Mauritius is renowned as a luxurious holiday destination where tourists can spend a fortune staying in high-end resorts and dining in the finest restaurants. For those visiting Mauritius on a tight budget, it’s possible to find affordable accommodation and food when you plan ahead and research where to stay and eat. Here are three affordable and delicious foods to look out for when you visit Mauritius.
3 Foods To Try In Mauritius
Let’s check out the three most affordable foods in Mauritius!
1. Dholl puri (split pea flatbread)
Dholl puri is an incredibly popular street food dish in Mauritius that happens to be both affordable and nutritious. It originates from parathas, a type of Indian stuffed flatbread. Indian labourers introduced the dish to Mauritius over a century ago, using whatever local ingredients that were on hand. Today, dholl puri is sold by street vendors all over Mauritius, and it makes for a convenient and cheap snack or lunch. You can pick up a pair for as little as 14 rupees.
The flatbread, which has a soft, pancake-like texture, is made from ground yellow split peas and seasoned with turmeric and cumin. The bread is griddled on a flat pan, before being stuffed with cari gros pois (butter bean curry), rougaille (a Creole tomato sauce with a spicy kick), coriander chutney, pickled vegetables, and fresh chillies.
2. Bol renversé (upside-down bowl)
Bol renversé translates as “upside-down bowl,” but it’s also often called a “magic bowl” or “wonder bowl”. It’s often found on menus in Chinese restaurants and cafes in Mauritius, and it’s one of the island’s most iconic dishes. It consists of three layers – rice, stir-fried meat and vegetables, and a fried egg. The rice and stir-fry is packed into a bowl and then carefully tipped out onto a plate to form a dome. A fried egg is placed on top, and the dish is garnished with freshly chopped chives.
Seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic and fresh ginger, this flavourful dish is Mauritian comfort food. It is reminiscent of chop suey, but its presentation makes it totally unique to the island. Although chicken is the classic form of bol renversé, many restaurants and cafes let you choose your own assortment of meat and veggies. Shrimp, carrots, bok choy, baby corn and shiitake mushrooms are popular ingredients.
3. Victoria pineapples
No food is more refreshing on a hot day than fresh fruit, and luckily Mauritius has no shortage of it. The country sees high temperatures all year round, particularly in the summer months. November, December and January are the hottest months on average with temperatures reaching up to 33°C. A great way to stay hydrated is to snack on fresh fruit as you lounge on the beach.
Victoria pineapples are small, bright in colour and packed with flavour. They’re much sweeter than your average pineapple, and their core is soft and tender, so very little of the fruit goes to waste. You can find Victoria pineapples all over Mauritius, and as a native fruit, they’re relatively cheap. You can spend a fortune on this variety of pineapple in other countries around the world where it’s imported. Make the most of the opportunity to sample it at an affordable price when you visit Mauritius.
Other Foods To Try In Mauritius
Mauritius, a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests. But the island’s culinary scene is just as alluring, with a diverse blend of flavors and influences from the island’s multicultural population.
One of the most popular dishes to try in Mauritius is Gateau Piment, which is a deep-fried snack made from ground lentils and spices. The crispy fritters are often served with chili sauce for an extra kick.
For seafood lovers, Fish Vindaye is a must-try dish. It’s made by marinating fish in a mixture of mustard, turmeric, ginger, and vinegar, then pan-frying it to perfection. It’s served with rice and lentils, and the tangy flavor of the fish pairs perfectly with the lentils’ earthy flavor.
Octopus Curry is another seafood dish that’s popular in Mauritius. The octopus is cooked with a variety of spices, including tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, Rougaille is a tomato-based sauce made with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. It’s usually served with rice or bread and can be paired with vegetables or tofu for a filling meal.
And for a refreshing drink, Alouda is a popular choice. It’s made with milk, basil seeds, agar agar jelly, and flavored with rose syrup. It’s a perfect way to cool down on a hot day while experiencing the unique flavors of Mauritius.
In addition to these popular dishes, Mauritius also offers a wide range of other culinary delights, including curries, biryanis, and samosas. The island’s diverse culture is reflected in its cuisine, making it a true culinary melting pot.
When visiting Mauritius, make sure to explore the local food markets and sample the street food. You’ll discover a whole new world of flavors and spices that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Other Cuisines To Try If You Love The Local Flavours!
If you enjoy the unique flavors and spices of Mauritian cuisine, there are several other culinary traditions you might enjoy exploring.
One option is Indian cuisine, as Mauritius has a significant population of Indian origin. Indian cuisine is known for its complex blend of spices and flavors, and many dishes in Mauritius reflect this influence. From aromatic biryanis to spicy curries and flavorful vegetarian dishes, Indian cuisine is a feast for the senses.
Another cuisine to try is Creole cuisine, which is a blend of African, French, and Asian culinary traditions. Many of the dishes in Creole cuisine are prepared with seafood, rice, and beans, and flavored with herbs and spices like thyme, garlic, and chili. Some of the most popular dishes in Creole cuisine include bouillon, rougaille, and curry.
For those who enjoy Chinese cuisine, Mauritian-Chinese fusion dishes are also worth trying. With the island’s sizable Chinese population, there are plenty of Chinese restaurants to choose from. You might want to sample dishes like fried noodles, dumplings, and steamed buns.
Finally, if you’re a fan of French cuisine, you’ll find plenty of French-inspired dishes in Mauritius. From buttery croissants to rich stews and delicate pastries, French cuisine is a delight for foodies. Be sure to try dishes like coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and ratatouille to get a taste of the French influence on Mauritian cuisine.
Overall, Mauritius is a paradise for food lovers, with a wide variety of culinary traditions to explore. From Indian to Creole, Chinese to French, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So be adventurous, and sample as much as you can while you’re there!
Get a taste for Mauritius
These are three of the most iconic dishes of Mauritius, and they happen to be incredibly affordable. Be sure to try them all on your visit.
