Discover Mauritius: cultural treasures and culinary adventures

A jewel of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is renowned for its turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed beaches and sun-soaked days. More than just a luxury traveller’s dream, Mauritius is a land where food and culture are not mere side notes – they are the very heartbeat of the island.

Mauritius invites all visitors to look beyond its natural beauty to uncover the depth, history and heritage of the island, where every meal and local encounter promises a new discovery.

Mauritian food culture is rich in variety and full of surprises, featuring a stunning blend of influences from India, Africa, China and France.

Skip the tourist traps and dive fork-first into the local culinary scene with a wander through sleepy fishing villages like Tamarin or Grand Gaube, where the food is as fresh as the sea breeze. Or, take a street food tour along the east coast with a stop at Blue Bay.

Indulge in a bowl of steaming boulettes (dumplings in broth) from a roadside vendor or bite into a flaky dholl puri – flatbread stuffed with split peas and served with tangy chutneys and spicy curries. Pair these with a glass of alouda, a sweet basil-seed milkshake, for an authentic Mauritian experience.

For lunch, choose from Mauritian Biryani or the island’s iconic cari, a fragrant curry featuring anything from chicken to seafood, served with rice and lentils. Alternatively, sample the freshest catch of the day – fish, tender octopus or buttery lobster, cooked with island spices and local herbs.

For an interactive twist, join a local cooking class to master the art of preparing traditional dishes such as vindaye, a turmeric-laced speciality as tangy as it is tempting.

The markets of Port Louis and Mahébourg offer edible adventures. Arrive hungry at Port Louis Central