From colonial to Creole: A 1.5-hour cooking journey at OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort

Mauritius is a dream destination with sea-green lagoons protected by the world’s third-largest coral reef and white-sand beaches framed by rows of green filao trees. 

This natural beauty has drawn interest from around the world for centuries, from the colonial influences of the Dutch, French and British to Chinese and Creole cultures. This unique history and influence have created one of the best fusion cuisines in the world.

From colonial to Creole

Like its people, Mauritian cuisine is a harmonious blend of traditions and histories. It’s an evolving testament to the island’s adaptability and rich heritage. And it’s delicious.

To embrace this history of great taste, OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort is taking you on a culinary adventure as varied (and delightful) as this island nation’s culture.

Here are highlights of what you’ll make during this 1.5-hour onsite cooking class: Enn Balad Culinaire lor lakot le sud, a culinary journey on the south coast of Mauritius. Bon appetit!

The appetizer: Pickled Grandma green apple and mandazi

The Mauritian take on pickled fruits – known as fruits confit or "salad fruits" – is a key part of the country's street food culture. It's unique for using a variety of tropical fruits that aren’t usually found in many other pickling traditions: bilimbi, green mangoes, jujubes, green apple, tamarind and more. Try your hand at pickling with the Grandma Mauritian green apple as the star.

Make it yourself: ‘Zasar Pomme’
Grandma Mauritian green apple pickle served with mandazi bread, mustard and turmeric

To start: Arouille cakes and tomato chutney

Gâteaux Arouille, or arouille cakes, is a special delicacy from Mauritius rooted in the island’s multicultural history. Made primarily of the starchy root vegetable arouille, or taro in English, Gâteaux Arouille is more than just a dish; it is a go-to staple representing how Mauritius has embraced the influences of other cultures – and made them distinctly its own. Enjoy creating and sampling this Mauritian staple yourself.

Make it yourself: ‘Gateaux Arouille’ 
Arouille cakes with coriander and tomato chutney, chili and prawn

Main course: Curry and roti

One of the most popular foods in Mauritius, curry has become a symbol of the island’s rich history, diverse population, and culinary-meets-cultural amalgamation. See just how delicious it can be made in the traditional Mauritian way.

Make it yourself: ‘Chicken Curry’
Mauritian chicken curry served with white rice or Roti, with fenugreek seeds and chopped tomato

Dessert: Dumplings and cream

A sweet-meets-savory dessert, Rasmalai is a true Mauritian treat. Savor cheese-filled dumplings you make with your own hands, melding the savory with the contrasting sweetness of rose water and pistachio.

Make it yoruself: ‘Rasmalai'
Cheese dumplings in cream sauce with pistachios, saffron and rose water

The Cocktail: Caipirinha with basil

A staple in Brazil, the white-rum Caipirinha here gets a Mauritian twist with a little basil and passionfruit.

Make it yourself: ‘Mauritian Caipirinha’
Caipirinha passion with basilic and raw sugar

Check out the Mauritian Cooking Class, Indian and Mediterranean classes – and book your stay – in the land of many cultures now!