of independence, Expat.com tours Mauritius' most popular dishes.
About Mauritian cuisine
Because of its colonial past, Mauritian cuisine has been influenced by the different people who have settled in the island throughout the years: colonizers, mainly from the European continent, enslaved people from Africa and India, and indentured laborers - an exploitative form of labor set up after slavery - mainly from India.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mauritian cuisine is its use of spices making for dishes that are both flavourful and aromatic. From the fiery heat of chillies to the warm sweetness of cinnamon, the spices used in Mauritian cuisine add depth and complexity to every dish.
The most delicious dishes in Mauritius
Dholl puri: A popular street food
Dholl Puri is a, if not the most popular street food in Mauritius, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. It is a flatbread made from ground yellow split peas, filled with a tasty mixture of curried vegetables and served with chutney. Dholl Puri is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Mauritius. It can be found at street vendors around the island.
Fish Vindaye: A tasty seafood dish
Fish Vindaye is a popular dish found on many restaurant menus in Mauritius. The dish consists of fish that has been marinated in a mixture of turmeric, mustard seeds, garlic and chillies, then sautéed with onions and served with rice. The spices used in the marinade give the fish a tangy, slightly sour flavor, unique to Mauritius.
Gato pima: A spicy fritter
Gato pima, also known as chili fritter, is a popular snack in Mauritius, made of ground split peas, chillies and spices. The whole thing is shaped into a small ball which is then fried until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A spicy and tasty snack that can be found in street vendors and markets around the island.
Cari Ourite: A must-try seafood dish
This is a seafood dish that anyone visiting Mauritius must try. The dish consists of tender pieces of octopus that have been simmered in a spicy tomato sauce and served with rice. The octopus is cooked to perfection, with a tender texture that is both satisfying and delicious. The spices used in the sauce give the dish a rich and complex flavour that is sure to please any palate.
Rougaille: A tomato-based dish
Rougaille is a tomato-based dish found on many restaurant menus in Mauritius. The dish consists of tomatoes, onions, garlic and a variety of spices, which are simmered together to create a thick and flavourful sauce. Rougaille can be served with a variety of meats and seafood, but is most often paired with chicken or fish.
Samoussa: A popular snack in Mauritius.
Samoussas are a popular snack in Mauritius that can be found in street vendors and markets around the island. It is a crunchy pastry filled with a tasty mixture of potatoes, peas and spices. Samoussas are a delicious and filling snack that can be enjoyed on the go.
Alouda: A refreshing summer drink.
Alouda is a refreshing summer drink that is popular in Mauritius. The drink consists of milk, basil seeds, agar agar and flavored syrup, which are blended together to create a smooth and creamy drink. Alouda is perfect for hot summer days, and can be found in many restaurants and street vendors on the island.
