Seychelles, the tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, isn’t just about pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
It’s also a treasure trove of vibrant, flavorful, and unique dishes that’ll make your taste buds dance.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Seychellois cuisine is a melting pot of African, French, Indian, and Chinese influences, creating dishes that are as diverse as the islands themselves.
Ready to take your palate on an island adventure? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the 10+ best Seychellois recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
From hearty stews to fresh seafood delights, these dishes are packed with flavor, history, and a whole lot of love.
1. Grilled Fish with Creole Sauce
Let’s kick things off with a classic Seychellois staple: grilled fish with Creole sauce.
This dish is all about fresh, locally caught fish—think snapper, grouper, or jobfish—grilled to perfection and smothered in a tangy, spicy Creole sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 whole fish (snapper or grouper)
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Clean and season the fish with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Grill the fish on medium heat until it’s flaky and cooked through.
For the sauce, sauté onions, garlic, and chili in olive oil until fragrant. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, and tomato paste, and let it simmer until thick.
Pour the sauce over the grilled fish and garnish with cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
This dish is a no-brainer for our list because it’s the epitome of Seychellois cuisine—simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
The combination of smoky grilled fish and zesty Creole sauce is a match made in food heaven.
2. Ladob (Sweet Plantain and Coconut Dessert)
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, ladob is your new best friend.
This creamy, dreamy dessert is made with ripe plantains, coconut milk, and a touch of vanilla. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
- A pinch of salt
How to Make It:
In a pot, combine coconut milk, plantains, vanilla, sugar, and salt.
Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the plantains are soft and the mixture thickens. Serve warm or chilled.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Ladob is the ultimate comfort food. It’s sweet, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to end any meal on a high note.
3. Octopus Curry
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Octopus curry is a must-try Seychellois dish that’s rich, spicy, and packed with flavor.
The tender octopus soaks up the curry sauce like a sponge, making every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb octopus, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add curry powder and stir for a minute.
Toss in the octopus and tomatoes, then pour in the coconut milk. Simmer for about an hour until the octopus is tender.
Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice.
Why We Selected It:
Octopus curry is a showstopper. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a true representation of Seychellois culinary creativity.
4. Breadfruit Chips
Move over, potato chips—breadfruit chips are here to steal the show.
These crispy, addictive snacks are a staple in Seychelles and are perfect for munching on any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 breadfruit, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the breadfruit slices in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Why We Chose It:
Breadfruit chips are a fun, crunchy snack that’s easy to make and even easier to love. They’re a great introduction to Seychellois flavors.
5. Fish Curry
Another seafood gem, fish curry is a fragrant, spicy dish that’ll transport you straight to the islands. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect with a side of rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (snapper or grouper)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in oil until soft. Add curry powder and stir for a minute.
Add tomatoes and coconut milk, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add fish and cook until flaky. Garnish with cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
Fish curry is a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a curry.
6. Coconut Ladob (Savoury Version)
Yes, ladob makes another appearance, but this time it’s the savory version.
Made with fish or vegetables, this dish is creamy, hearty, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fish or mixed vegetables
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green chili, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions, garlic, and chili in a pot. Add fish or vegetables and coconut milk. Simmer until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Savory ladob is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s creamy, flavorful, and super satisfying.
7. Shark Chutney
Don’t let the name scare you—shark chutney is a tangy, spicy condiment that’s a staple in Seychelles. It’s perfect for adding a kick to any dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked shark meat, flaked
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green chili, sliced
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions, garlic, and chili in oil. Add shark meat and lime juice. Cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Selected It:
Shark chutney is a unique and flavorful condiment that’s a must-try for adventurous eaters.
8. Banana Cake
This moist, flavorful cake is a Seychellois favorite. Made with ripe bananas and coconut, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Banana cake is a simple, delicious dessert that’s perfect for any time of day.
9. Rousette (Fruit Bat Curry)
Yes, you read that right—fruit bat curry is a traditional Seychellois dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and definitely an adventure for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fruit bat meat, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in oil. Add curry powder and stir. Add bat meat and coconut milk. Simmer until tender.
Why We Chose It:
Rousette is a unique and adventurous dish that’s a true taste of Seychelles.
10. Seychellois-style Grilled Chicken
This isn’t your average grilled chicken. Marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk, it’s juicy, flavorful, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate chicken in coconut milk, garlic, ginger, curry powder, salt, and pepper for at least an hour. Grill until cooked through.
Why We Chose It:
This grilled chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
11. Cassava Pudding
Last but not least, cassava pudding is a sweet, creamy dessert that’s a staple in Seychelles.
Made with grated cassava and coconut milk, it’s the perfect way to end any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated cassava
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Cassava pudding is a sweet, comforting dessert that’s a must-try for anyone exploring Seychellois cuisine.
Conclusion
There you have it—10+ mouthwatering Seychellois recipes that’ll take your taste buds on a tropical adventure.
Whether you’re a seafood lover, a dessert fanatic, or just someone looking to try something new, these dishes have something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and start cooking your way through these incredible recipes.