In Mauritius, “Street Food” has always been a part of the local culinary landscape. However, it’s not just about the flavors. Symbolic, the multicultural cuisine of this small paradise reflects the sharing, harmony of its people, and the island’s soul.
For a rich and emotional experience, we offer you our guide to Mauritian street food—let us know what you think!
Mauritian Snacks
It’s hard to resist the small dishes that have built the reputation of Mauritius. Let’s admit it, the snacks offered by Mauritians are both simple, inventive, and flavorful. If you’re a fan of street food, you can start your culinary experience with snacks garnished with revisited sauces, packed with great flavors:
- Fried cakes: Fritters available in different names and forms, including the must-try gâteaux piments (chili cakes), samosas, fried bread, taro cakes…
- Boiled peanuts: Peanuts boiled in salted water, sold in paper bags, often in bus stations and public buses.
- Dumplings: Steamed meat, fish, or vegetable dumplings served in a flavorful broth, seasoned with soy sauce, hot sauce, or garlic sauce.
- Pow: A small steamed Chinese bun filled with marinated chicken, often dipped in soy sauce.
Main Dishes
Sometimes spicy, sometimes smoky, sometimes creamy, the most renowned main dishes of the island can easily be found in towns and villages. You’ll be fascinated by the different ethnic combinations stemming from Mauritian Creole cuisine: French, Chinese, Italian, Indian, African, and more.
- Kebab: Also called shawarma, the Mauritian kebab is a sandwich stuffed with grilled chicken, garnished with raw vegetables, onions, and various sauces.
- Roti and Dholl Puri: Savory crepes, one made from wheat flour, the other from dry grains (dholl), often with a vegetarian filling (curry, greens, rougaille sauce).
- Boiled/ Fried Noodles: Noodles cooked in broth or stir-fried, accompanied by beef, chicken, eggs, or vegetables.
- Stuffed Bread: Sandwich with sauces inspired by Mauritian dishes like fish vindaye, three-delight chicken, or beef with oyster sauce.
- Biryani: Pronounced “briyani,” a spicy rice dish with potatoes and chicken, lamb, or vegetables, served with a raw vegetable salad and tamarind sauce.
- Halim: A spiced soup made from legumes, lamb, or beef, sprinkled with herbs. A drop of lemon or vinegar is added before eating to soften the strong flavor of the spices.
Sweet Treats
Desserts do more than just satisfy a sweet tooth—they also contribute to our emotional well-being. In short, skipping dessert isn’t always a good idea. So why not explore the options available to you and end your meal on a sweeter note?
- Candied fruits: Soaked in water, salt, and chili, candied fruits have a sweet, sour, and spicy taste.
- Fresh fruits: Pineapples and coconuts are sold on the beaches, ready to be enjoyed. Along the roadside, vendors sell other varieties of fruits at their stalls.
- Calamindas: A cousin to cotton candy, “calamindas” are becoming rarer in the Mauritian culinary scene but can still be found in cities or certain markets.
- Napolitaine: A biscuit made of shortcrust pastry and a pink glaze, with guava jam in the middle.
- Shaved Ice: A sorbet made from crushed ice flavored with a syrup of your choice. This vintage treat is making a comeback on the country’s beaches.
- Gulab Jamun: Originating from India, it’s a semolina doughnut flavored with cardamom and soaked in syrup. It’s just one of many Indian sweets.
- Poutou: A rice cake made with coconut, milk, and vanilla, often found in the windows of old shops alongside other Chinese pastries.
Refreshments
To complete the discovery and enjoyment of your culinary journey, we offer a few local refreshments:
- Coconut water: Found on the beach and from fruit vendors, coconuts are usually opened before your eyes and consumed directly from the fruit. The coconut is then split open to enjoy the cream and pieces inside.
- Alouda: A drink made with milk, sugar, tukmaria seeds (basil seeds), agar-agar, vanilla or almond extract, and food coloring. You’ll easily find it at the Port-Louis market.
- Bwar frais: A Creole expression meaning “fresh drink.” It’s usually a lemonade or syrup with water, sold by the glass.
- Sugarcane juice: Rich in carbohydrates, sugarcane juice is known for its refreshing effects and sweet taste.
The Best Street Food Spots in the North
Explore the north of Mauritius island and its villages in search of the best street food:
- Chinese shop in Trou aux Biches for dumplings, noodles, and roast eggs
- Atma’s Green Cart in the center of Grand Baie for “rotis” and fried treats
- Ti Kouloir for dumplings and noodles (located behind Sunset Boulevard)
- The Muslim Quarter around the mosque of Grand Baie for kebabs and bryanis
- Pereybere Beach for kebabs, “rotis” and fried snacks, coconuts, pineapples, candied fruits
- Mon Choisy Beach with food trucks that are even listed in the Guide du Routard
The Best Street Food Spots in the Capital
If you’re a foodie, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in the heart of Port-Louis. Mauritius has so much to offer travelers, whether it’s for spices or local specialties. So, why be picky?
For an exciting adventure, head to Chinatown to discover Sino-Mauritian dishes like dumplings, bol renversé, sweet and sour fish, boiled noodles, fried noodles, and more. You’ll be amazed by the variety of sauces that make Chinese cuisine a true delight!
If you’re feeling more daring, we suggest trying the multiple flavors of biryani (briyani). This spicy dish is made with chicken, beef, fish, or venison (during the season) at Nafy Snack, located near the Saint Louis Cathedral.
For those who prefer to venture through the streets of the capital at night, Plaine Verte offers the full “Street Food” experience. You’ll encounter a wide variety of foods: tikka bread, kebabs, biryani, dumplings, halim, grilled chicken or lamb, pancakes, ice creams.
You’ll be charmed by the food, the vibrant setting, and the amazing atmosphere of these places.
Tips Before Eating Street Food in Mauritius
- Dishes that are too spicy can be risky if you’re not used to them, and an excess of grease can cause discomfort. Eat wisely!
- Withdraw cash if you plan on buying street food in Mauritius, as vendors don’t always accept credit cards.
- If you have doubts, spot the busiest places. It usually means customers are satisfied and return for more.
- Hygiene is essential, so ensure the vendor wears gloves and uses clean utensils. Their workspace should also appear clean.
A Culinary Stay in Mauritius
Mauritius doesn’t just offer delicious food—it embraces a welcoming and charming culture for both visitors and those who wish to settle. At Veranda Resorts, you’ll not only be warmly welcomed but also guided throughout your stay.
Building strong connections with the different communities through local gastronomy can lead to extraordinary culinary experiences, seasoned with various flavors to awaken your senses.
For a successful Mauritius vacations, discover this typically Mauritian heritage that Veranda Resorts aims to highlight. Let yourself be surprised by the beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse cuisines!
