10 Mauritius Street Food You Should Not Miss

Did you know that Mauritius, often celebrated for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is also home to one of the world’s most diverse and mouth-watering street food scenes? In fact, 8 out of 10 visitors claim that the island’s street food is a highlight of their trip! If you’re a food lover (and who isn’t?), get ready to dive fork-first into a world of flavors, spices, and stories. While you may have heard of dholl puri—the traditional dish of Mauritius—we’ve got a treat of other must-try street foods you won’t want to miss. Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more deliciously evident than in its street food. 

Intrigued? Let’s take a flavorful tour of Mauritius street food you should NOT miss . Bon appétit!

What to Eat in Mauritius? 

1. Gajaks: The Perfect Snack Attack

First stop on our culinary adventure: Gajaks! These bite-sized snacks are the ultimate way to start your street food experience. Think of them as the Mauritian answer to tapas. Crispy, savory, and absolutely addictive, Gajaks come in a variety of forms— from crunchy samosas to spicy chili cakes. Found at nearly every corner, these little delights are perfect for when you’re on the move but need a quick flavor fix.

Hot Tip: Pair your Gajaks with a glass of Alouda, a sweet, milky beverage that’s as refreshing as it is unique!

2. Gâteau Arouille: The Crispy Wonder

Next up, we have the iconic Gateau Arouille, also known as Taro Cakes. These golden, deep-fried beauties are made from grated taro root mixed with spices, then fried to perfection. Taro root, originally from Southeast Asia, is wonderfully crispy on the outside, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. It’s the kind of snack you’ll find yourself craving at odd hours of the day. Pro tip: Don’t just have one!

Where to Find It: Street vendors across the island serve Gateau Arouille fresh and piping hot. Trust us, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

3. Gateaux Piments: Little Balls of Spice

Gateaux Piments, Mauritius’ version of falafel! Made from split peas, cumin, coriander, and—you guessed it—chili, these spicy balls are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Usually enjoyed for breakfast or as an anytime snack, Gateaux Piments are the perfect example of Mauritian street food done right.

Quirk Factor: Locals often sandwich them in a buttered baguette. It’s like a Mauritian hot dog with a spicy twist!

4. Poutou: Sweet Coconut Goodness

If you have a sweet tooth, Mauritius has just the treat for you: Poutou. This sweet, steamed rice cake is made from grated coconut, rice flour, and sugar, with a dash of vanilla for that extra oomph. The result? A soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that will have you asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s light, it’s sweet, and it’s authentically Mauritian. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!

5. Boulettes: Dumplings with a Mauritian Twist

Mauritius takes dumplings to the next level with Boulettes, a popular street food that’s often enjoyed as a light lunch or snack. These delicate dumplings come in various fillings like chayote, chicken, and shrimp, all swimming in a fragrant broth that warms the soul.  

Insider’s Tip: Visit a local boulette vendor and watch them handcraft these little gems. It’s an experience as delightful as the food itself!

6. Mine Frite: The Ultimate Noodle Stir-Fry

Finish off your street food journey with a plate of Mine Frite, a Mauritian stir-fried noodle dish with strong Chinese influences. This flavorful dish brings together noodles, vegetables, soy sauce, and your choice of meat or seafood, reflecting the island’s multicultural culinary heritage. Quick, tasty, and satisfying, Mine Frite offers a comforting taste of Mauritius’ diverse food culture, making it a must-try for visitors.

Don’t Miss: Many vendors will add a fried egg on top for that extra richness. Trust us, you’ll want to try it!

7. Dholl Puri: The King of Street Food

Dholl Puri is a soft, thin flatbread stuffed with ground yellow split peas and served hot off the griddle and typically topped with bean curry, rougaille (a spicy tomato-based sauce), and a side of pickles. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, giving away the true essence of the delicious food of Mauritius.

Fun Fact: Dholl Puri is so beloved that it’s considered Mauritius’ unofficial national dish. You can find it almost everywhere.

8. Roti Chaud: A Handheld Delight

If you’re in the mood for a quick, handheld snack, Roti Chaud is your go-to. This flaky flatbread is usually filled with a savory mix of curry—often made from chicken, fish, or vegetables—and then rolled up to enjoy on the go. The soft, buttery roti contrasts beautifully with the spicy filling, making it an irresistible treat.

Must-Try: Look out for versions stuffed with ‘sautéed greens’ or ‘melt-in-your-mouth butter beans.’ They’re local favorites!

9. Farata: The Island’s Pancake

You already know the joy of tearing into a warm, flaky Indian paratha. Now, meet its Mauritian cousin, Farata. It is a thicker, more substantial flatbread that’s often enjoyed with a variety of curries and chutneys. It’s a comforting dish that’s especially popular for breakfast or a light meal. You’ll love how the flaky layers soak up the rich flavors of whatever it’s paired with.

Best Enjoyed: With a side of Mauritian chutney—whether it’s tomato, tamarind, or coriander. Each adds a zesty kick that complements the Farata perfectly.

10. Samosa: Crunchy, Spicy, and Oh-So-Good

No street food journey in Mauritius is complete without sampling a few Samosas. These triangular, deep-fried snacks are stuffed with a variety of fillings, from spiced potatoes to minced meat or even fish. The crispy pastry shell gives way to a flavorful filling that’s both satisfying and utterly delicious.

Where to Find Them: You’ll often spot vendors selling Samosa in the late afternoon, just in time for an evening snack. Grab a few to munch on as you explore the island!

Ready to Grab a Bite in Mauritius?

Mauritius is a paradise for food lovers! With a mix of African, Indian, Chinese, and European flavors, the Mauritius street food scene is as diverse as its people. Here, food is not just something you eat; it’s a way of life, a story told with every bite, and a way to bring people together. From the spicy kick of Gateaux Piments to the sweet delight of Poutou, every bite you take in Mauritius is a story untold. 

So, what are you waiting for? Mauritius is calling, and it tastes amazing!