John Myers
Introduction: Vegetarianism in Mauritius
Vegetarianism is a growing trend in Mauritius, with an increasing number of people choosing to follow a meat-free diet for ethical, health, and environmental reasons. In fact, a recent survey found that more than 10% of the population identify as vegetarian or vegan. Despite this, many visitors to the island assume that vegetarian options are limited, particularly when it comes to street food. However, there are actually plenty of delicious, plant-based options to try!
Exploring the Street Food Scene: Vegetarian Options
Street food is an essential part of Mauritian culture and cuisine, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. The good news is that there are plenty of vegetarian street food options available, from savory snacks to sweet treats. Some popular vegetarian street food dishes include samosas (deep-fried pastry filled with spiced vegetables), dholl puri (flatbread stuffed with yellow split peas and served with chutney and curry), gateaux piments (chili fritters), and boulettes (steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or soy protein).
While it’s important to note that not all street vendors may cater to vegetarians, most food markets and street food stalls will have at least a few vegetarian options on offer. It’s also worth mentioning that Mauritian cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Creole flavors, all of which offer plenty of vegetarian options.
Top 5 Vegetarian Street Foods to Try in Mauritius
- Dholl puri – A staple of Mauritian street food, these flatbreads are filled with spiced yellow split peas, served with chutney and curry.
- Samosas – These deep-fried pastries are filled with spiced vegetables and are a popular snack across the island.
- Gateaux piments – Also known as chili fritters, these small deep-fried balls of gram flour and chili are a delicious, spicy snack.
- Boulettes – These steamed dumplings are filled with vegetables or soy protein and are often served in a flavorful broth.
- Roti – Similar to dholl puri, these flatbreads are filled with a variety of curries and vegetables. They’re a great option for a filling, on-the-go meal.
In conclusion, there are plenty of vegetarian street food options in Mauritius, with a wide variety of flavors and textures to explore. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to try something new, there’s sure to be a delicious plant-based dish that will satisfy your cravings. So, next time you find yourself on the streets of Mauritius, be sure to seek out some of these tasty vegetarian treats!
