Top 10 Foods in Mauritius

Introduction 

Mauritius, a small island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is a true melting pot of cultures—and this is most beautifully reflected in its cuisine. With influences from Indian, Chinese, French, African, and Creole traditions, Mauritian food is a flavorful celebration of its diverse heritage. Every meal tells a story of migration, fusion, and innovation, creating a unique dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. From street stalls to family kitchens and elegant seaside restaurants, here are the top 10 foods in Mauritius that you absolutely must try.

1. Dholl Puri
Arguably the most iconic street food in Mauritius, dholl puri is a soft, thin flatbread stuffed with ground yellow split peas. It’s typically served in pairs and filled with a savory mix of butter bean curry, rougaille (a tomato-based sauce), and pickled vegetables. Rolled up and eaten by hand, it’s a delicious, portable meal that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike.

2. Rougaille
Rougaille is a Creole-style tomato sauce that’s both comforting and versatile. Made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, thyme, and chilies, it serves as the base for many dishes, including sausage rougaille and fish rougaille. Its bright, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with rice, lentils, or bread, making it a staple in Mauritian households.

3. Biryani
Mauritian biryani is a local twist on the classic Indian dish, often made with marinated chicken, beef, or lamb layered with fragrant basmati rice, saffron, and fried onions. Cooked in a sealed pot (dum style), the biryani is richly aromatic and typically served with a side of cucumber salad and chutney. It’s a celebratory dish reserved for special occasions and festive gatherings.

4. Mine Frite (Fried Noodles)
A nod to the island’s Chinese influence, mine frite is a popular stir-fried noodle dish cooked with vegetables, soy sauce, garlic, and your choice of meat, seafood, or egg. It’s commonly sold at street food stalls and often topped with a fried egg and chili sauce. It’s quick, filling, and satisfyingly savory.

5. Boulettes (Dim Sum/Dumplings)
Mauritian boulettes are steamed dumplings made from a variety of ingredients like fish, chayote (christophine), shrimp, or chicken. Served in a clear, aromatic broth and garnished with chives and chili sauce, boulettes are typically enjoyed as a light lunch or snack. Found in Chinatown and local food courts, they’re a comforting taste of Mauritian-Chinese cuisine.

6. Gateau Piment (Chili Cakes)
These spicy little lentil fritters are a favorite Mauritian snack. Made from split peas, green chilies, spring onions, and herbs, they are deep-fried until crispy and golden. Gateau piment is often eaten at breakfast with buttered bread or served as a tea-time treat.

7. Vindaye Poisson
Vindaye is a Mauritian version of the Indian vindaloo, made with fish (often tuna), mustard seeds, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and vinegar. The fish is marinated and sautéed, then left to soak in its pungent, flavorful sauce. This dish is served cold or at room temperature, often with rice or bread, and has a bold, tangy profile that packs a punch.

8. Octopus Curry (Cari Ourite)
Seafood is central to Mauritian cuisine, and octopus curry is one of its most cherished dishes. Tender octopus is cooked slowly in a rich curry sauce with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and tomatoes. Served with white rice, lentils, or farata (flatbread), it’s a coastal delicacy that showcases the island’s fresh ocean bounty.

9. Alouda
To wash it all down, try a glass of alouda—a sweet, milky drink flavored with vanilla or rose syrup, often with basil seeds and agar jelly floating inside. Served ice-cold, it’s both refreshing and nostalgic, and a favorite among locals, especially on hot days at the Central Market in Port Louis.

10. Farata (Paratha)
Mauritian farata is a local adaptation of the Indian paratha. These soft, flaky flatbreads are perfect for scooping up curries, rougaille, or chutneys. Often eaten for breakfast or lunch, they’re a comforting favorite that pairs well with both vegetarian and meat-based dishes.

Conclusion
Mauritian cuisine is a tapestry of flavor woven from the island’s rich history and multicultural identity. Whether you’re enjoying spicy street snacks like gateau piment or indulging in a hearty biryani, each dish offers a taste of Mauritius’s soul. More than just food, these dishes are expressions of heritage, hospitality, and harmony—an edible reflection of the island’s vibrant diversity. So if you ever find yourself on this tropical paradise, come hungry—you’re in for a delicious adventure.