What Should You Expect from a Port Louis Street Food Tour in Mauritius Island?

Mauritius is a stunning destination loaded with beautiful scenery, Caribbean vibes, and one-of-a-kind street food. Whether you’re a foodie or a traveler looking for something off the beaten path, a street food tour in Port Louis could be just what you need.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into what to expect from a street food tour in Port Louis. We’ll cover what foods to try, and where to try them, speak about the cultural implications of these salty and savory dishes, and some tips for enjoying the best possible experience.

What is Port Louis Like?

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius and the largest city on the island. The city rests on the northwest coast of the island and is home to almost 150,000 people. Since its inception in the 16th century, the city has become a melting pot of both African and Asian cultures influencing the cuisine, language, and architecture of the area.

The most iconic site in Port Louis is the Citadel, which overlooks the city from its perch near La Caserne. Here you’ll find impressive colonial architecture with an intimidating hillside fort, where soldiers used to man cannons and rifles that protected the city from invading Europeans.

What Foods Should You Expect to Eat on a Street Food Tour?

Local Vegetables

The first thing travelers and foodies alike should expect during their street food tour are all of the fresh local ingredients that you’ll find. From squash and eggplant, to sweet potatoes and pumpkins, Mauritius takes tremendous pride in their vegetable-based dishes.

Some of the most beloved local dishes include Mauritian Vegetable Curry, which is made with squash, eggplant, string beans, and potatoes. Pair this dish with white rice or some chapatis—a type of unleavened Indian bread—and you’re sure to have an experience like no other.

Local Fruits

In addition to fresh vegetables, you should expect to find fresh local fruit stands throughout your tour of Port Louis. These unique fruits will have your taste buds begging for more! Popular fruits in Mauritius include chesa (a type of melon), jambus (a grape-like fruit), mangos, rambutans (a hairy fruit native to South East Asia), and curuba—the pineapple-banana hybrid. Take caution when eating curuba, as it has poisonous seeds hiding under its sweeter skin.

Seafood Delight

The Gulf of La Manne provides Mauritius with some popular seafood delicacies that can make any mouth water. From regional favorites like encrasse fish and octopus cari or octopus curry, to more exotic dishes like an orange snapper with tamarind sauce or barracuda poisson thai—Mauritius’s mix of both African and Asian cultures supply locals with an incredibly diverse selection of seafood dishes to choose from.

Fried Festival Specialties

Some of the most interesting and diverse dishes come from the stalls spreading out along the local festivals and fairs around town. Classic favorites like samosas (a fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and sometimes served with tamarind sauce) gajacks (deep-fried balls of potato dough) are utterly delicious! You can also find fried snacks like chanthapalam (flour-battered mussels) and acras de morue (salt cod fritters).

Where Should You Eat on Your Tour?

It’s important that you experience as many cultures in Port Louis as possible on your street food tour. Here are some of the top spots that offer a unique taste of Mauritian culture:

• Le Caudan Waterfront – Here you’ll find all your seafood favorites as well as some Madagascan and Reunionese delicacies. Don’t forget to try the octopus curry!
• La Corderie – Known as the “Chinese district of Port Louis,” this area is filled with creative Asian cuisine and treats.
• Mauritian Markets – There are many traditional markets in Port Louis where you can find an abundance of goods from locals selling their goods—including street food vendors selling hot dishes and desserts.

Finally, there are many food trucks located all around town offering rotating menus of items—you never know what you might find!

How Can You Make the Most out of Your Tour?

Now that we know what foods to expect on your street food tour, let’s discuss some tips for making the most out of your excursion:

• Go Local – Make sure you back local vendors when participating in a tour. This helps ensure that you’re getting authentic dishes.
• Take Your Time – Street food tours can be rushed if you don’t pace yourself. Consider taking snacks or small meals at each vendor so that you don’t feel rushed into tasting local dishes.
• Carry Cash – Many vendors prefer cash over cards, so make sure to carry enough money for when you need it.

One of the best ways to experience all the rich flavors of Mauritius is through a street food tour. You can learn about local dishes, how they were made, and how regional ingredients come together for a truly unique culinary experience. Now that you know what to expect out of a Port Louis street food tour, head over to Get Your Guide to book your unforgettable experience!