If you want to combine the joy of travelling with gastronomical discoveries, the Indian Ocean might just be lining your perfect destination. Which island? That is totally up to you. But we’ve done our best to find the best foods to try on each of these tropical islands. Generally speaking, creole foods are not too spicy, but be sure to ask before ordering, as some dishes can be quite zesty.

Here is a list of foods you should try on the following islands:

  • Mauritius
  • Reunion
  • Seychelles
  • Maldives
  • Madagascar

1.     Mauritius

Mauritius is a racially and ethnically diverse country. This beautiful ensemble translates in various cultural traditions of the island, especially in gastronomy. From tropical fruits, vegetables, to freshly caught seafood and traditional Asian dishes, the Mauritian Creole Cuisine is a true melting-pot of diverse culinary values.

 

Top Mauritian foods

While many hotel restaurants serve a great variety of Mauritian dishes, sometimes you will have
to hit the road to find local delicacies. Here is what you have to try in Mauritius:

Dhall Puri 
Dhall puri, an Indian-inspired flat bread is the most famous and preferred street foods of Mauritians.
Its smoothness varies from one street corner to the other, but it is always served in hot pairs.

Grilled Seafood
No trip to Mauritius is complete without a grilled seafood meal on the beach.
You’ll enjoy freshly caught fish and the well-known lemon juice lobster grill. Bon appetite!

Biryani 
Many food dishes can represent the Mauritian cuisine, but Biryani is undoubtedly the favourite festive meal of Mauritians.
Served on weddings, restaurants’ top-seller or shared as a beach picnic lunch, the Biryani is not to be missed.

2. Reunion Island

Reunion is one of the islands of the Indian Ocean where we eat the best traditional foods. Eating is one of the favourite activities of the Réunionese and mealtimes are special family occasions. So if you are planning a trip to Reunion Island, here are 3 of the best foods to try during your holidays:

Top Reunion Island foods

Creole Curry
If you fancy something exotic and at the same time not too spicy, try the creole curry. A truly local dish in which many ingredients are together simmered to perfection. The Reunionese creole curry is best served with white rice.

Rougail saucisse
One of the oldest curries of Reunion Island. Today you will find this spiced tomato chutney in most restaurants of the island. Rougail Saucisse is made with several herbs and is usually flavoured with tomatoes, mango or lemon.

“Rhum arrangés”
Tantalise your taste buds with a drop of traditional rum infused with flavours of local exotic fruits and spices. You can chose from local zests like pineapple, litchi or cinnamon. Best after dinnertime!

3. Seychelles

Treat yourself to a unique culinary experience in the Seychelles. With such a rich submarine environment, it is no surprise that Seychellois cuisine resolves around seafood. Also, most dishes served in hotels and restaurants use traditional fruits and vegetables that are produced locally. Freshness guaranteed!

 

Top Seychellois Food

Coco curry
Whether it in Mahe, Praslin or La Digue, everyone loves “Cari Coco”. It is made using the simplest ingredients like coconut and fish, but yet very aromatic and tasty.

Grilled Octopus
The spicy grilled octopus has been served since the very beginning of tourism in the archipelago, a classic of Seychellois gastronomy. You can taste this on La Digue Island at Chez Jules Restaurant.

Fruits
The climate of the Seychelles allows cultivation of several seasonal fruits. For breakfast, served as desserts or juice, you’ll enjoy tasting a variety of tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, jackfruit, papayas and oranges.

4. Maldives

Maldivian traditional cuisine is a result of African, European and Asian influences. The everyday meals of Maldivians comprise of rice, seafood and fish. Locals love fish, especially Bonitos and Bluefin tunas, the principal ingredients of so many dishes, whether it is breakfast or dinner. Here are some of our picks;

Mashuni
Mashuni tuna is the favourite food of Maldivians. You’ll have the chance to try this surprisingly easy-to-make, yet exquisite tasting dish at your hotel or in most local restaurants.

Mas Bajy
Mas Bajy is a delicious rice and tuna mixture simmered with coconut milk. A traditional Maldivian recipe that uses a multitude of locally grown spices including cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and turmeric.

Raa
On streets of the capital and in its market, you will discover a juice called “Raa”. The juice is extracted from palm trees before left to ferment and this is to be taken with a grain of salt, as it taste nothing like regular fruit juice.

5. Madagascar

Madagascar cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Asian and French flavours with rich creole influences. With its copious vegetation, Madagascar is a land of spices and aromas. The island has more than 1000 species of plants and spices of which most have not been studied yet. Yet, Malagasy cuisine is quite assorted when it comes to taste. During your holiday in Madagascar, be sure to try these dishes:

Romazava
Romazava occupies a special place on local tables, it is considered the national dish of Madagascar. It is a tasty one-dish meal made with rice, meats and local green edible leaves. Depending on the region, the potherbs and ingredients might differ slightly, but you will find Romazava everywhere in Madagascar.

Juices
Tasty and cheap, juice stalls are everywhere in Madagascar. Made with seasonal fruits like, passion fruit, papaya, mango, tamarind and litchi, Malagasies like it with some sugar added. Natural juices are also served in most hotels and bars.

Masikita
If there’s one street food you should not miss in Madagascar, it has to be the Masikita. The tastiest and most famous of Malagasy street foods is a grilled zebu meat skewer. Ideally, locals consume Masikita on beaches with a spicy pickle.

Ranonapango – Burned Rice Drink
The ranonapango is certainly the most popular drink of Madagascar. It is obtained by using burnt rice collected from the bottom of pans as a replacement for water when consuming meals. It can be served cold or hot depending on the meals and it is also believed to have curating virtues.