Indian indentured labourers, Chinese merchants and Creole slaves have come to Mauritius island during the colonisation period. Each group has brought a touch of their respective native country into their meals. Recipes have been shared from generation to generation. The culinary world of Mauritius therefore has a lot to offer. We take you for a visit in the kitchens of Mauritians.
Namaste (hello) from India
The Mauritian gastronomy is far from being bland. Rather, Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, mustard seeds and cardamom, amidst others, have a place in the daily life of the homemaker, regardless of whether she is an Indian descendant or not. After all, these are used to prepare different types of curry.
Three symbols of Indian origin linked to the Mauritian identity can be found in local markets: the ‘farata’ – a flatbread originally called ‘paratha’ –. the ‘dhalpuri’ – a flatbread made from dhal (yellow lentils) – and the famous ‘alouda’ – a refreshing drink derived from the ‘falooda’, a mix of milk and syrup, served with soaked basil seeds and grated gelatin.
Fried snacks
The “gateaux de l’huile” or “ gateaux frire” as Mauritians call them, originate from India as well. However, they deserve a category for them alone. Here are some examples that you can buy from different parts of Mauritius. The samosa is a thin sheet of dough folded into a triangle and filled with mashed potato or meat or chicken mince. The ‘chana puri’ is a fritter garnished with dhal that Mauritians are crazy about. The ‘bhajia’ is another fritter made from chickpea flour. The ‘gato pima’ (gâteau piment) is a ball made of spicy mashed dhal.
Ni hao!
Chinese dishes are very popular in Mauritius. Noodles with shredded cabbage and carrot, fried in soya sauce is known as ‘mine frire’ here. It is equivalent to the Chinese ‘chow mein’. Fried rice is prepared the same way. Another Chinese delicacy that is easy available here are the dim sum (made from vegetables, shrimps, fish or chicken).
Trimmings and snacking
If you spend time with Mauritians, you shall hear them often say that they cannot eat without pickles. Pickled vegetables are usually served with ‘dhalpuri’ and ‘farata’ as well as the ‘rougail’, a tomato sauce with a hint of onion.
Pineapples, mangos, cucumbers and olives marinated in tamarind, chili and salt bring the sour taste that is required by Mauritians for any typical day at the beach. They also love eating grilled, boiled or caramelised peanuts and boiled then seasoned brown chickpeas.
Some sweetness to end the discovery
We leave you on a sweet note. The ‘poudine’ (pudding) is a Mauritian specialty. Made from vermicelli, cassava, maize, sweet potato or bread, it is a dish that everyone loves. Keep the word ‘napolitaine’ in your mind; it is a dessert to try by all means on your trip to the island. It is composed of two biscuits with a layer of jam in between and dipped in icing. You will thank us for this!
This article is mouth-watering, we know. Of course, recipes of Mauritian dishes can be found on the Internet. However, the secret to fully appreciate them lies in relishing in them in the Mauritian setting! Make the island your next foodie destination.