Mauritian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s a vibrant mix of Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences, creating flavors that are bold, unique, and downright irresistible.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’ve hit the jackpot. These recipes aren’t just meals—they’re an experience.
Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.
From hearty curries to sweet treats, these Mauritian recipes are the real deal.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these dishes will transport you straight to the tropical island of Mauritius. Let’s get cooking!
1. Dholl Puri The Ultimate Street Food Staple
Dholl Puri is the king of Mauritian street food. Think of it as a soft, thin flatbread stuffed with ground split peas, served with a side of curry or chutney.
It’s the kind of food you can’t stop eating once you start.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups split peas (yellow)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It:
- Boil the split peas until soft, then grind them into a paste.
- Mix flour, turmeric, cumin, and salt in a bowl. Add water gradually to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into small balls, flatten them, and stuff each with the split pea paste.
- Roll out the stuffed dough into thin circles and cook on a hot griddle until golden brown.
Why We Chose It: Dholl Puri is a must-try because it’s the heart and soul of Mauritian cuisine. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
2. Gateau Piment Spicy Lentil Fritters
These little firecrackers are addictive. Gateau Piment, or chili cakes, are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split peas (yellow)
- 2-3 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
- Soak the split peas overnight, then grind them into a coarse paste.
- Mix in chilies, onion, and salt.
- Shape the mixture into small balls and deep fry until golden brown.
Why We Chose It: Gateau Piment is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make and perfect for snacking.
3. Rougaille The Flavor-Packed Tomato Sauce
Rougaille is a tangy, spicy tomato-based sauce that’s a staple in Mauritian homes. It’s versatile and pairs well with fish, meat, or rice.
Ingredients:
- 4 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 2 green chilies (sliced)
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, chilies, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Why We Chose It: Rougaille is a flavor bomb that elevates any dish.
4. Mauritian Fish Curry A Seafood Lover’s Dream
This curry is creamy, spicy, and loaded with fresh fish. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 500g fish (firm white fish like snapper)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 can coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in oil. Add spices and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and fish, then pour in coconut milk. Simmer until the fish is cooked.
Why We Chose It: This curry is a taste of the Indian Ocean in every bite.
5. Farata The Mauritian Flatbread
Farata is similar to Indian paratha but with a Mauritian twist. It’s buttery, flaky, and perfect for scooping up curries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup ghee or butter
- Salt to taste
- Water (as needed)
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into balls, flatten them, and brush with ghee.
- Roll into thin circles and cook on a hot griddle until golden.
Why We Chose It: Farata is a versatile bread that complements any meal.
6. Mauritian Biryani A Festive Feast
This biryani is fragrant, flavorful, and packed with spices. It’s a celebration in a pot.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500g chicken or beef
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and spices. Add meat and cook until tender.
- Layer cooked rice over the meat and steam for 20 minutes.
Why We Chose It: This biryani is a showstopper for special occasions.
7. Mauritian Octopus Curry A Unique Delicacy
Octopus curry is a bold, flavorful dish that’s a must-try for adventurous eaters.
Ingredients:
- 500g octopus (cleaned and chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 can coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add spices and octopus.
- Add tomatoes and coconut milk, then simmer until tender.
Why We Chose It: This curry is a unique taste of Mauritius.
8. Mauritian Coconut Chutney A Sweet and Spicy Dip
This chutney is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 2 green chilies
- 1 small onion
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Why We Chose It: It’s the perfect accompaniment to any Mauritian dish.
9. Mauritian Pineapple Salad A Refreshing Side
This salad is sweet, tangy, and refreshing. It’s the perfect palate cleanser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple (chopped)
- 1 cucumber (chopped)
- 1 red chili (sliced)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
Why We Chose It: It’s a light and refreshing side dish.
10. Mauritian Vanilla Tea A Sweet Ending
This tea is fragrant, sweet, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 vanilla pod (split)
- Sugar to taste
- Milk (optional)
How to Make It:
- Boil water with the vanilla pod. Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar and milk if desired.
Why We Chose It: It’s a comforting and aromatic drink.
11. Mauritian Banana Fritters A Sweet Treat
These fritters are crispy, sweet, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
- Mix bananas, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden.
Why We Chose It: They’re the perfect sweet treat.
Conclusion
Mauritian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
These recipes are your ticket to a culinary adventure that’ll leave you craving more.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and let’s bring a taste of Mauritius to your kitchen.