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Sun, 5 Jul 2026 08:52:00 GMT

Mauritius Food Guide – Traditional Dishes, Street Food and Local Cuisine

Mauritius is one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the Indian Ocean. Few countries combine so many different cultures, traditions and cooking styles within such a small area. African, Indian, Chinese, French and British influences have shaped a cuisine that is both authentic and surprisingly diverse.

Whether you are visiting Mauritius for a holiday, planning to relocate or considering investing on the island, experiencing the local food culture is an essential part of understanding everyday life.

For an introduction to life on the island, start with Living in Mauritius – The Ultimate Guide.

Why Mauritian Cuisine Is Unique

Unlike many destinations that are dominated by one national cuisine, Mauritius combines recipes and traditions from several continents. The result is a food culture where Indian curries, French pastries, Chinese noodles and Creole seafood dishes all exist side by side.

Fresh ingredients, tropical spices and locally grown fruit make Mauritian cuisine both colourful and healthy.

Traditional Mauritian Dishes

Dish | Description
Dholl Puri | The island's most famous street food.
Rougaille | Tomato-based Creole speciality with meat or seafood.
Biryani | Richly spiced rice dish with Indian roots.
Mine Frites | Chinese-style fried noodles.
Fish Vindaye | Pickled fish prepared with mustard and turmeric.
Octopus Curry | Traditional seafood favourite.

Street Food in Mauritius

Street food forms an important part of everyday Mauritian life. Small food stalls can be found throughout the island, especially in markets and town centres.

Dholl Puri

Gateaux Piments

Samoussas

Faratas

Fresh tropical juices

Local sweets

Many visitors consider Mauritian street food among the best in Africa.

Fresh Seafood

Being surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Mauritius naturally offers an excellent selection of seafood.

Tuna

Marlin

Red Snapper

Prawns

Lobster

Octopus

Restaurants often prepare seafood using both Creole and French cooking techniques.

Tropical Fruits

The island's climate allows many exotic fruits to grow throughout the year.

Mangoes

Pineapples

Lychees

Papayas

Passion Fruit

Bananas

Coconuts

Many fruits are sold freshly harvested at roadside stalls.

Creole Cuisine

Creole cooking combines African traditions with French influences and local ingredients.

Typical characteristics include:

Fresh herbs

Tomato-based sauces

Seafood

Rice

Chilli

Locally grown vegetables

Indian Influence

Indian cuisine has shaped Mauritian food more than any other culinary tradition. Spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric and cardamom appear in countless dishes.

Curries remain everyday meals for many Mauritian families.

Chinese Cuisine

Chinese immigration introduced noodles, dumplings and stir-fried dishes that are now deeply integrated into Mauritian cuisine.

Many Chinese restaurants have served local communities for generations.

French Influence

French heritage remains visible in bakeries, cafés and fine dining restaurants across the island.

Fresh baguettes, pastries and sophisticated desserts are widely available.

Local Drinks

Fresh sugar cane juice

Tropical fruit juices

Locally produced rum

Vanilla tea

Coconut water

Food Markets

Local markets offer one of the best opportunities to experience authentic Mauritian cuisine.

Visitors can discover:

Fresh vegetables

Exotic spices

Tropical fruit

Street food

Fresh seafood

Traditional sweets

Dining for Expats

International residents quickly discover that Mauritius offers far more than local cuisine.

The island features:

French restaurants

Italian cuisine

Japanese restaurants

Steakhouses

Vegan cafés

International hotel dining

Food Safety

Restaurants generally maintain good hygiene standards, especially in established tourist areas and modern shopping centres.

As in every destination, visitors should choose busy restaurants with good reputations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national dish of Mauritius?

Dholl Puri is widely regarded as the island's best-known traditional street food.

Is Mauritian food spicy?

Many dishes contain spices, but most restaurants adjust the level of heat to individual preferences.

Is seafood fresh?

Yes. Fresh seafood is available throughout much of the year.

Can vegetarians eat well in Mauritius?

Absolutely. Indian cuisine provides numerous vegetarian options.

Is Mauritian cuisine suitable for international visitors?

Yes. The island offers an excellent balance between authentic local dishes and international cuisine.

Discover More About Mauritius

Living in Mauritius – The Ultimate Guide

Living in Mauritius – Pros and Cons

Best Places to Live in Mauritius

Mauritius Culture

Mauritius Nightlife

Nightlife & Bars in Mauritius (German)