Fresh seafood
With a fishing ground as rich as the Indian Ocean, it is not surprising that Mauritius is known for its seafood. It features in many menus across the island, from hot Creole red, traditional Chinese dim sum, French-inspired dishes and Indian curries. Exotic catches such as parrotfish, marlin, octopus and sacre chien are the norm here, so this is the opportunity to try them all. Many resorts offer fishing trips, some even in glass-bottom boats, try to catch your dinner with a bamboo rod.
Palm hearts
Palm trees are the ultimate representation of life on the tropical islands. Palm hearts are the cylindrical core of some species of palm trunks that are not only edible but also delicious. This crisp and refreshing vegetable is considered a delicacy and goes particularly well with a smoked marlin salad.
Rum
Although Mauritius has diversified its exports in recent decades, sugarcane remains an essential means of exchange. Visitors can take a guided tour at the Chamarel Rhumerie and distillery which is located in the southwest of Mauritius, and learn about the rum-making process, from planting to bottling. It is recommended to have a designated driver before the samples of Mauritian Rum are distributed.
In the south of the island, the recently opened Rum Shed Resort at Shanti Maurice Resort serves the largest collection of rums on the island: more than 180 varieties from around the world. If you want to create your own, Veranda Resorts, in the north of the island, offers courses as part of its cultural program.
Street Food
One thing you are sure to see when travelling to Mauritius is food stalls in the street. Cheap and spicy foods are available at every turn.
Dhal Puri and Roti
Extremely popular, the Dhal Puri is a combination of seasoned split peas, pickled vegetables and curry beans wrapped in a warm, thin flatbread that should not cost more than 15 rupees. In the same way, Roti includes a flat Indian bread with a curry sauce and possibly meat or fish fillings. Vendors will ask if you prefer to eat with or without chilli.
However, those who have easily flustered taste buds should proceed with chilli with prudence.
Gateaux piments
Among the tempting assortment of taro root fritters, aubergine pakoras and crunchy samosas, there is an even more grilled delicacy: Gateaux Piments. Translated as “chilli cakes”, these spicy lentils and hot chilli dumplings, sometimes served with chilli sauce, can be purchased individually or, preferably, packaged in paper bags as an on-the-go snack. Embrace the grease – you’re on vacation, after all.
Local flavours
Coconut and pineapple
Coconut and pineapple are Mauritian flavours par excellence and basic thirst quenchers that can be found in various forms; Thirsty strollers can buy fresh fruits from beach stalls or enjoy them in their happy marriage: piña colada. If you’re feeling naughty, a pineapple flambéed with coconut ice cream is a decadent boozy dessert using premium Mauritian brown sugar.
Vanilla
Vanilla highly prevails in Mauritian cuisine and can be found in anything from classic crème brûlées to aromatic curries. Bois Chéri vanilla tea is famous throughout the island. Tourists can see how a fresh cup is made and can also have the ultimate tea-tasting experience in the Bois Chéri tea plantation in the south. To get authentic vanilla products from Mauritius, visit the Saint Aubin plantation.
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