In Mauritius, a melting pot of cultures, Indian cuisine shines with its diverse flavours. Whether in bustling markets or elegant eateries, savour a gastronomic journey through ten essential dishes—from the lively streets to the refined tastes that reflect India’s rich culinary heritage.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Originating from the heart of Delhi, Butter Chicken has found a beloved place in Mauritius. This rich, creamy dish features tender chicken cooked in a tomato-based gravy, enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices. Best paired with naan or fragrant basmati rice, it offers a delightful taste of Indian culinary fusion on the island.
Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a popular vegetarian dish from North India, particularly Punjab. It features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) immersed in a creamy spinach (palak) gravy seasoned with cumin, garam masala, and green chillies. This flavourful combination offers a wholesome meal, perfectly complementing naan or rice. Palak Paneer’s rich texture and vibrant taste make it a favourite among vegetarians exploring traditional Indian cuisine in Mauritius and beyond.
Masala Dosa
Originating from South India, Masala Dosa has found popularity in Mauritius. This thin, crispy pancake is crafted from fermented rice and lentil batter, traditionally filled with a spiced potato mixture. Served with coconut chutney and sambar—a lentil-based vegetable stew—it offers a delicious taste of Indian culinary fusion on the island.
Rogan Josh
A signature dish from Kashmir, Rogan Josh is celebrated in Mauritius. This flavorful curry features tender lamb or goat cooked in a sauce of yoghurt, garlic, and spices, highlighted by Kashmiri red chilli for its vibrant hue.
Paneer Tikka
Vegetarians in Mauritius have reason to celebrate with Paneer Tikka, a North Indian appetiser. This dish showcases marinated chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled with yoghurt and spices, accompanied by mint chutney and onions for a delicious culinary experience.
Chole Bhature
A classic street food from Punjab, Chole Bhature is enjoyed widely in Mauritius. This dish combines spicy chickpea curry (chole) with deep-fried bread (bhature), offering a delightful mix of spicy, tangy, and crispy flavours that are sure to satisfy.
Dhokla
A light and fluffy savoury cake from Gujarat, Dhokla is enjoyed for its delicate texture and flavorful profile. Made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, it’s seasoned with mustard seeds, green chilies, fresh coriander, and grated coconut.
Goan Fish Curry
Goan fish curry typically showcases the vibrant flavours of Goan cuisine with a local twist. It features fresh fish, often local catches like red snapper or mackerel, cooked in a tangy and spicy coconut-based curry. The curry is flavoured with a blend of Goan spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chilies, creating a rich and aromatic sauce. It is commonly served with steamed rice or bread to soak up the flavorful gravy, offering a delightful taste of Goa right in Mauritius.
Pav Bhaji
A popular Mumbai street food, Pav Bhaji finds its place in Mauritius. This dish consists of a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) served with buttered bread rolls (pav). The bhaji includes mashed vegetables cooked with aromatic spices, topped with butter and chopped onions, creating a hearty and flavorful meal enjoyed across the island.
Gulab Jamun
No Indian culinary journey is complete without indulging in sweets. Gulab Jamun, deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup, are a cherished dessert here. Made from khoya (dried milk), these soft and spongy balls are a sweet delight to end your meal.
Worth it Journey!
Embarking on a culinary adventure through India means exploring a diverse tapestry of flavours, textures, and aromas. These ten dishes offer a glimpse into the vast and varied world of Indian cuisine, a journey to savour during your stay in Mauritius!
