Dim sums
Do not hesitate to look for the chinese hawkers by
the roadside, selling steamed chinese dim sums, like "saw
mai", "niuk yan" (meat balls), "en pow
niuk" (steamed fish fingers) and "teo kon"
(beancurd).
Chinatown (Port Louis) may be the best place to try our chinese
delicacies at various hawkers: Grospiti, James Snack, Canton
restaurant, Panda restaurant, La Flore Orientale and Le Poisson
d'Or.
Chow mien
The traditional fried egg noodles (similar to spaghetti)
are very common in most Chinese restaurants and a popular
option for lunch amongst us, locals! The noodles are made
fresh, by hand and cooked with chicken / beef / pork / seafood
in soy sauce, sweet sauce and "kiu choi". According
to the Chinese, noodles are a sign of long life, and is
often served as the first dish in birthday dinners.
Bol déviré
An interesting dish which you will find nowhere in Asia!
It is served exactly as its name suggests, literally meaning
"upside down bowl". Once you 'uncover' your dish,
it is rice cooked with chicken, "kai lan" vegetables,
dried mushrooms in oyster sauce, with a fried egg sitting
on top of the domed shape!
Gato la cire
A traditional round cake, made with glutinous flour,
dark brown sugar and vegetable oil. The texture is sticky
and brown in colour, thus deserving its name which means
"rubber cake". "Gato la cire" is offered
to family and friends on Chinese New Year celebrated towards
the end of January or beginning of February, according to
the lunar calendar.
Gato arouille
This very Chinese-Mauritian snack is always present
during parties. Grated yam (taro) is mixed with finely chopped
spring onions and ginger and coated with bread crumbs. The
paste obtained is then fashioned into balls and deep fried
until very crispy. For added kick, dip in chili and chutney.
Mooncakes
Cakes especially made on the occasion of the mooncake festival
during the month of September, the actual date depending
on the lunar calendar. The recipe is different from the
ones available in China and South East Asia.