Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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L'Eveil des Sens - Le Blue Margouillat (
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Table Paysanne Chez Fiarda (
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Le P'tit Zinc (
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Best Places to Stay
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Senteur Vanille (
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Le Platane (
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Rougail Mangue (
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Villa Belle (
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ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK
Réunion is a culinary delight: thanks to a mix of cuisines and prime fresh ingredients (plentiful seafood, succulent
meat, spices, aromatic plants, and fruit and vegetables bursting with flavours), you're certain to eat well wherever
you go. National favourites include
rougail saucisse
(sausages cooked in tomato sauce) and
carri
(curry), served
with rice and vegetables.
Given that Réunion is an island, it's hardly surprising that seafood features prominently on the menu. Gorge
yourself on fish and freshwater crayfish.
Desserts are equally exciting, with tropical fruit pies and jams, delicious cakes, exotic sorbets and ice creams.
In towns and cities, you'll also find plenty of patisseries selling croissants and pastries. Baguettes can be
bought from every street corner.
What about drinks? Flavoured rum is Réunion's signature drink: there are dozens to try, from vanilla to lychee.
Local wine is also great, if not exceptional.
Restaurants range from modest to top-end establishments. You'll also find
snacks
(fast food outlets) and food
trucks; they are cheap and serve no-frills, typical Creole fare and sandwiches. The tastier Creole food is often
served at B&Bs, which are famous for their
tables d'hôtes
meals (home cooked meals).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Arriving in Réunion
All long-distance flights to Réunion arrive at St-Denis, landing at Roland Garros interna-
tional airport, which is located about 10km east of St-Denis. Taxis from just outside the
airport cost from €20 to central St-Denis. Between 6.30am and 6pm, there's also a regular
shuttle bus service from the airport to central St-Denis (€4, 12 daily). The ride takes about
20 minutes.
