Excursion

Cooking Classes in Mauritius: Learn from the Locals

Mauritius offers more than just tropical beauty—it's a rich culinary hub where Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences come together. One of the most authentic ways to experience this is through hands-on cooking classes led by locals. From rolling faratas and making Creole rougaille to crafting sweet gateau coco, these classes offer deep cultural immersion, often in home kitchens, boutique farms, or eco-lodges. Perfect for solo women, couples, and families, they include extras like spice tastings and market visits.

2 min

Mauritius isn’t just a destination for sun and sea—it’s a culinary melting pot where Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences blend into vibrant flavors. While you can enjoy Mauritian cuisine at restaurants and street stalls, the most immersive way to experience it is by learning to cook it yourself—right from the locals.

From fragrant curries to handmade faratas and sweet treats like gateau coco, cooking classes in Mauritius offer an intimate, hands-on experience that lets you take the island’s flavor home with you.

‍Why Take a Cooking Class in Mauritius?

  • Cultural immersion: Learn local recipes passed down through generations.
  • Hands-on experience: Prepare dishes using traditional techniques and local spices.
  • Farm-to-table connection: Many classes include market or garden visits.
  • Family-friendly fun: Great for solo travelers, couples, and even kids.

What You'll Learn to Cook

Typical dishes taught during Mauritian cooking classes include:

1. Farata (Mauritian flatbread)

Rolled by hand and cooked on a cast iron pan—served with curry or chutney.

2. Rougaille

A Creole-style tomato-based sauce, often paired with sausage, fish, or tofu.

3. Fish Vindaye

A tangy turmeric-spiced fish dish, often served with pickled vegetables.

4. Dholl Puri

Soft flatbreads stuffed with yellow split peas—Mauritius’ iconic street food.

5. Gateau Coco & Napolitaines

Coconut sweets and shortbread-style cookies filled with jam and icing.

What to Expect in a Mauritian Cooking Class

Join an immersive culinary experience that goes beyond just eating—these cooking classes in Mauritius offer a deep dive into the island’s flavorful heritage.

You'll typically cook in local homes, boutique hotels, or charming farm kitchens, where the setting itself adds authenticity to your experience. Sessions usually last between 2 to 4 hours and are hands-on, allowing you to prepare dishes from scratch under the guidance of local chefs or home cooks.

To start, you're often welcomed with a traditional drink, followed by a spice-tasting session that introduces you to key ingredients used in Mauritian cuisine. Printed recipes are provided, so you can take the knowledge home with you.

Many classes offer optional add-ons like visiting a local market to pick fresh ingredients or strolling through a garden to learn about herbs straight from the source.

The best part? Most classes end with everyone sitting down to share the meal they've just cooked—making it a delicious and memorable cultural exchange.

Top Places for Cooking Classes in Mauritius

Lakaz Mama – Grand Baie

Set in a Creole-style home with garden-to-kitchen experiences.

Otentic Eco Tent – East Coast

Sustainable cooking experiences with a riverside twist.

‍Local Home Experiences – Curepipe, Mahebourg

Learn from home cooks who teach family recipes with heart.

Chamarel Cooking Workshop

Farm-based classes surrounded by sugarcane fields and rolling hills.

Perfect for Women Travelers & Families

Cooking classes are especially popular among:

  • Solo women travelers looking for safe, interactive experiences.
  • Couples and honeymooners seeking intimate cultural moments.
  • Families who want a kid-friendly, educational activity.

Tips for a Great Experience

  • Book ahead: Many classes fill up fast, especially in high season.
  • Tell them your spice level: Mauritian food can be spicy—but adjustable.
  • Come hungry: You’ll be tasting as you go!
  • Bring a tote: Some classes include spice or recipe giveaways.

At Hi DMC, we believe the best way to explore a country is through its kitchen. We offer curated Mauritian cooking classes that pair you with warm, welcoming locals who are eager to share their knowledge, recipes, and stories. Whether it’s a market-to-table experience in Port Louis or a garden session in Chamarel, we’ll help you roll, stir, and taste your way into the heart of Mauritius.