Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Rasoi (
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1974 (
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Best Places to Stay
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Le Saint Géran (
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Le Prince Maurice (
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La Maison d'Été (
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ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK
Mauritius's complex mix of cultures has bequeathed to the island an equally complex culinary scene - Chinese,
Indian, Creole and French influences are all evident. It's the Creole element that shines through most strongly at
the
tables d'hôte
, the eating equivalent of a family-run guesthouse where diners often eat at a communal table
and can enjoy a range of traditional dishes spread over a number of courses. If you don't eat at a
table d'hôte
at
least once in Mauritius, you've missed an essential part of its gastronomic culture.
Seafood is the mainstay of all the different cuisines on the island. Prawns
(crevettes)
and octopus
(ourite)
are
special highlights, and octopus in particular appears in all manner of varieties - salads, cooked in saffron, or in a
curry (sometimes with green papaya). The fish of the day is nearly always a good order.
When it comes to meat, steaks can be terrific here, especially those from South Africa. Creole sausages are dis-
tinctive and are often cooked in a red Creole sauce.
When it comes to street food,
dhal puri
(lentil dhal served in a chapati pancake) and
boulettes
(tiny steamed
Chinese dumplings) are fantastic.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Driving in Mauritius
Driving a rental vehicle around Mauritius shouldn't pose too many problems or cause too
much anxiety. Most roads are in reasonable condition, although be wary of unsigned
potholes or poorly signed speed humps on minor or residential roads. The main concern
for first-time drivers is that, apart from the motorway that links the airport with Grand
Baie, many roads can be quite narrow - fine under normal conditions, but slightly trickier
when buses, trucks and meandering cyclists are factored in. The only solution is to err on
