Mauritius is a small island with a big culinary identity. Centuries of Indian, French, African, and Chinese influences have combined to create one of the most vibrant and underrated food cultures in the world. Key ingredients appear again and again: turmeric, cumin, chilli, fresh seafood, rice, and tropical fruits like mango and tamarind. Whether you're eating Mauritian dishes at a roadside stall or a beachside resort, Mauritius food here is always an experience. Before you book your Mauritius package deals, here's your guide to what to eat and drink when you arrive.
Is Mauritius expensive for food and drink?
It depends entirely on where you eat. Street food is extremely affordable, a portion of dholl puri costs around 20–30 rupees (£0.35–£0.50) and a full market lunch rarely exceeds 200 rupees (£3.50) per person. Local restaurants are similarly good value with a rice, curry and roti set meal typically costing 300–700 rupees (£5–£12) including a drink. High-end resort dining is a different story with fine dining menus running to 2,000–5,000 rupees (£35–£85) per head. If you're on all-inclusive holidays to Mauritius, much of this is covered in your package, making luxury dining exceptional value.
Traditional Mauritian food to try
1. Dholl Puri
Often called the national dish, dholl puri is a soft, paper-thin flatbread made from ground yellow split peas, served folded around bean curry, pickled vegetables, and coriander chutney. Rooted in the island's Indian heritage, it's the definitive Mauritius food, sold at market stalls from early morning and costing next to nothing.
2. Rougaille
A richly spiced tomato-based sauce cooked with garlic, ginger, chilli, and thyme, rougaille is the backbone of Mauritian dishes. It's made with sausages, salted fish, prawns, or chicken depending on the household. Look for it on lunch menus at local restaurants as part of a rice-and-curry set.
3. Mine Frite (Fried Noodles)
Mauritius's Chinese-Creole community gave the island mine frite, stir-fried noodles with vegetables, soy sauce and your choice of protein. A Creole chilli kick sets the local version apart. Find it at Port Louis' Central Market or casual canteens around the island.
4. Octopus Curry (Vindaye Ourite)
Vindaye ourite is a coastal staple: octopus cooked with turmeric, mustard seeds, vinegar and chilli in a technique brought by Portuguese and Cape Malay communities. The result is bold, tangy and unlike any other curry you'll try. Order it at a seafood restaurant near Mahébourg or Blue Bay with plain rice and a cold Phoenix.
5. Biryani
Mauritian biryani is celebratory food, slow-braised chicken or mutton layered with spiced rice, whole spices, caramelised onions and saffron. Lighter in oil than its Indian counterpart but generous with fresh herbs, it's best found at Muslim-owned restaurants around Port Louis.
6. Gâteau Piment (Chilli Cakes)
These small, crispy fritters made from split peas, turmeric, green chilli and spring onions are Mauritius's answer to falafel. Traditionally eaten for breakfast tucked into a buttered roll, they cost just 5–10 rupees each. Follow your nose to find them, you'll smell them frying from metres away.
7. Ladob
A Creole dessert rooted in African and Madagascan tradition, ladob is made from ripe plantains or sweet potatoes simmered in coconut milk with sugar, vanilla and nutmeg. Warm, creamy and gently perfumed, it's the kind of comfort food you'll find at food festivals and Creole-focused restaurants. A perfect dessert for a honeymoon in Mauritius.
8. Alouda
The quintessential Mauritian street drink: a cold, sweet, milky blend of rose syrup, basil seeds, agar jelly and evaporated milk. It's vibrantly pink, generously iced and completely refreshing on a hot afternoon. The jelly-like basil seeds take a moment to get used to, but the flavour is gentle and addictive. Find it at markets across the island.
9. Napolitaine
A soft shortbread biscuit sandwiched with strawberry or guava jam and coated in pink fondant icing, napolitaines are Mauritius's favourite bakery treat, evolved from French colonial baking traditions. You'll find them stacked in towers at boulangeries across the island. Packaged versions make excellent (if crumbly) souvenirs.
10. Phoenix Beer
Brewed on the island since 1963, Phoenix lager is the national beer of Mauritius, light, crisp and made for drinking ice-cold in tropical heat. A bottle costs 80–150 rupees (£1.40–£2.60) and is served everywhere from beach shacks to resort restaurants. For non-drinkers, locally produced Evasan fruit juices are a flavourful alternative.
Ready to taste Mauritius for yourself?
From market-stall street food to elegant oceanside dining, eating your way around Mauritius is one of the true pleasures of the trip. Check out our guide to things to do in Mauritius for more inspiration and find out when to visit Mauritius to make the most of your time there. When you're ready, browse our Mauritius package deals and let Away Holidays take care of the rest.
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