The proof of the rich diversity of Mauritius can also be found in the variety of Mauritian dishes. You will find in all restaurant’s menu cards Asian and European specialities. Mauritian cuisine also means spices and condiments: they are absolutely necessary!
Mauritius is also renowned for the palm tree heart and the high quality of the deer meat.
Curry
A typical Indian sauce-based dish which is prepared with tomatoes, onions, coriander, a blend and combination of spices including turmeric, fennel, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, curry leaves, garlic, pepper, cloves, cardamom and fenugreek seeds. Depending on its composition, the curry can be mild or very hot. Yet, it remains tasty.
Fried noodles
This dish has a Chinese origin. It is made with sautéed egg noodles, Soya sauce, and as you choose, with vegetables, prawns or chicken. Once you are served, do not forget to season your portion with the necessary garlic sauce.
Biryani
A Muslim rice dish made with spices, condiments and vegetables/meat.
Vindaloo, called “Vindaye”
A western Indian dish which is prepared with mustard seeds, ground turmeric, ginger, garlic and vinegar. It is served cold or warm. The recipe can apply to meat or fish which is more popular (tuna, barracuda, king fish).
Rougail
It is a common form of Creole cooking. This speciality is a sauce-based dish made with tomatoes, onion, garlic and ginger.
Shellfish and Scallops
These are very much enjoyed in broths (tectecs, crab), in gratins (crab), and especially with garlic butter (tectecs, prawns, king prawns, lobsters).
Vegetables
The most common are the christophine or chayote (“chouchou”), giraumon (squash), pattypan squash, aubergine (bringelle), sweet potato, pipengaille, cabbage, green gram, pigeon pea, pomme d’amour (small tomatoes), etc.
« Brèdes »
Spinach, sorrel, chouchou, watercress, petsai, martin, songe, Chinese brèdes, etc. Brèdes should be eaten with rice, legumes, curry or rougaille.
Typical fruits
A large variety of mangos, litchi, longan, papaya, guava, carambola, bullock’s heart, cherimoya, passion fruit, tamarind, jamrosa, jackfruit, coconut, jamalac, Chinese guavas, etc.
Classical fruits: avocado, melon, watermelon, banana, tangerine, lemon, pineapple, etc.