to do and see Mauritius

The union of all the cultures that make up Mauritian culture – Indian, French, Chinese, British, Creole – resulted in Mauritius’ street food that has become a huge part of the local tradition – and everyday life.

The truth is that your phone is what you look at when you want to know where to eat. On this island, your 4G may be a little hazy and the best street food comes from tiny stalls that are non-existent according to your Google Maps. It seemed wiser to collect addresses from those in-the-know. We asked the team of Veranda Resorts to list their must-try mauritian street foods.

Classic Favourites You Can’t Miss

Roti Chaud – Mauritius’ Favourite Flatbread

Rotis are undoubtedly a staple of Mauritian cuisine. Stuffed with broad bean curry, a rougail (a tomato-based sauce), brèdes (a lot like cooked spinach), and the ubiquitous green chilli paste, these are popular for breakfast (scout them out on construction sites), or on the go.

Where to eat:

• At Ton Rard (Gerard)’s blue food truck, across from the school in Grand Gaube. Order their roti daube d’ourite, cari la raie or rougaille bétaille.
• Ehsaan Dhallpuri in Goodlands
• Gopal de l’Inde – a vendor on his motorbike who lives in Belle Mare

Dholl Puri – The King of Mauritian Street Food

Street vendors standing alongside their motorcycle on the back of which is attached a glass aquarium filled with a kitsch pink or turquoise plastic food warmer and a few jars of sauces and chilli, can be seen throughout the island. Dholl puris are made with yellow split pea flour and stuffed with a tomato rougail, resulting in a savoury wrap with a touch of chew. They come in pairs, wrapped in “papier cornet.”

Where to eat:

• Ehsaan Dhallpuri in Goodlands
• Dewa in Rose-Hill

Boulettes – Steamed Dumplings in Broth

When most things are closed on Sundays, you can always count on finding an open “boulettes” place – usually in a narrow corridor, nudged between two ramshackle buildings, or under a tree on the beach. The shimmery heartbreakingly delicious, steamed dumplings are served in broth, and topped with chopped spring onion. The Mauritian touch? Chouchou. The chayote squash’s supple texture makes for perfect melt-in-your-mouth boulettes.

Where to eat:

• Ti Couloir in Grand Baie
• Chez Noel in Trou d’Eau Douce
• Ton Pierre and Madame Pung in Trou aux Biches near the old aquarium
• Chez Kim in Mahebourg

Briani – A Fragrant Rice Delight

This carbohydrates-heavy dish is simple and exquisite. The rice at the bottom of the gigantic pan the briani is cooked in has a crunch, while the potato, slow-cooked mutton, chicken or meat give the overall dish a moist bite. Add a spoonful of yogurt raïta for a cooling feel.

Where to eat:

• Briani House in Goodlands
• From Madame Briani’s tricycle in Belle Mare
• Pyramid in Mahebourg

Mine Bouilli – A Comforting Bowl of Boiled Noodles

Simple yet satisfying, mine bouille is the ultimate comfort food in Mauritius. Unlike its stir-fried counterpart, this dish consists of soft-boiled noodles served in a flavourful, lightly seasoned broth. Often topped with sliced omelet, spring onions, soy sauce, and a dash of chili, mine bouille is a go-to for those seeking a warm and filling meal at any time of the day.

Where to eat:

• YOUNGO mo ti baz manzer in Montagne Blanche
• Ajay Snack in Quatre Bornes
• Coin Casse Croute in Mahebourg

Crispy, Fried, and Addictive Snacks

Gato Pima & Samosas – The Ultimate Fried Snacks

These are the most flavourful of the dozens of varieties of these-will-get-your-hands-all-greasy deep-fried gadjaks. Gateaux Piments (repeat after us: ga-toe pee-mah) are fried chilli cakes made from yellow split peas and herbs. Devour them sizzling hot. Samosas, triangle-shaped layered dough stuffed with a vegetable (usually potato and green peas) or minced chicken, do not disappoint.

Where to eat:

• Bahadoor in Goodlands
• Manco in Trou d’Eau Douce

Baja – Crispy Lentil Fritters

A close cousin to gato piment, baja is a deep-fried snack made from gram flour and a blend of spices, giving it a crunchy texture and a bold, savoury flavour. Best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer, baja is often paired with chutneys or served as an accompaniment to a warm bowl of halim.

Where to Eat:

• Bazaar Port Louis
• Bazaar Mahebourg

Gato Arouille – Taro Root Fritters

These golden, crispy fritters made from grated taro root (arouille or gato violette) are a local favourite for their light crunch and subtle sweetness. Often found at roadside stalls, gato arouille is best eaten hot and paired with a dash of chilli sauce for extra flavour. The outer layer is crispy, while the inside remains soft and slightly chewy, making it an irresistible street food snack.

Where to Eat:

• Flacq Market
• Port Louis Street Vendors

Poutou – A Sweet and Steamed Delicacy

A rare yet treasured find, poutou is a traditional Mauritian rice cake with South Indian influences. These cylindrical, steamed treats are made from ground rice, grated coconut, and jaggery, resulting in a slightly chewy texture with a hint of natural sweetness. The coconut gives it an added fragrance, making it an irresistible street-side snack.

Where to eat:

• Port Louis Market
• Bazaar Flacq

Hearty & Savoury Street Food Meals

Mine frit – Mauritian Stir-Fried Noodles

There’s nothing quite like a plate of greasy, sauce-drenched fried noodles. Served with slivered carrots, baby corn, spring onions, a sliced omelette (and chicken as an option), the mine frit is a classic (and a filling one!). Wash it down with a Mirinda blanc. (An overly sweet, vanilla flavoured fizzy drink – a childhood favourite).

Where to eat:

• Ton Snack in Petit Raffray
• Chez Noel in Trou d’Eau Douce
• Ton Pierre and Madame Pung in Trou aux Biches (near the old aquarium)

Halim – A Hearty, Comforting Soup

The steaming, comforting stew is minced meat that has been slow cooked along with pulses, spices and wheat, resulting in a savoury, thick soup that feeds the soul. The dish – an Arab delicacy – is popular among Muslims.

Where to eat:

• Snack Tolle Rouge in Belle Mare

Sweet Treats & Refreshing Drinks

Gateau Patate– The Sweet Potato Pastry You’ll Love

A street food staple at Mauritian fairs and local snack stalls, gateau patate is a deep-fried pastry made from sweet potato dough and filled with coconut and sugar. The golden-brown crust is crisp on the outside while the inside remains soft, with just the right amount of sweetness. Best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea, these little treats bring back nostalgic childhood memories for many Mauritians.

Where to eat:

• Bazaar Quatre Bornes
• Local food stalls in Curepipe

Alouda– Mauritius’ Refreshing Answer to Bubble Tea

A visit to Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without trying alouda, a cold, milky drink made with basil seeds, agar-agar jelly, and vanilla or almond essence. The texture is rich and creamy, with the basil seeds adding a fun, slightly chewy bite. It’s the perfect refreshment on a hot day, often served in tall glasses at markets and street-side kiosks.

Where to drink:

• Alouda Pillay at Port Louis Market
• Bazaar Rose-Hill

Napolitaine – A Buttery, Jam-Filled Delight

A classic Mauritian pastry, napolitaine consists of two shortbread-like biscuits sandwiching a layer of sweet guava or strawberry jam, coated entirely in a smooth pink icing. Buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, napolitaines are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Where to eat:

• Local bakeries around the island

Glacon Rapé – A Childhood Summer Favourite

A refreshing and nostalgic treat, glacon rapé is shaved ice served with colourful syrups in flavours like tamarind, rose, or almond, sometimes with a squeeze of lime for a tangy kick. Perfect for cooling down on a warm day, it’s a street-side delicacy that brings a rush of childhood memories for many Mauritians.

Where to eat:

• Mahebourg Waterfront
• Port Louis Waterfront
• Beaches across the island

Savour the Flavours of Mauritius Street Food

Mauritius’ street food scene is a true reflection of its diverse cultural heritage, blending Indian, Creole, Chinese, and European influences into a unique and flavourful experience. Whether you’re indulging in a freshly made dholl puri, savouring a bowl of comforting halim, or cooling off with a refreshing alouda, each bite tells a story of tradition and local craftsmanship.

The best part? Some of the most delicious finds aren’t on Google Maps but at tiny roadside stalls, bustling markets, and beachside vendors known only to locals. So, next time you’re on the island, follow the enticing aromas, ask for recommendations, and dive into the vibrant world of Mauritian street food—your taste buds will thank you!