Search
  • Français
  • English
Voyage à l'Ile Maurice
what to bring from mauritius

What To Bring From Mauritius ?

0
By on Mauritius

You’re wondering what souvenirs to bring back from Mauritius?

You’re looking for authentic Mauritian souvenirs to keep for yourself or to gift to your loved ones?

Good news: the island is full of local specialties and unique handcrafted items!

From wicker baskets and jewelry, to local art, clothing, spices, tea, and vanilla… there’s something for everyone.

In this article, I’m sharing plenty of ideas for souvenirs to take home from Mauritius. These authentic local products, made with love, will help you extend your holiday spirit or bring joy to those awaiting your return.

At the end, I’ll also give you my favorite local craft shops around Mauritius, where you’ll find 100% locally-made souvenirs (no made in China here!).

So, what are the typical products from Mauritius to bring home in your suitcase?

Here’s everything you need to know!

Best souvenirs from Mauritius

Woven Baskets

Basket weaving is an ancient tradition still deeply rooted in Mauritian culture today.

The main raw material used by artisans is the leaf of the vacoas tree (also called Pandanus), a tropical plant commonly found around Mauritius. Its long leaves are harvested, dried, and hand-woven into beautiful products: baskets, handbags, hats, placemats, decorative pots, and much more.

You’ll find a wide variety of these pieces in local markets or Mauritian artisan shops. Each item is unique, created by hand with patience and skill.

Buying woven crafts is a wonderful souvenir idea from Mauritius.

Whether it’s for yourself or as a gift, these handwoven items bring a sunny Mauritian touch to your everyday life!

Local Art

Do you love art and want to support Mauritian artists and culture?

If so, there’s nothing better than packing one or two pieces of local art in your luggage.

Mauritius certainly doesn’t lack for extraordinary artistic talent.

You can discover original paintings, watercolors, sculptures carved from wood, volcanic stone, or recycled metal, as well as lovely handcrafted ceramics and beautiful Mauritius-themed posters perfect for decorating your home.

All these original souvenir ideas will ensure you bring something special home—a lasting and meaningful reminder of your vacation!

Plus, buying a local creation serves a real purpose: when you choose local artwork, you directly support Mauritian artists and craftsmen. You’re helping preserve their skills while highlighting and celebrating Mauritian culture.

My Advice

If you like decorating your walls, you should absolutely check out the illustrations created by Jona, a very talented local Mauritian artist (also, incidentally, my husband ^^).

He beautifully illustrates Mauritius’s most iconic landscapes, like Le Morne, Grand Bay, Cap Malheureux, Chamarel, Ile aux Cerfs, Flic en Flac, and many other places.

If any of these places have left a lasting impression on you during your stay, hanging them in your house is like extending your vacation spirit beyond your trip.

Jona’s Mauritius posters are locally printed and carefully packaged in sturdy tubes, making them perfect travel companions. You can find them in several craft boutiques across Mauritius… or simply order them right here.

poster le morne maurice
“Le Morne” Poster, illustrated by Jona, a perfect souvenir from Mauritius

Jewelry from Mauritius

Jewelry is also a great souvenir to bring back from your trip to Mauritius.

You will find a wide selection of handmade bracelets, earrings, and necklaces in local markets and craft stores.

Ankle bracelets are particularly popular, as are hair accessories including hair clips, pins, and scrunchies.

Handcrafted Mauritian jewelry often features materials such as shells, pearls, wood, or natural stones. Many pieces carry local island symbols like pineapples, tropical leaves, or frangipani flowers.

Once again, be careful about the item’s origin to ensure you’re getting truly local, handmade products—if that’s what you’re looking for—because many market items are actually imported trinkets sold as local crafts.

If you want to be certain you’re supporting genuine Mauritian craftsmanship, you should shop for jewelry at tiendas certified as 100% Made in Mauritius (I provide a detailed list a bit further down).

My Advice

You’re traveling to Mauritius?

To make sure you don’t miss any of the island’s most beautiful spots and great activities, I have prepared detailed, optimized itineraries for your trip.

You can simply follow them or use as inspiration to organize your Mauritius vacation quickly and easily!

Click these links below to check them out:

Made in Mauritius Clothes

Another great souvenir idea to bring back from Mauritius: clothes from local designers!

The textile industry is deeply rooted in the history and craftsmanship of Mauritius. The country is well-known for the quality fabrics, meticulous cuts, and conscious local brands.

You’ll find plenty of 100% local brands on the island creating beautiful pieces, such as breezy dresses, printed shirts, beach shorts, tunics, accessories, and more.

Among my favorite brands that you should check out are The Kreol Republic for t-shirts, Kara for shoes, and Lupina for dresses and outfits.

The fabrics used are of excellent quality, comfortable to wear, and long-lasting.

However, make sure you’re aware: contrary to what you might expect, clothes in Mauritius (at least the locally-made ones) aren’t necessarily “cheap”. And that’s actually a good thing! You’re paying for the quality, ethics, and the work of passionate local artisans.

My Advice

If you’re looking for beautiful locally-made clothing, you should go to ‘Made in Mauritius’ boutiques. In markets, you’ll mostly find imported clothes (usually much cheaper).

My Advice

Want to make your holiday in Mauritius truly unforgettable? Then there’s nothing better than adding some thrilling tours and activities to your itinerary!

Here are the top 5 experiences you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Mauritius:

(Simply click the orange links below for more details and to book your activities)

1. Catamaran cruise to the Northern islets – Spend a day sailing through paradise and stopping to explore several islands

2. Seaplane flight over the underwater waterfall – A breathtaking experience you should try at least once in a lifetime!

3. Day cruise to Île aux Cerfs (with BBQ) – Sail across the stunning Eastern Lagoon, snorkel, and explore Île aux Cerfs

4. Private tour of the Southwest – Discover Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin, and more with a passionate local guide

5. Guided sunrise hike up Le Morne Brabant – THE must-do hike in Mauritius with exceptional views from the top!

BONUS – My personal favorite: Kayak tour to île d’Ambre – A unique off-the-beaten-track adventure through a lush mangrove forest!

Local Products of Mauritius: Culinary Specialties

Besides art and local crafts, Mauritius also offers plenty of delicious specialties, perfect to take home as gifts.

Spices, sugar, vanilla, and rum are some local delicacies you will only find here, and that can easily fit in your suitcase.

Spices

What would Mauritius be without its massala, its vindaye, its chili? It simply wouldn’t be Mauritius! ^^

Mauritian cuisine gets its amazing flavor and unique identity from these famous spices.

Traveling to Mauritius is the perfect opportunity to bring some of these culinary wonders back home with you!

I especially recommend trying local spice mixes like massala (with or without chili, depending on your preference), as well as blends for salmi, halim, or briyani. You can easily find local recipes online to try at home.

Speaking of spicy specialties, you should also try achards! This popular condiment is made from local fruits and vegetables marinated in spices and is sold in small pots easy to put in your suitcase. There are many varieties available: achards of mango, garlic, bilimbi, tamarind, eggplant…

My Advice

For the best prices, you should buy your spices from local supermarkets.

They usually have a large selection, and you can get everything you need at local prices. In tourist markets, prices are often doubled.

epices maurice
Spices from Mauritius

Vanilla

It’s impossible to talk about Mauritius’ treasures without mentioning vanilla!

If you’re wondering what to bring back from Mauritius, these locally grown precious pods are definitely a great option.

You can find vanilla at markets such as the central market in Port-Louis, and markets in Flacq or Quatre-Bornes, as well as in local grocery stores.

Even better: you can visit a vanilla plantation during your trip and buy vanilla pods directly from the producer.

I particularly recommend the Saint-Julien d’Hotman plantation, located in the center of the island. The visit is really interesting, and you will be able to purchase your Mauritian vanilla there, directly from the producer, at the best prices.

vanille ile maurice
Vanilla from Mauritius

Sugar from Mauritius

Another iconic specialty you need to bring back from Mauritius is sugar!

Made from sugarcane, sugar has been produced in Mauritius for centuries. It’s a vital part of the island’s history and heritage, with sugarcane cultivation playing a major role in the country’s economic growth.

You’ll find several 100% Mauritian sugar varieties, each with distinct textures and flavors, including:

  • Muscovado, a whole, unrefined sugar (my personal favorite), with a slight hint of licorice
  • Demerara, crisp golden crystals with a delicious caramel flavor.

And if you want to learn more about sugarcane cultivation and sugar production in Mauritius, you should visit L’Aventure du Sucre museum, located near Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.

There’s also a museum shop selling different varieties of Mauritian sugar you can buy as souvenirs.

Rum

Mauritius is also famous for its rum! This is one of the typical local specialties that always makes a great gift to bring back home, especially for your epicurean uncle or dad—or even for your mom or aunt of course! 😄

The most famous of these rums is undoubtedly the Chamarel rum, produced at the well-known distillery of the same name (“Rhumerie de Chamarel”), which you should definitely visit during your stay.

There, you can directly purchase several varieties: white rum, gold rum, and aged rum—each with its unique aromas and flavors.

Another excellent gift idea is a bottle of delicious homemade “rhum arrangé,” flavored with local fruits, spices, or vanilla. They’re typically sold in charming small bottles at local markets.

My Advice

If you don’t have the time or interest to visit a rum distillery, you can easily find high-quality rum in specialized shops, local gourmet stores, or even supermarkets.

Go for local brands such as Chamarel, New Grove or Labourdonnais, renowned for their craftsmanship and exceptional products.

rhum ile maurice
Rum from Mauritius

Mauritian Tea and Coffee

Here is another great souvenir idea from Mauritius: tea or coffee!

Mauritius produces these two beverages, each with unique flavors that reflect the island’s character.

Tea is primarily cultivated and processed at Bois Chéri, a beautiful region in the south-central part of the island where tea estates stretch out as far as the eye can see.

The Bois Chéri Tea Factory is actually one of the best places to visit during your stay in Mauritius. Established in 1892, the factory is still running today and offers guided tours.

The famous Bois Chéri teas are available in several varieties (black or green) with flavors like vanilla, coconut, lemon, and more. (My personal favorite is the vanilla-flavored black tea—I drink at least two cups a day!)

Mauritian coffee, on the other hand, comes from plantations located in Chamarel. This small village, renowned for its Seven Colored Earths, is home to plantations of Arabica coffee. Here, at altitude, the climate conditions are perfect. The locally grown coffee is handcrafted and has a smooth, slightly fruity taste.

You can easily find Mauritian tea and coffee in local grocery stores. Popular local tea brands include Bois Chéri, Corson, and Chartreuse. For coffee, you should buy the brand Le Café de Chamarel.

The Best Souvenir Shops in Mauritius

Now that you’ve learned about all these great souvenirs to buy in Mauritius, you’re probably wondering where to find them, right?

Well, you’re in luck since I have some amazing stores to recommend!

Shopping at these boutiques guarantees you’ll leave with authentic 100% Mauritian products, all crafted by talented local artisans.

Here is my list of the best local souvenir shops:

Le Rendez-Vous

This popular store in Grand Baie has specialized in 100% Mauritian made products since 2015.

You will find it in La Croisette shopping mall in Grand Baie, in the north. It’s a fantastic place to discover genuine local treasures like clothes, jewelry, decor items (including the famous Jona posters!), locally-crafted beauty products, clothes and toys for babies, and plenty more.

And if you’re visiting the western part of the island, Le Rendez-Vous recently opened another boutique in Rivière Noire (on the coastal road, right next to the London Way supermarket).

There’s also a third store located in the center of Mauritius, in the town of Saint-Pierre.

My Pop Up Store

In the same spirit as Le Rendez-Vous, you should also check out the beautiful My Pop Up Store boutiques for more local shopping.

You’ll find similar items here (clothes, jewelry, decorative objects, ceramics…), with slight variations in brands and local artisans.

My Pop Up Store has 3 locations across the island:

  • One at Cap Tamarin, in the West
  • One inside the Bagatelle shopping mall, in the center
  • One at Nouvelle Usine, in the south-center of the island (near Curepipe / Floréal).
cartes postales Ile Maurice
Postcards of Mauritius’ iconic places, by Jona. Designed and printed locally — Available at My Pop Up Store

Lulu’s Boutique

If you’re staying in the South-West of Mauritius, you should head to Lulu’s Boutique, located in La Gaulette (around 10 min from Le Morne Brabant).

It’s a small and charming shop, run by 2 lovely women, which also showcases 100% local items: clothing, posters and postcards, decorative objects, beauty and home accessories, and more.

Lulu’s Boutique partners with a local association that helps underprivileged Mauritian children and families. You’ll be able to buy beautiful products they make themselves using recycled materials.

Bazar Canonniers

Bazar Canonniers is an authentic institution for locals living on Mauritius’ North coast. It’s a small local craft market, run by Emilia, a joyful and warm-hearted woman.

She showcases her island beautifully with her charming shop focusing on local food products, but also Mauritian crafts and art objects.

As you enter, you’ll first pass the area with local fruit and vegetables, then fresh products on your left. Head further in to find the little room dedicated to souvenirs (sculptures, wall posters, postcards, books, jewelry…).

If you’re near Grand Baie, you should definitely stop by Bazar Canonniers. The shop is located in Pointe aux Canonniers.

The Caudan Craft Market

Le Caudan in Port Louis is a must-see spot on the island, known especially for its large local craft market.

It’s called Craft Market, located inside the building lining the beautiful Umbrella Street (Allée des Parapluies).

You’ll find absolutely everything here, from gourmet specialties (rum, sugar, vanilla, spices…), to handcrafted products (sculptures, paintings, musical instruments), clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more.

The great thing about shopping for your Mauritius souvenirs at Caudan Craft Market is that you can meet and talk directly with the local artisans who sell their handmade items there.

allée des parapluies Port Louis Maurice
Umbrella Street (Allée des Parapluies) in Port Louis, Mauritius – The entrance to the Craft Market is on the right.

The Château Labourdonnais Shop

Finally, if you visit the Château Labourdonnais, be sure to check out its lovely shop as well. I really like it here!

You’ll find plenty of unique local treasures to bring back home from Mauritius, including some you won’t see anywhere else.

There’s also a rum distillery on the property, where you can purchase locally-made Mauritian rum.

The Labourdonnais estate also produces delicious jams and tropical fruit pastes, another great specialty to bring back from your Mauritius vacation.

chateau labourdonnais ile maurice
Château Labourdonnais, Northern Mauritius

And here we are at the end of this guide to the best products and souvenirs you should bring back from your Mauritius vacation! I hope it gave you plenty of ideas to get started and helped you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Feel free to tell me in the comments below this article if you have any other favorite products or local shops in Mauritius to recommend 🙂

Happy shopping!

And you, what do you plan to bring back as a souvenir from Mauritius?

Book your trip and save!
🏨 Book your hotel
🚗 Rent a car
🗽 Book your tickets and guided tours
🏄 Book your sports activities
🚤 Rent a boat
🌍 Get your travel insurance
✈️ Book your flight

You’re traveling to Mauritius? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mauritius: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

The best itineraries for your trip

Places to Visit

Activities

Organize your stay

Are you using Pinterest? Here’s the image to pin!

souvenirs mauritius
Best souvenirs and local products from Mauritius
Anonymous

I've been living in Mauritius for ten years now, and I'm passionate about this jewel of the Indian Ocean. As I love exploring and writing, I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to organize your trip to Mauritius!

Related Stories

Leave A Reply

Menu