11 Easy Mauritius Recipes To Make At Home

Mauritius recipes wo doesn’t love food  that’s bursting with flavor? If you’re a fan of unique cuisine, you’re going to want to check out the delicious treats originating from the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Mauritian cuisine is an exotic mix of African, French, Indian, and Chinese flavors that combine to create a unique and delicious experience. With the popular rise of global cuisine, you may be familiar with some of the Mauritian food from the beautiful island of Mauritius – but there’s so much more to explore!

In this article, you’ll learn about the key ingredients, flavors, and traditional Mauritius recipes that define Mauritius gastronomy. Using tips from experienced local chefs, you’ll get a detailed look at the unique preparations and cooking styles that make Mauritian cuisine so special. Get ready to discover many new and exciting Mauritian recipes, plus learn the best ways to recreate these Mauritian recipes at home.

Mauritian Food and Culture

Mauritian cuisine is a mesmerizing blend of flavors and cultures, making it one of the world’s most unique and captivating culinary experiences. Whether you’re savoring the irresistible savory flavors of a classic gateau piment or delighting in the sweet, creamy texture of an almond-laced phini, Mauritian food culture is an intoxicating blend of Indian, African, French, Chinese, and Creole influences.

You will gain a better understanding of the history, ingredients, and distinct flavors that make Mauritian cuisine so extraordinary. You’ll learn about the influence of different cultures, explore the native ingredients and spices used to create these Mauritian foods, and discover why Mauritian foods stands out in a global context. Get ready to expand your culinary knowledge and get a taste of the extraordinary flavors of Mauritius!

So fasten your seatbelt and let’s take an adventure in Mauritian food!

11 Easy Mauritius Recipes To Make At Home

1. Mauritian Taro Fritters (Arouille Cake) 

Taro fritters are a popular Mauritian street food, showcasing the use of root vegetables in creative ways. Grated taro is mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes chickpea flour before being deep-fried into crisp golden patties. In Mauritius recipes, fritters like these are common at food stalls, where they are sold as affordable snacks alongside chutneys or pickles.

Taro fritters are crunchy on the outside while remaining soft inside, making them appealing for both casual snacking and festive gatherings. They are often enjoyed during religious or community events, reflecting the island’s diverse food traditions. Taro itself is widely grown in Mauritius, and fritters provide a simple method to transform it into a filling and flavourful dish.

Among Mauritius recipes, taro fritters highlight how locally available crops are turned into beloved street foods, connecting agricultural staples with the vibrant culture of Mauritian snack cuisine.

2. Mauritian Chicken Curry 

Chicken curry is one of the most celebrated Mauritius recipes, influenced by Indian, African, and Creole traditions. This dish is prepared with chicken simmered in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices, often including turmeric and cumin.

It is typically served with rice, farata (flatbread), or dholl puri, creating a complete and hearty meal. In Mauritius, chicken curry is a daily favourite in households but also takes centre stage at family gatherings and special occasions. Its preparation reflects the island’s multicultural heritage, where Indian curries were adapted to local tastes with Creole influences.

Variations include the addition of potatoes or fresh herbs, depending on the household. Among Mauritius recipes, chicken curry is considered a cornerstone of the national cuisine, embodying the blending of diverse food traditions into a single, flavourful dish that has become synonymous with Mauritian dining.

3. Mauritius Dholl Puri 

Dholl puri is often called the national street food of Mauritius and is one of the most iconic Mauritius recipes. It consists of thin, soft flatbreads stuffed with ground yellow split peas, rolled and cooked on a griddle.

Dholl puri is typically served as a wrap, filled with curries, pickles, and chutneys, making it a portable and filling meal. It originated from Indian parathas but has developed into a unique Mauritian staple. Vendors across the island sell dholl puri from carts, and it is a must-try for locals and visitors alike. The flatbread is light, slightly nutty from the lentil filling, and versatile enough to pair with both vegetarian and meat curries.

Among Mauritius recipes, dholl puri is not just food—it is a cultural symbol, representing the island’s Indo-Mauritian community while being embraced as a national favourite across all backgrounds.

4. Chicken Tikka Masala 

Tikka masala is a spiced chicken dish that reflects the strong Indian influence on Mauritius recipes. Marinated chicken pieces are grilled or baked before being simmered in a tomato-based sauce enriched with cream, yogurt, or coconut milk.

The sauce is aromatic, with spices like garam masala, cumin, and coriander giving it a bold flavour. In Mauritius, tikka masala is served with rice, naan, or pulao, making it a popular choice for both home meals and restaurant dining. While its roots are Indian, the Mauritian version often incorporates local touches, such as adding chili for extra heat or serving it alongside Creole side dishes.

This adaptation demonstrates how Mauritius recipes blend external culinary traditions with local preferences, producing distinctive flavours. Tikka masala remains a festive dish, prepared at special gatherings and enjoyed widely for its balance of smoky chicken and rich, spiced sauce.

5. Mauritius Pulao 

Pulao is a rice-based dish cooked with vegetables, spices, and sometimes meat, offering a lighter alternative to biryani. In Mauritius recipes, pulao is flavoured with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, often combined with peas, carrots, or chicken for added substance.

It is prepared by sautéing aromatics, then steaming the rice with stock and spices, resulting in a fragrant, colourful dish. Pulao is commonly served during family gatherings, festive occasions, or as part of celebratory feasts. It reflects the Indian heritage in Mauritius while also incorporating Creole adaptations, such as the use of local vegetables or seafood. Among Mauritius recipes, pulao is valued for its versatility, as it can be prepared vegetarian or with different proteins depending on availability.

Its aromatic spices and delicate texture make it a favourite side dish or main course, balancing richness with lightness in the Mauritian food tradition.

6. Napolitaines 

Napolitaines are delicate sandwich cookies filled with jam and covered in a smooth pink icing. They are one of the most beloved Mauritius recipes, often served at tea time or during festive celebrations. The biscuits are buttery and crumbly, while the icing provides sweetness and visual appeal.

Traditionally, strawberry or guava jam is used, creating a fruity centre that contrasts with the rich pastry. Napolitaines are simple yet elegant, symbolising the island’s European culinary heritage, particularly French influence. They are commonly made at home but also sold in bakeries across Mauritius, where their bright appearance makes them instantly recognisable. These cookies are not just treats but cultural markers, associated with hospitality and family gatherings.

Among Mauritius recipes, napolitaines hold a special place as a national sweet, cherished across generations and enjoyed as both an everyday indulgence and a celebratory dessert.

7. Mauritian Magic Bowl 

Magic bowl is a layered dish combining rice, stir-fried vegetables, meat, and sauces, typically served in a single bowl. In Mauritius recipes, this meal reflects the Chinese influence on the island’s cuisine, blending soy sauce, ginger, and garlic with local ingredients.

The dish is versatile, allowing different proteins like chicken, beef, or seafood, alongside seasonal vegetables. The “magic” comes from its colourful presentation and balanced flavours, combining savoury, sweet, and umami notes in one meal. Magic bowl is popular in urban centres and restaurants, offering a quick yet satisfying option for lunch or dinner. It demonstrates how Mauritius recipes incorporate Chinese traditions into the multicultural dining experience, reflecting the island’s diverse population.

The dish is practical, easy to customise, and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, making it a modern favourite that continues to grow in popularity across Mauritius.

8. Riz Frit 

Riz frit, or fried rice, is one of the most common Mauritius recipes influenced by Chinese immigrants. It is prepared by stir-frying cooked rice with eggs, vegetables, soy sauce, and sometimes chicken, shrimp, or pork.

Riz frit is popular because it is quick to prepare and makes excellent use of leftovers, reflecting the resourcefulness of Mauritian households. Street vendors and restaurants alike sell different variations, often pairing fried rice with soups or fried noodles. Its flavour comes from wok cooking, where high heat creates a smoky undertone, while soy sauce provides depth. In Mauritius recipes, riz frit has become a staple fast food but is also prepared at home as a casual family meal.

It highlights how Chinese techniques merged with Mauritian ingredients, producing a dish that is both adaptable and beloved, embodying the multicultural nature of the island’s cuisine.

9. Mauritian Duck Curry

Duck curry is a rich and aromatic dish often prepared during festivals and family celebrations. In Mauritius recipes, duck is simmered with onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves. Coconut milk or tomatoes may be added, depending on the variation, producing a thick, flavourful sauce.

Duck curry is served with rice, farata, or bread, making it both hearty and satisfying. It reflects the Indian and Creole influence on Mauritian cooking, where spices play a central role in meat-based dishes. Because duck is less common than chicken or beef, this curry is often reserved for special occasions, highlighting its association with celebration and hospitality.

Among Mauritius recipes, duck curry stands out as a festive dish that combines local resources with imported culinary traditions, maintaining its popularity across generations.

10. Mauritian Bhajas 

Bhajas are deep-fried fritters made from vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, or onions dipped in a chickpea flour batter. They are one of the most popular snacks in Mauritius recipes, sold by street vendors and prepared at home for tea-time.

Bhajas are golden and crisp on the outside, soft inside, and usually served with chutneys or pickles for added flavour. Their roots trace back to Indian pakoras, brought by indentured labourers, but Mauritian bhajas developed with local twists. Common variations use breadfruit or cassava, reflecting the island’s agricultural resources. Bhajas are eaten at religious festivals, family gatherings, and everyday meals, symbolising both tradition and comfort.

They are affordable, easy to make, and widely loved across all communities. Among Mauritius recipes, bhajas demonstrate the multicultural heritage of the island, blending Indian techniques with Creole adaptations into a beloved street food.

11. Mauritian Chicken Daube 

Chicken daube is a tomato-based stew prepared with chicken, onions, garlic, thyme, and spices, simmered until tender. In Mauritius recipes, daube is influenced by French cuisine but adapted with Creole and Indian flavours, including chili and ginger.

The sauce is thick, fragrant, and often enriched with potatoes or carrots, making it a complete meal when served with rice or bread. Chicken daube is popular as a family dish, cooked in larger batches to feed multiple people at once. It is enjoyed during everyday dining but also appears at festive gatherings, symbolising the island’s multicultural food heritage. The dish represents the fusion of European stewing techniques with local spices and tropical produce.

Among Mauritius recipes, chicken daube stands as a classic, bridging French colonial traditions with modern Mauritian identity, ensuring its place as a comforting and widely loved meal across the island.