Culture

Cuisine

The cuisine of Mauritius is a blend of Indian Cuisine, Creole, Chinese and European, and it is not uncommon for a combination of cuisines to form part of the same meal. Cari poule (chicken curry), is a very popular dish, whilst mine-frit (Chinese fried noodles) and niouk nien (dumplings) are loved by all and readily bought by the Mauritian community either in restaurants or on the sidewalks of main streets. Alouda (a milk-based drink with basil seeds) has become a typical Mauritian drink and the dholl puri (traditional Mauritian-style bread made from cooked and crushed yellow lentils) is considered a favourite in all communities.

Music

The sega is the local folklore music, which has its roots in Africa. The music is produced using goat-skin percussion instruments known as ravane and metallic clicks using metal triangles. The songs usually describe the miseries of slavery, and have now been adapted as social satires. The rhythm, however, remains very festive and while the men play the instruments, the Creole women gyrate in large fluid and revealing skirts with bright colours. Shows are regularly hosted in the coastal hotels.

Stamps

In 1847, Mauritius became the fifth country in the world to issue postage stamps. The two types of stamps issued then, known as the Red Penny and the Blue Penny are now some of the most famous and rare stamps in the world.