It's Mauritians' favorite interjection, and the most widely used, regardless of community or social rank. It has no precise meaning, which depends on the tone expressed: joy, surprise, sadness, anger, etc. Another expression frequently heard and used: Ki manier? for how are you? Answer: Korek, ça va.

It is the national flower of Mauritius. Originally from Colombia, it was introduced to the island at the end of the 19th century from European greenhouses. Abundantly cultivated in the country, it often forms the basis of local floral compositions. Its hues vary from white to red, through various shades of pink and orange.

Not to be confused with gambas. This large shrimp with delicious flesh does not live in the sea but in fresh water, especially in rivers with well oxygenated waters. Increasingly rare and therefore rather expensive to consume, it is often raised in barachois (fishponds) to be served in the best restaurants on the island.

Holiday home and/or secondary residence of Mauritians in the cities in the form of a villa or seaside bungalow, open to nature and still made of wood for the most authentic. With the growth of tourism, some campsites are replaced by residences, others are offered on the rental market.

Casuarina equisetifolia. Ubiquitous along the coast, salt- and heat-resistant, it resembles a lanky pine. In addition to providing providential shade and an ideal retreat for a siesta in the sea breeze, it helps limit erosion in coastal areas. In front of hotels, it has been replaced by the more "exotic" coconut palm.

Delonix regia. Native to Madagascar and common throughout the intertropical zone, the tree is adorned with large, bright red flowers from mid-November to mid-January, forming an absolutely spectacular vermeil-colored plant umbrella at its crown! Mauritians love it, as it heralds the Banané (Happy New Year) and accompanies the festive season.

Adorable little green or light-brown climbing lizard, with big sticky legs and suction cups. Omnipresent on the walls of houses and hotels (sometimes even in the bedroom!), it is absolutely harmless and feeds mainly on insects (especially mosquitoes). Its light, slightly shrill call resembles a small whistle.

Chinese noodles fried with spices, vegetables, eggs, chicken, etc. Popular, it is one of the most common, hearty and cheapest dishes in Mauritius. Originally prepared in Asian canteens, mines are now offered everywhere - gargotes, Creole or international cuisine tables..

The cultural wealth of the various islands of the Republic of Mauritius, it is both a music and a dance whose origins date back to the days of slavery. While it has its own groups, singers and troupes, and its own performance days (particularly in hotels), it also invites itself into the private sphere at weddings and family reunions.

Reflecting the island's cultural mix and the lifestyles of its inhabitants, street food is part of Mauritius's heritage. Everywhere on the streets, beaches and bus stations, you'll find the trailers of street vendors. Dumplings, gatos piments, dholl puris and rotis are the stars of the deliciously flavored local food culture.

Mauritian version of the Arab grocery store, except that you go "chez le Chinois"! Historically created and run by Asians, these ubiquitous island-wide stalls sell food and a little bit of everything: household products, drinks, shampoos, notebooks, hardware and - hence the name - cigarettes and tobacco.

Introduced in the ^18th century by the French colonists, this veranda surrounded the first floor of colonial houses. Opening onto the garden, it was one of the main living and reception areas of the home. Today, Mauritians refer to any covered terrace as a varangue , even one that borders only one side of the house.