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Eating Out in Mauritius: Recommendations for Every Meal

Mauritius, a tropical paradise located in the Indian Ocean, is not only known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters but also for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to explore the local flavors, Mauritius offers a wide range of dining options for every meal. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, here are some recommendations to satisfy your taste buds during your visit to this beautiful island.

Breakfast

Start your day with a delightful breakfast experience in Mauritius. Many hotels and resorts offer breakfast buffets with a variety of options to choose from. Indulge in a traditional Mauritian breakfast consisting of “dholl puri” (flatbread filled with yellow split peas) or “gateau piment” (chili cakes) served with chutney. You can also enjoy fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya.

• Le Café des Arts: Located in Curepipe, this charming café offers a cozy atmosphere and a delicious breakfast menu. Try their homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
• La Belle Creole: Situated in Grand Baie, this restaurant serves a wide range of breakfast options, including omelettes, pancakes, and croissants. Don’t miss their signature “pain perdu” (French toast).
• The Boathouse: Enjoy a waterfront breakfast at The Boathouse in Black River. Their menu features both continental and Mauritian breakfast dishes, with stunning views of the ocean.

Lunch

For lunch, explore the local street food scene or opt for a beachfront restaurant offering seafood specialties. Mauritius is famous for its “dholl puri,” a popular street food dish, and “boulettes” (dumplings) served with a flavorful broth. If you’re a seafood lover, indulge in freshly caught fish, prawns, or lobster.

• Port Louis Central Market: Located in the capital city, Port Louis, this bustling market is a food lover’s paradise. Explore the various food stalls offering local delicacies like “roti” (Indian bread), “samoussas” (deep-fried pastries), and “farata” (flatbread).
• Le Capitaine: Situated in Flic en Flac, this beachfront restaurant specializes in seafood dishes. Try their grilled fish served with rice and vegetables, accompanied by breathtaking ocean views.
• Grand Baie Bazaar: This vibrant market in Grand Baie is known for its street food stalls. Sample the mouthwatering “boulettes” and “dholl puri” served with various chutneys and pickles.

Afternoon Tea

Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea experience while in Mauritius. Many hotels and tea houses offer high tea with a Mauritian twist. Sip on freshly brewed tea or enjoy a cup of “Alouda,” a popular local drink made with milk, basil seeds, and vanilla.

• Château de Labourdonnais: Located in Mapou, this historic estate offers a delightful afternoon tea experience in a picturesque setting. Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and scones accompanied by their signature teas.
• Le Saint Aubin: Situated in Rivière des Anguilles, this colonial-style estate is known for its tea production. Take a guided tour of the tea plantation and indulge in a refreshing afternoon tea with homemade jams and pastries.
• La Maison d’Eureka: Visit this 19th-century Creole mansion in Moka and experience a unique afternoon tea in a charming setting. Savor a variety of teas and homemade treats while admiring the beautiful gardens.

Dinner

For dinner, Mauritius offers a diverse range of dining options, from local Creole cuisine to international flavors. Explore the local markets or dine at upscale restaurants offering fusion dishes and gourmet creations.

• Le Château de Bel Ombre: Located in Bel Ombre, this elegant restaurant is set in a colonial mansion surrounded by lush gardens. Indulge in a fine dining experience with a menu featuring French and Mauritian specialties.
• Domaine Anna: Situated in Flic en Flac, this charming restaurant offers a blend of Mauritian and Mediterranean flavors. Try their seafood platter or their signature “rougaille” (a spicy tomato-based dish) with your choice of meat or fish.
• Le Fangourin: Visit this restaurant in Chamarel, nestled in the heart of a sugar cane plantation. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience with a menu showcasing local ingredients and traditional Mauritian recipes.

Image 1: Mauritius

Evening Snacks

After a long day of exploring, satisfy your hunger with some delicious evening snacks. Mauritius offers a variety of street food options and local snacks that are perfect for a quick bite.

• Gajak: These deep-fried fritters made with split peas and spices are a popular snack in Mauritius. Enjoy them with a side of chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
• Samosas: These crispy pastry triangles filled with spiced vegetables or meat are a must-try snack. Pair them with a cup of Mauritian chai for a delightful combination.
• Pain Bouchon: This savory snack is a local favorite. It consists of a small bun filled with a variety of fillings like chicken, tuna, or cheese.

Street Food Markets

Immerse yourself in the vibrant street food culture of Mauritius by visiting one of the many street food markets. These markets offer a wide array of local delicacies and are a great way to experience the authentic flavors of the island.

• Quatre Bornes Market: Located in Quatre Bornes, this market is known for its diverse food stalls. Try the “roti chaud” (hot roti) filled with various fillings like curry, chutney, and pickles.
• Mahebourg Waterfront: Explore the street food scene at the Mahebourg Waterfront, where you can find a variety of snacks like “gateau aubergine” (eggplant fritters) and “gato pima” (chili cakes).
• Flacq Market: This bustling market in Flacq is a food lover’s paradise. Sample local delights like “mine frit” (fried noodles), “samoussas,” and “farata” served with a choice of curries.

Image 2: Mauritius

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Mauritius caters to vegetarian and vegan travelers with a variety of options available across the island. From plant-based curries to fresh salads and smoothie bowls, you’ll find something to suit your dietary preferences.

• Seed Organic: Located in Tamarin, this restaurant offers a menu focused on organic and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy their vegan burgers, wraps, and salads made with locally sourced produce.
• Green Cottage: Situated in Grand Baie, this vegetarian restaurant serves a variety of dishes inspired by Indian and Mauritian flavors. Try their “dal puri” (lentil flatbread) or their vegetable curry.
• Le Jardin de Beau Vallon: Visit this eco-friendly guesthouse in Beau Vallon for a vegetarian dining experience. Their menu features organic and seasonal ingredients, with options for vegans as well.

Local Delicacies

Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the unique local delicacies during your visit to Mauritius. From savory snacks to sweet treats, these delicacies showcase the island’s rich culinary heritage.

• Dholl Puri: This popular street food dish consists of a thin flatbread filled with yellow split peas, served with a variety of chutneys and pickles.
• Alouda: This refreshing drink is made with milk, basil seeds, and vanilla. It’s the perfect beverage to cool down on a hot day.
• Rougaille: A spicy tomato-based sauce that is typically served with meat or fish. It’s a staple in Mauritian cuisine and adds a burst of flavor to any dish.

Image 3: Mauritius

Conclusion

Mauritius offers a culinary experience like no other, with its diverse range of flavors and influences. From traditional Mauritian dishes to international cuisine, there’s something to suit every palate. Whether you’re exploring the local street food scene or indulging in a fine dining experience, the food in Mauritius is sure to leave a lasting impression.

References

– gypsywarrior.com (source of Image 1)
– gypsywarrior.com (source of Image 2)
– gypsywarrior.com (source of Image 3)
– chateaudelabourdonnais.com (Château de Labourdonnais)
– lesaintaubin.com (Le Saint Aubin)
– mauritiustourism.org (La Maison d’Eureka)
– lechateaudebelombre.com (Le Château de Bel Ombre)
– annamauritius.com (Domaine Anna)
– lefangourin.com (Le Fangourin)
– seedorganic.mu (Seed Organic)
– green-cottage.net (Green Cottage)
– lejardindebeauvallon.com (Le Jardin de Beau Vallon)