Mauritius Food: 10 Mauritian Specialties You Need to Try!

Mauritius isn’t only about landscapes; it’s also about experiencing the island through your tastebuds!

Mauritian cuisine is a key part of the country’s identity and culture. Rich, delicious, and eclectic, it shows the island’s history through Indian, Chinese, African, and French influences.

Trying the local dishes is truly essential when visiting Mauritius.w

In this article, I share my 10 favorite Mauritian foods to get your mouth watering ^_^

You will quickly see that street-food is everywhere in Mauritius; always delicious, authentic, and usually very cheap. Dholl puri, roti, mine bwi, dumplings, fried rice… street vendors are at every corner, ready to introduce you to the island’s best local flavors.

But don’t overlook the charming local restaurants, where tasty specialties like the famous briyani, bol renversé, or a delicious rice served with caris (the local curries) are waiting to delight you!

So, what should you eat in Mauritius?

Here are 10 local Mauritian specialties you should definitely try during your stay!

1. Dholl Puri

Let’s start with a truly unmissable Mauritian street-food specialty: dholl puri (pronounced “dal pouri”).

Wondering about the most famous dish on the island? Dholl puri definitely takes that title. It’s THE iconic local snack, which you usually eat standing up pretty much everywhere.

It’s basically a thin split-pea pancake usually filled with a white bean curry, tomato sauce, and a spicy little side salad called kutcha or achard.

It can also be enjoyed without filling. Locals call this “dholl puri sec.”

Inspired by Indian cuisine, this mouth-watering delicacy is nonetheless 100% Mauritian since it was actually invented on the island.

Dholl puris are available all over the island, mostly sold by street vendors in towns, roadside stalls, or even at the beach.

These vendors, with their iconic Dholl puri boxes cleverly fitted onto their motorcycles, have become a vivid part of Mauritian life.

And there is no specific time to enjoy dholl puri either. Mauritians eat them anytime from breakfast and lunch to an afternoon snack with tea.

Interestingly, dholl puris are always sold in pairs. You’ll always hear locals asking street vendors for “one pair dholl puri, please“!

Besides being incredibly affordable (around 20-25 rupees, which is less than 50 cents for a pair!), dholl puri is so delicious and filling that it’s practically a full meal.

I really urge you to try it at least once during your trip in Mauritius (but be warned: it’s addictive!).

Going on a day trip and don’t have a picnic prepared? No worries: even if there aren’t any restaurants along your way, you’ll always come across a dholl puri vendor somewhere! 🙂

Dholl puri essentials

Dish Name: Dholl puri
Cultural origin/influence: Indian and Mauritian
Where to find it? Street-food vendors everywhere
My personal tip: With just two pairs of dholl puris, you’ll be full for the whole day!

dhol puri — A typical breakfast in Mauritius: Dholl puri with local vanilla tea

2. Roti

In Mauritius, a roti is another delicious street-food specialty, closely related to dholl puri. It’s basically a type of savory pancake made simply with flour, water and salt, cooked on a “tawa” (a kind of flat pan).

You’ll also hear it called “farata”. In Mauritius, roti and farata seem similar at first glance, but there’s a subtle difference: farata is slightly layered and flaky, whereas roti isn’t.

Like dholl puri, roti can be stuffed with various curries or eaten plain (“sec”).

My personal favorite is to eat it with butter and tea ^_^

But for lunch, nothing beats a roti filled with curry, bought steaming hot from the street vendor’s stall. It’s simply delicious!

Super cheap (20-25 rupees per stuffed roti), it’s the perfect grab-and-go snack for enjoying at the beach or while wandering around town.

Roti essentials

Name of the dish: Roti or Farata
Cultural origins/influences: Indian and Mauritian
Where to find it? Street food
My personal tip: The best rotis are on Flic en Flac Beach, at “Aka Roti Vinoda” food stall!

street food mauritius — The making of rotis or faratas, a delicious Mauritian specialty

3. Gâteaux Piment

Wondering what to eat in Mauritius? You shouldn’t skip the “gâteaux piment” (chili bites)!

These little fried savoury fritters made with split peas, aromatic herbs, and chili peppers taste wonderful either by themselves or in a bread roll. They’re somewhat similar to falafels.

Contrary to what you might think, gâteaux piment usually aren’t very spicy. Personally, I can’t handle spicy food, but have no trouble eating these fritters (though in very rare instances you might bite into a larger piece of chili. Just have a quick look before you eat ^^).

You’ll find them easily from street food vendors all over the island.

Gâteaux piment belong to the Mauritian snack family called “gato delwil” or fried snacks, along with samoussas, gato arouille, gato lisou, dipain frir, gato brinzel, baja, chana puri, and more.

“Salade gato pima” is a popular variation, where the fritters are crushed and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette sauce. Absolutely delicious!

Gateaux Piment essentials

Name of the dish: Gâteau Piment / Chili Bites (locally “gato pima”)
Cultural origins/influences: Indian
Where to find it? Street food
My personal tip: You can also find them in Reunion Island, where they’re called “bonbons piment”.

gateau piment mauritius — Gâteau piment from Mauritius

4. Dumplings

Another Mauritian specialty you absolutely need to try: the dumplings! They are locally called boulettes chouchou.

Inspired by Chinese cuisine, these little steamed dumplings can be vegetarian or filled with meat or fish.

They’re made with grated chouchou (a vegetable also known as chayote), starch, and aromatic herbs.

Mauritian dumplings (also called “Niouk yen”) are among the most popular foods to eat in Mauritius.

You can try them several ways: simply served in a bowl, in a delicious broth, or as a side to a dish of “mines” (local noodles).

You can easily find them at small street food stalls or along the seafront.

Mauritian dumplings essentials

Name of the dish: Dumplings, Boulettes or Niouk yen
Cultural origins/influences: Sino-Mauritian cuisine
Where to find them? Street food
My personal tip: Ask for an assortment of different dumplings to try out all the versions!

boulettes mauritius — Boulettes chouchou, a typical Mauritian dish

5. 7 Cari

Let’s move away from street food for a moment to explore a traditional Mauritian dish, enjoyed during special occasions such as weddings or religious ceremonies.

I’m talking about: the famous 7 Cari!

Nowadays, you can also easily find it in most local and Indian restaurants across Mauritius.

Inspired by Indian cuisine, 7 Cari is a typical Mauritian specialty composed of 7 vegetarian curries, usually served with a side of rice, farata or ti puri.

It’s traditionally served on a fresh banana leaf and eaten with your hands (though you can definitely ask for cutlery ^^).

It’s one of my absolute favorite dishes in Mauritius: vibrant and packed with different flavors. If you love Indian food, you really can’t miss it!

7 Cari essentials

Name of the dish: 7 Cari
Origins / Cultural influences: Indian
Where to find it? Local restaurants
My personal tip: 7 Cari is often followed by a delicious dessert called Sagoo, made from tapioca and dried fruits (I’m totally addicted!).

Mauritian local dish — Sept Cari, served on a banana leaf and accompanied by ti puri

6. Briyani

How can we talk about the best dishes to try in Mauritius without mentioning the iconic briyani?

This flavorful spiced rice dish is a true institution on the island. It comes in different versions, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. It’s the ultimate celebration dish, typically served during family gatherings and special events like weddings.

Inspired by the Indian biryani, the Mauritian version is adapted to local tastes. And here it’s pronounced “BRiyani” (not “BIRyani”).

It’s definitely one of the must-try dishes in Mauritius, especially delicious when enjoyed in a small local restaurant or during a festive occasion!

Briyani essentials

Name of the dish: Briyani
Origins / Cultural influences: Indian
Where to find it? Local restaurants
My personal tip: If you’re looking for the best briyani in Mauritius (according to me ^^), head to the small village of Montagne Longue, to Shyam Corner (available on order, Saturdays only). It’s quite simply the most delicious briyani I’ve ever tasted!

7. Mine bwi and mine frir

If you’re looking for a delicious Mauritian dish to grab on-the-go during your island explorations, you should definitely try the mine bwi!

Another street food classic in Mauritius, you’ll find it in most small snack stands and right on the beach.

Mine bwi (literally “boiled noodles” in Mauritian Creole) consists of fresh noodles garnished with vegetables, meat, eggs or sometimes seafood, and often served in a steaming broth.

It’s simple, comforting, and perfect if you’re looking for a tasty yet budget-friendly quick meal.

This dish has clear Sino-Mauritian influences, equally enjoyable on the beach from takeaway containers or at home around a table!

And if you prefer something with a bit more of a stir-fried flavor, you should also taste the popular alternative: mine frir, similar to mine bwi but wok-fried with soy sauce and crunchy veggies. Also really delicious!

Mine bwi / Mine frir essentials

Dish name: Mine bwi / Mine frir (Boiled noodles / Fried noodles)
Origins / Cultural influences: Chinese cuisine
Where to find it? Street food stands and local restaurants
My personal tip: add a bit of “sauce laï” (garlic sauce) to boost the flavours!

8. Local pastries

If you have a sweet tooth, here are the iconic Mauritian pastries you need to try during your holiday in Mauritius:

Napolitain

Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the sponge-and-chocolate French layered pastry. The Mauritian napolitain is actually the national shortbread biscuit!

It’s a small, round treat made of 2 buttery shortbread biscuits, sandwiched together with jam (often guava jam), and topped with a sweet pink icing.

Sweet, comforting, and perfect with a cup of Mauritian tea — a must-try if you feel peckish during the afternoon!

Puits d’amour

Rooted in French tradition but now typically Mauritian, the puits d’amour is a small, round pastry tartlet generously filled with pastry cream, sometimes flavoured with vanilla or rum.

Some bakers even add a touch of jam or caramel for extra indulgence. You can find this pastry in almost all bakeries across Mauritius, ideal for tea time!

Gâteau patate

If the two pastries above have a distinct French heritage, the gâteau patate draws inspiration from oriental sweets.

Made from sweet potato (that’s where its name comes from!), this Mauritian traditional pastry is stuffed with grated coconut, sugar, and often flavoured with cardamom.

Shaped into an oval, slightly flattened form, it’s then fried until crispy and golden on the outside, with a soft and delicious filling.

While an essential part of celebrations like Divali, gâteau patate is available year-round at small food stalls and markets. It truly brings back childhood memories for many Mauritians!

Mauritian Pastries essentials

Names: Napolitain, Puits d’amour, Gâteau patate…
Origins / Cultural influences: French and Indian
Where to find them? Markets and local food stalls
My personal tip: Stop by a small neighbourhood bakery in the late morning—it’s usually the best time to get delicious cakes, freshly baked, soft, and still warm.

9. Achards

Mauritian cuisine often relies on the perfect balance between salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavours.

And there’s one condiment Mauritius cannot do without: the achards, or Mauritian pickled vegetables.

These typical condiments are made of finely-cut and dried local vegetables or fruits, then marinated in oil, spices, and sometimes chilli.

Usually served as a side dish with traditional foods like the Sept Cari or briyani, achards add incredible depth to any meal.

You will see many different variations: achards made from green mango, bringelle (eggplant), garlic, tamarind, or even bilimbi.

You can easily find jars of achards in shops and supermarkets throughout Mauritius—they’re also an excellent souvenir gift to bring back home!

But nothing beats homemade achards. My personal favourites are the ones my mother-in-law prepares, especially her achards bilimbi made from fruits picked fresh from the backyard.

I even bring some back to France every time I visit, and now my family is hooked too! Once you’ve tasted it, you simply can’t do without 😄

10. Bol Renversé

Among the dishes you definitely need to try in Mauritius is the famous bol renversé, also known as Mauritian upside-down rice.

Inspired by Chinese cuisine, this dish is a beloved classic for Mauritians.

It’s made with vegetable fried rice, topped with meat, seafood, or tofu, and a fried egg—served upside down on the plate, hence its name! A delicious, rich sauce made of soy sauce and garlic brings all the ingredients together.

Personally, I love it in its vegetarian version: with tofu (or meat substitute), a generous serving of vegetable chop suey, and plenty of mushrooms. It’s one of my favorites!

Bol Renversé essentials

Name: Bol Renversé
Origins / Cultural influences: Sino-Mauritian
Where to find it: Local restaurants
Personal tip: If you spot “bol renversé maison” or “special bol renversé” on the menu, don’t even hesitate—these versions are typically the most generous ones!

Bonus: Local Fruits

Fresh Fruits

If there’s one thing you absolutely need to eat in Mauritius, it’s local fruits: mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits, lychees, papayas…Each one is more sweet and juicy than the last.

I honestly think there’s nothing better than biting into a freshly picked tropical fruit, bursting with flavor and sunshine.

So don’t hold back—treat yourself with plenty of fresh fruits during your vacation in Mauritius!

There’s also a lesser-known local fruit called “zatte“ (custard apple in English), available between February and March. It’s shaped like a purple (sometimes yellow) apple covered with scales, and inside you’ll find a juicy white flesh.

I think this is my favorite Mauritian fruit—although it’s hard to pick just one! 😀

I also love the huge, delicious avocados harvested between December and April—they’re truly incredible.

I could easily write an entire article just about Mauritian fruits. But to keep it short: make the most of your stay on the island to indulge in plenty of the delicious local fruits, available abundantly year-round.

For the best variety, head to the local markets (in Port Louis, Flacq, or Quatre Bornes…).

You will also find fruit vendors on beaches, selling fresh pineapples and coconuts ready to be enjoyed on the spot.

My Advice

For a great selection, there’s also a big fresh fruit stand on the northern highway (between Pamplemousses and Grand Baie, at Goodlands roundabout). It’s open most days, offers lots of variety, and prices are good.

tropical fruits — Local fruits of Mauritius: pineapple, papaya, zatte, passion fruit, banana, lemon…

Fruit Salads

In Mauritius, locals often enjoy their fruits in fruit salads, with a touch of tangy spicy tamarind sauce. Often, they’re also sprinkled with a pinch of salt.

You will easily find street vendors selling these small fruity salads locally called “confits” or “aigrèr“.

Be careful, they can be very spicy! If you’re not a fan of chilies, simply ask the vendor not to add any.

In the photo below, you can see a homemade mango salad.

mauritian fruit salad — Mauritian fruit salad

Tips for Eating Local Food Safely

Trying the local cuisine is definitely one of the highlights of your trip to Mauritius. To find the most authentic flavours, your best bets are the small snack bars and street food stands.

To enjoy local food safely, here are a few easy tips to follow:

First, always choose bottled water instead of tap water, at least in your first few days. Your body might not be accustomed to local bacteria. Drinking tap water in Mauritius isn’t really problematic, but if you have a sensitive digestive system, it’s better to be cautious.

Next, when it comes to street food, just use your common sense: check the hygiene of the food stand, cleanliness of utensils, and importantly, the number of customers. A busy stand with a queue is usually a good sign of freshness and quality!

Other reassuring signs include foods being properly covered, dishes cooked on order, and food kept piping hot. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy Mauritian specialties without any worries 🙂

Where to Eat Local in Mauritius?

If you’re looking for the best places to eat local food in Mauritius, here are my personal recommendations:

In the North

Malibu, in Congomah: a charming locals’ restaurant, a hidden gem in a small village at the foot of the mountains.
Le Domaine Restaurant, in The Vale: renowned for its tasty and generous dishes at Mauritian prices.
Les Canisses, in Grand Baie: a beachfront restaurant with delicious food (but quite touristic).
Chez Tante Athalie, in Pamplemousses: simply one of the best local tables in Mauritius.

In the Centre

L’Escale Créole, in Moka: a welcoming table d’hôte offering delicious homemade Mauritian dishes in a lovely setting!

In the West

Marmite Mauricienne, in Flic en Flac: a great choice to try mouthwatering homemade local cooking.
Roti Aka Vinoda food truck on Flic en Flac beach: for the best rotis on the island!
Maraz, in Port-Louis Central Market: a small snack shop serving some of the best dholl puris in Mauritius.

In the South

Karay Mario, in Mahébourg: refined Creole cuisine in a beautiful setting (the best restaurant in the southeast, in my opinion!).
Le Palais de Barbizon, in Chamarel: a family-run restaurant in the heart of the village, offering tasty and generous local dishes.

And that’s it for my guide on Mauritian cuisine and local specialties you shouldn’t miss! I hope it helps you to enjoy plenty of delicious food during your stay!

Feel free to leave me a comment below the article to let me know your favourite Mauritian dish! 🙂

Tour in Mauritius

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Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice

My Advice

Many travelers mistakenly believe healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that travel insurance isn’t needed. But in reality, the public healthcare system is fragile and even a basic consultation in a private clinic can be very expensive!

Therefore, it is essential to get travel insurance with good medical coverage before your trip.

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And you, what Mauritian delicacies are you looking forward to trying during your stay?

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Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
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Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!

Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!
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