OTENTIK DISCOVERY

The route starts at the Caudan Waterfront, from where you walk to the Port Louis bazaar: a picturesque place that will awaken all your senses with its smells and tastes, sounds and colors. It welcomes tourists from all over the world and locals from every corner of the island. You'll find fruit and vegetables, spices and sweets, clothes and handicrafts, and souvenirs of all kinds. Stroll the aisles, look at the posters and unusual slogans and, above all, in this friendly hubbub, remember to bargain.

Cross over, nostrils alert, until you enter the section dedicated to meat and fish. Sensitive souls beware! In this wing, cuts of meat and beef heads rub shoulders on the stalls. Their scents mingle with those of the fish to fill the air with rather peculiar odors that might put some people off... But the detour is a must!

At the heart of the market is anAlouda Pillay stand. Alouda is a traditional Mauritian drink made from milk and Toukmaria seeds. At Pillay's, the glasses are filled on the assembly line just like at the factory. Here, there's little or no waiting in line. Just wave and you're served! Enjoy this thirst-quenching and refreshing beverage. Don't forget to return the glass... and pay for it!

A little further on, try the dholl puri from Maraz. As everywhere on the island, the queue is a fairly reliable indication of the quality of the street vendor's products. At noon, Maraz's dholl puri production is in full swing. This Indian pancake, made from flour and yellow lentils, is filled with delicious chutneys, rougailles, pea curry and other wonders. Stand in line, wait and watch... Take a seat on the steps outside the bazaar, enjoy your delicious dholl puri amidst the bustle of the capital. A real local moment!

Then on to Chinatown, via the elegant Jummah Mosque, in Moorish and Mughal styles. We reach the boutique of Mister Chu, supplier to the whole of Port Louis. Not very big, that may be your first impression. But appearances can be deceptive, as this store is a major supplier of Chinese cakes to the whole capital: gato la sir, gato zorey, gato cravat..

Another store worth a visit in the same district is Marie Jo. Food lovers and those who love to cook will have the sensation of entering Ali Baba's cave. You'll find everything from sauces, local and exotic spices, dried grains and many other products to suit all tastes. Marie Jo is the conductor here! She greets customers while taking delivery of goods, counts incoming cartons while giving change... This is one of China Town's must-visit addresses.

And so isCafé Shanghai . Mauritians are big fans of this popular eatery where you can enjoy dumplings: meat, fish or vegetables rolled into small balls, steamed and then served in a broth... Café Shanghai is a meeting place for businessmen, workers, families and tourists passing through... You're expected! Don't go for the decor, but enjoy the mouth-watering dumplings that melt under your palate.

Time for a street art break. This art form is gradually making its way into the capital. Discover monumental works of art in streets with evocative names: rue Bourbon, rue Edith-Cavell, rue Saint-Louis... Keep your eyes peeled for old metal doors, stone walls or an old wooden building with a shingled roof, a work of art from another time...

After the pleasures of the eyes come the pleasures of the taste buds at Bombay Sweets Mart, one of those places where queuing is still a sign of popularity. But be careful, as the room is really not very big! The best Indian cakes in the capital can be found in this store, where Mauritians flock and everything is homemade. A takeaway for a snack?

Then head for the nerve center of old Port Louis: the superb Place d'Armes and, as a symbol of British influence, its Hôtel du Gouvernement, in front of which sits the white statue of Queen Victoria. As you turn around, you can admire the palm-fringed Place d'Armes and, in the background, the harbour and the sea.

A final session of nibbling and discovering the capital's culinary heritage at a popular food stand, Roti Aka, located at one of the corners of the Jardin de la Compagnie, on Rue du Révérend-Lebrun. Some Mauritians living abroad have only one desire when they return home: to enjoy a roti Aka! This local dish is reminiscent of dholl puri, but without the yellow lentils. The small family-run business produces some of the best roti on the island, which can be enjoyed at one of the small tables set up in front of the shop. The roti, served hot on pretty plates, is filled with a variety of curries. An excellent address and fast service.

Sources: Otentik Discovery by Attitude Hotel Group