Mauritius from an outsider’s perspective: An undying love for the Orient

Food is believed to be the way to the soul and with time, Asian cuisine has won hearts all over the world. It is most people’s “go to” as a sort of comfort food or when there is an occasion to celebrate.

Wherever I have been in all my travels, there’s always been an Asian restaurant that’s a runaway hit and claims to serve “authentic” Chinese or Thai food though with a dash of the local flavours. But then the question is, “Does this delectable cuisine belong just to the Asians?” I would agree to disagree, because it is the adaptable nature of this style of cooking that makes it a global success. Mauritius, with its mixed cultures and ethnicities, is no less than a gastronomic delight. Chinese culture has been an integral part of Mauritian heritage ever since the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants back in the late 18th century. In present times, a fusion of the Asian and Mauritian cuisines can be sampled at several restaurants all over the island. Here, I talk about three restaurants in the Plaines Wilhems district which serve some great Asian food at affordable rates.

Thai restaurant 

There is a famous Thai restaurant-cum-café found in the Plaine Wilhems known as Kasafé. The star of the kitchen, Saranya Homtuanlom’s, decision to blend the flavours of Thai culture with the Mauritian “melting pot” heritage has actually worked out quite well both for her and the locals. Her years of experience travelling abroad and working with five-star hotels has led to some irresistible delicacies being served at restaurant. Her passion for cooking and making her customers happy shine through in her culinary skills as she turns food into art. The chef’s special recommendations are the Tom Yum soup, Goong Pad and Bamee Pad with other bestsellers being the Pad Thai Noodles, Kai Pad med and Kaopad. She also has introduced some new dishes on the menu which are totally worth a try. My personal favourite, though, has been the Pad Thai Noodles which I promise does not disappoint, especially if it’s your first time. 

Chinese Food 

Chinese food is very famous in Mauritius. Some of the Chinese restaurants trace their history back to more than 33 years ago. The first restaurant was set up by Mr. Ah Youn who moved from China and decided to settle down and set up his business here. The restaurant having started out on a small scale soon became famous for its Mine Bouilli et Boulettes, a simple yet wholesome dish comprising of dumplings served in soup, and is known for it to this day. With time the business was taken over by Mr. Ah Youn’s grandchildren, Ah Mee and her brother Benoit, who expanded the eponymous franchise and are now the proud owners of three establishments. Along with the original Ah-Youn in Vacoas, another was set up in Flic En Flac in 1999 and a third, again in Vacoas, in 2005. Most residents head here to celebrate special occasions or just to enjoy a nice family outing. Some of the other dishes that the restaurant is famous for are the ‘Bole Renverser’ aka the “Magic Bowl”, Sweet and Sour Chopsuey, the fried rice and the fried noodles. Try out a variety of mouthwatering Chinese and fusion dishes that are light on your stomach and your wallet either for lunch or for dinner.

Looking for an authentic Chinese fine dining experience? Step into Shangrila restaurant for a memorable night with friends and family. Owned by a couple hailing from China, the restaurant aims at serving its customers the classics of Chinese cuisine and is, in fact, famous for its ‘Peking duck’. The belief that people eat with their eyes first holds true here, as each dish is painstakingly made visually appetizing with vibrant colours and artistic plating. The amiable staff ensures that you are comfortable and enjoy your meal to the fullest. Be sure to try the Steamed Fish and Hot Pot Aubergine, if you do decide to visit.