A day on a Mauritian's plate: local cuisine you need to try

Mauritian cuisine reflects its land and its people: tropical and diverse. Most dishes and culinary traditions are inspired by French, British, African, Indian and Chinese cultures. Within the realm of Mauritian cuisine, elements like ginger, onions, garlic, chili, coriander, rice, fish, seafood, and a variety of spices form an inseparable tapestry of flavours.

The authentic essence of Mauritian cuisine is best savoured in the bustling streets and beloved local eateries of the island. Don't be afraid of street food. The rule of thumb is that the more people there are, the tastier and fresher food will be. In Mauritians, street food is much more than just fast food. Street vendors are an integral part of the island's social fabric. It is a tradition, a way of life.

Embark on a journey to explore the iconic dishes of the island by experiencing a day on a Mauritian's plate.

Breakfast, Mauritian way

In the morning, Mauritians have several options, both savoury and sweet.

The French influence is evident with the omnipresence of bread in Mauritius. Round buns are bought in shops, freshly baked, and spread with butter to become the classic dipain diber.They are then filled with jam, Kraft cheddar cheese, peanut butter, or savoury fried cakes like gato pima (chili cakes).

For Indian flavours in the morning, keep an eye out for street vendors and small stands serving the famous roti and dholl puri. These thin crepes, crafted from wheat flour or beans, are generously stuffed with an array of spiced vegetables, beans, meat or shrimp, and pickles, all neatly rolled.

The day begins with the enjoyment of a hot brew of tea, served in the English tradition with a splash of milk and a smidgen of sugar.

Lunch on the go

Lunch is often enjoyed on the go in Mauritius.

In all the island's snack bars, you will find classic dishes like fried rice or mines, which are fresh noodles stir-fried as mines frit or served in a broth as mines bouillies, with a choice of vegetables, meat, fish, and seafood. You will also find meat, fish, and tofu boulettes (small balls) served with broth.

The Mauritian sandwich will surprise you: known as "pain fourré", small crispy baguettes or round buns are filled with vindaye pwason (Indian-style pickled fish with spices), salmi ourite (octopus in wine sauce), achar (vegetable salad), chop suey poulet, or sauté lefwa (stir-fried liver). 

A craving for local snacks?

Those with a penchant for sweets will delight in Mauritian confections such as napolitains, shortbread cookies brimming with jam, ideally paired with a hot cup of tea for an afternoon indulgence. Also explore the likes of gato arouille, a blend of crisp and tender taro fritters, or poudine maï, a delectable sweet cake crafted from corn flour.

Feeling peckish during cocktail hour? Opt for gajaks, these Mauritian fried appetizers like hakien (fried spring rolls), pima farsi (stuffed chili fritters), Indian samosas, ti baja (chickpea flour fritters), or the Mauritian equivalent of crisps such as moulkou, kaka pizon, and ti pois.

Mauritian, Chinese and Indian flavours for dinner

In the evening, Mauritians gather around the table with their families to enjoy traditional dishes that reflect the island's diverse cultures.

Typically Mauritian, saucy dishes like curry, vindaye, rougail, civet, and salmi are made with fish, chicken, octopus, shrimp, deer, and more. They are served with rice, lentils, and a spicy tomato or vegetable salad.

Fish is widely enjoyed on Mauritian tables, whether it is fried, grilled, or sautéed.

The Chinese influence is found in various dishes such as bol renversé (upside-down bowl), poulet trois merveilles (three wonders chicken), sweet and sour fish, and meefoon noodle soup.

From the Indian influences, you will encounter the famed briani, an aromatic rice dish concealing succulent morsels of meat and potatoes. Additionally, there is halim, a nourishing soup prepared with beans and meat.

Whether it is in a beach shack, around a mobile vendor's scooter, or in an upscale restaurant, you will find all the flavours of the Indian Ocean in Mauritian cuisine.