Mauritius doesn’t just seduce travellers with beaches and blue lagoons — it does so through its plates, too. Its cuisine is as colourful and diverse as its people, blending Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French influences into a rich and flavourful experience. Whether you’re sampling street-side snacks or fine dining with ocean views, the island’s food scene is unforgettable.

• A Fusion of Cultures on Every Plate

The food of Mauritius tells the story of its history. From the Creole-style rougaille (a tomato-based stew) to fragrant biryanis from Indian heritage, and Chinese-inspired noodles known locally as “mine frire,” every dish is a blend of worlds. Curries come rich with coconut milk, lentils, and pickled vegetables, while chutneys and spice pastes add zing to every bite.

• Where to Eat Like a Local

Port Louis Central Market is your first stop for street food classics like dholl puri (flatbread stuffed with yellow split peas), gateaux piments (chili cakes), and alouda (a sweet, milky basil drink).

In Mahébourg, coastal eateries serve freshly grilled fish and octopus curry right by the water. The laid-back vibe adds to the experience.

For upscale Creole cuisine, head to Escale Créole in Moka — a family-run spot serving recipes handed down through generations.

• Sweet Treats & Street Eats

Don’t miss sugarcane juice from roadside vendors, fried banana fritters, or “napolitaines” — jam-filled cookies coated in pink icing. Mauritius also has a thriving Chinese-Mauritian food culture, with street stalls offering bao buns, fried rice, and dim sum.

• For the Love of Rum and Tea

Mauritius’s long relationship with sugarcane birthed a rum legacy. Tour La Rhumerie de Chamarel or Saint Aubin to taste flavoured rums with vanilla or spices. The island is also home to tea plantations like Bois Chéri, where visitors can sample locally grown blends with panoramic views.

• Fine Dining, Island Style

Mauritius also excels at fine dining with a twist. Resorts like The Oberoi, Heritage Le Telfair, and Shanti Maurice offer multi-course meals that celebrate local ingredients in global formats. Think grilled lobster with tamarind glaze or foie gras with a Mauritian chutney.

From fresh seafood by the coast to family-run Creole kitchens and gourmet tasting menus, food in Mauritius is not just a necessity — it’s a journey. Let your palate guide you across the island, one delicious dish at a time.