Mauritius Top Local Cuisines to Try

When it comes to Mauritius’ food, incredible Indian flavours are everywhere. For traditional curry that’s sure to hit the spot, head to Le Tandoor restaurant on Royal Road in Grande Baie, to the north of the island. The menu offers classics like tikkas and biryanis, alongside some amazing seafood dishes, such as masala lobster. And, of course, the kitchen makes use of its clay tandoor oven for everything from naan breads to kebabs.

Mauritian cuisine is known for its super-fresh seafood, and one of its most popular fish dishes is the curry, Vindaye. Believed to have been inspired by the Indian Vindaloo, Vindaye is an intensely flavoured dish usually featuring fish cooked in turmeric, mustard, garlic and ginger. Often tangy, with lightly pickled fish, it’s one of the region’s defining dishes. For an authentic example in a restaurant heaving with locals, try La Terrasse, also located in Grand Baie.

Coconut chutneys and spicy pastes form the backbone of Mauritian cuisine, and one of the best-loved is Rougaille, a Creole-inspired, tomato-based mixture that gives its name to a famous stew. The dish in turn lends its name to a restaurant – La Rougaille Creole – that’s well worth checking out. As well as its signature dish (which is typically flavoured with onions, garlic and thyme alongside the tomatoes), it also serves octopus curry, aubergine fritters and grilled seafood.

It’s perhaps surprising when you first learn that Mauritius has a thriving dim sum scene. Those flavourful little dumplings are in fact quite common on the island because of the influence of late 19th-century Chinese migrants who helped to shape Mauritian food culture. First Restaurant, located in Port Louis, is the place to go for some of the best dumplings you’ll find outside of Hong Kong. It looks unassuming, but alongside traditional dim sum you’ll also find classic rice and meat dishes.

Street food is central to everyday life in Mauritius. The star is Dholl Puri — thin pancakes made with split peas, filled with bean curry, and topped with chutneys and pickles. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go meal. Local markets also serve boulettes (dumplings), samosas, and fritters, known collectively as gajak.
If you’re planning to combine food exploration with sightseeing, check out our guide on things to do in Mauritius.

Mauritians like their food spicy, and you’ll find chilli in all its forms (fresh, pickled, powdered, dried) just about everywhere. There’s a well-known chilli paste, brilliantly called Mazavaroo, that can be served on the side of anything. Usually containing onion, garlic, ginger, lemon and shrimp alongside the fiery pepper, Mazaravoo is served in restaurants, or you can buy it by the jar if you need to bring some back home in your suitcase to feed your new addiction.

Mauritius’ tropical climate provides a bounty of fresh produce. Vendors on beaches sell Victoria pineapples, coconuts, and mangoes — sometimes topped with chilli salt for a sweet-spicy snack. Sugarcane, once the island’s main export, is still widely enjoyed, and a visit to the L’Aventure du Sucre museum offers a chance to taste its many varieties.

Mauritian sweets reflect its Indian and Creole influences. Popular treats include mithai (sugary confections), gateau patate (sweet potato and coconut pastries), and gateau Napolitaine (shortbread-style biscuits filled with jam). These are often enjoyed with tea in local homes.

Sugarcane also fuels Mauritius’ thriving rum industry. Distilleries across the island produce award-winning bottles, best sampled in a Petit Rum Punch or other cocktails. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try Alouda, a milk-based drink flavoured with vanilla and basil seeds — a refreshing way to cool down after exploring the beaches in Mauritius.

To truly enjoy Mauritian cuisine, balance market adventures with resort dining. Local restaurants offer authentic flavours, while all-inclusive resorts make it easy to sample a wide variety of dishes in one place. At Club Med Mauritius, chefs bring together Indian curries, Creole stews, fresh seafood, and international favourites — ensuring every guest finds something to savour.

Mauritius is as much a destination for food as it is for beaches. From tangy curries and Creole stews to vibrant street food and sweet rum cocktails, Mauritian cuisine reflects the island’s unique cultural blend.

Make your trip complete by exploring these flavours with Club Med’s Mauritius all-inclusive resorts, where food, activities, and relaxation are all part of the experience.