Seychelles isn’t just about stunning beaches and turquoise waters; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. From fresh seafood grilled to perfection to Creole curries bursting with flavor, your taste buds are in for a treat. This ultimate Seychelles food bucket list is your guide to the must-try dishes you absolutely can’t miss before you leave this island paradise.
Grilled Fish – Simplicity at Its Finest
Imagine this: you’re sitting at a beachfront restaurant, the sun is setting, and the aroma of freshly grilled fish fills the air. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Grilled fish is a staple in Seychelles, and it’s done incredibly well. The fish is usually caught that very day (or the day before, at most!), ensuring maximum freshness. Common catches include jobfish, red snapper, and bourgeois. The preparation is often simple – seasoned with local spices like ginger, garlic, and chili, then grilled over an open flame. The result is a flaky, succulent piece of fish with a hint of smoky char. Served typically with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables (breadfruit, if you’re lucky!), it’s a complete and satisfying meal.
Where to try it: Look for small, family-run restaurants along the beaches. These usually offer the freshest catch and the most authentic experience. For example, consider a restaurant in Beau Vallon on Mahé, or smaller establishments on Praslin and La Digue. Many guesthouses also offer grilled fish dinners for their guests, which is a great option for a more intimate meal. Expect to pay around SCR 200-400 (approximately $15-$30 USD) for a plate, depending on the type of fish and the location of the restaurant.
Creole Curry – A Symphony of Spices
Creole curry is the heart and soul of Seychellois cuisine. This isn’t your typical Indian curry; it has its own unique flavors and ingredients influenced by African, Asian, and European culinary traditions. The base of the curry often includes coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of local spices. What makes it truly special is the use of fresh, local ingredients. You’ll find various types of protein featured in Creole curries, including fish (like octopus!), chicken, pork, and even bat (yes, bat!). Vegetarian options are also available, featuring lentils, vegetables, or breadfruit. Each curry has its own distinct flavor profile, ranging from mild and sweet to fiery and spicy. Served with rice or lentils (or both!), it’s a flavorful and comforting dish that will leave you wanting more.
Where to try it: Marie Antoinette Restaurant on Mahé is famous for its traditional Creole cuisine, including its delicious curries. It’s a bit on the pricier side (SCR 400-600/ $30-$45 USD), but the experience is worth it. For a more budget-friendly option, try searching for local takeaways or smaller restaurants. Many local families also prepare and sell Creole curries, offering an authentic and affordable taste of Seychellois cuisine.
Octopus Curry – A Must-Try Delicacy
Okay, let’s talk about Octopus Curry. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something truly unique to Seychelles, this is it. Octopus is a popular ingredient in Seychellois cuisine, and it’s prepared in various ways, but the curry is arguably the most popular. The octopus is usually tenderized and then simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, chili, and a blend of local spices. The key to a good octopus curry is to cook the octopus properly so it’s tender and not rubbery. Served with rice or lentils, it’s a flavorful and satisfying dish. Some variations might include the addition of pumpkin, which adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the curry. Don’t let the thought of eating octopus scare you – it’s surprisingly delicious and a true Seychellois experience.
Where to try it: Similar to Creole curry, you can find octopus curry at most restaurants serving Creole cuisine. Ask around for recommendations – locals will be able to point you to the best spots. You might even find it being sold at roadside stalls or local markets, which is a great way to try it for a lower price (usually SCR 150-300 / $10-$22 USD). The Boat House Restaurant in Beau Vallon is a good option as well.
Lentil Stew (Dhal) – A Vegetarian Delight
Looking for a vegetarian option? Seychellois lentil stew, or Dhal, is incredibly popular. While many dishes on the island feature seafood or meat, this lentil stew is hearty, flavorful, and completely satisfying. It’s influenced by Indian cuisine and is typically made with red lentils, coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The lentils are simmered until they’re soft and creamy, creating a rich and flavorful stew. Sometimes, vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, or pumpkin are added for extra flavor and nutrition. Dhal is often served with rice or roti (flatbread), making it a complete and balanced meal. It’s a great option for vegetarians and vegans, and it’s also a delicious and affordable way to experience Seychellois cuisine.
Where to try it: Dhal is a common side dish or main course at many restaurants and takeaways. It’s relatively inexpensive, usually costing around SCR 50-150 (approximately $4-$12 USD) per serving. Look for it on the menu at Creole restaurants or at local markets. Many guesthouses also offer Dhal as part of their breakfast or dinner service.
Breadfruit Dishes – A Versatile Local Staple
Breadfruit is a ubiquitous ingredient in Seychellois cuisine. It’s a large, starchy fruit that can be prepared in countless ways. When ripe, it has a slightly sweet flavor, and when unripe, it tastes similar to a potato. One of the most common ways to enjoy breadfruit is grilled. It’s often simply seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled over an open flame until it’s tender and slightly charred. It can also be boiled, fried, or made into chips. For a truly unique experience, try breadfruit chips. These are thin slices of breadfruit that are deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They’re a perfect snack or side dish. Another popular dish is breadfruit lasagna, where slices of breadfruit replace the pasta sheets.
Where to try it: Breadfruit dishes are widely available throughout Seychelles. You can find grilled breadfruit at beach barbecues, roadside stalls, and restaurants. Breadfruit chips can be found at local shops and markets. Breadfruit lasagna is a bit less common, but you might find it at some restaurants specializing in Creole cuisine. The prices vary depending on the preparation, but expect to pay around SCR 50-200 (approximately $4-$15 USD) for most breadfruit dishes.
Ladob – A Sweet Treat with Coconut and Plantain (or Sweet Potato)
Time for dessert! Ladob is a traditional Seychellois dessert made with ripe plantains (or sweet potatoes), coconut milk, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla. The plantains (or sweet potatoes) are cooked in the coconut milk until they’re soft and creamy, creating a rich and decadent pudding. It can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. There are usually two main versions: a sweet-potato based one and a ripe plantain-based version. The plantain variety typically has a more floral vanilla infused profile, while the sweet-potato version is more starchy and substantial. It’s the perfect ending to a delicious Seychellois meal.
Where to try it: Ladob is often served as a dessert at Creole restaurants or as a homemade treat at guesthouses. You might also find it at local markets or food stalls. Be advised that Ladob is quite sweet, with a very high sugar content. Expect to pay around SCR 50-100 (approximately $4-$8 USD) for a serving.
Coconut Curry (Fish, Chicken or Vegetable) – A Creamy Delight
Similar to the Creole curry, but with a stronger emphasis on the coconut flavor, the Coconut Curry is yet another must-try experience. The creamy texture, combined with the spices creates a distinct taste, which you can savor with either fish, chicken, or vegetables. This is one of the best items on offer if you are not a big fun of hot-spicy curry.
Where to try it: Any traditional Creole restaurant should be able to provide a version of the meal, but it is still worth asking the locals about their favorite places, you might be surprised!
Satini Reken – Shark Chutney (For the Adventurous Only!)
This one is definitely for the adventurous eaters! Satini Reken, or Shark Chutney, is a traditional Seychellois dish made with boiled and mashed shark meat, bilimbi (a sour fruit), onions, chilies, and spices. The shark meat is shredded and then mixed with the other ingredients to create a flavorful and tangy chutney. It’s usually served with rice or bread. It is also important to note that shark populations are vulnerable, and consuming shark can contribute to their decline. You can inquire about the source of the shark meat before consuming it and choose to avoid it if you have concerns.
Where to try it: Satini Reken is a less common dish these days, but you might be able to find it at some local markets or Creole restaurants. Due to dwindling shark populations and sustainability concerns, it’s becoming increasingly rare. If you do find it, be sure to ask about the source of the shark meat and make an informed decision about whether to try it.
SeyBrew – Quench Your Thirst with Local Beer
While not a food, SeyBrew is the iconic local beer of Seychelles and a must-try for any visitor. It’s a lager-style beer that’s light, crisp, and refreshing, perfect for the tropical climate. It’s brewed on Mahé and is widely available throughout the islands. Enjoying a cold SeyBrew while watching the sunset is a quintessential Seychellois experience.
Where to try it: SeyBrew is available at nearly every bar, restaurant, and shop in Seychelles. You can even find it at the airport upon arrival! It’s relatively inexpensive, costing around SCR 20-40 (approximately $1.50-$3 USD) per bottle.
Fresh Tropical Fruits – A Bounty of Flavors
Seychelles is a paradise for fruit lovers. The islands are blessed with a wide variety of fresh tropical fruits, including mangoes, papayas, bananas, pineapples, passion fruit, star fruit, and many more. These fruits are incredibly flavorful and juicy, and they’re a perfect way to start your day, enjoy as a snack, or end your meal. You can find them at local markets, roadside stalls, and even growing wild in some areas. Don’t miss the chance to try the local varieties, which are often more flavorful than what you find back home.
Where to try it: Visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria (Mahé) for a wide selection of fresh fruits. You can also find them at smaller markets on Praslin and La Digue, as well as at roadside stalls. The prices vary depending on the fruit and the location, but they’re generally very affordable.
Palm Heart Salad – A Delicate Delicacy
Palm heart, also known as millionaires’ salad, is a truly unique and delicate delicacy. It’s harvested from the inner core of certain palm trees, and it has a subtle, slightly sweet flavor. In Seychelles it is, unfortunately, often sourced unsustainably. Palm trees are felled to obtain the heart, leading to habitat destruction. It’s something to be aware of when ordering it, so it’s wise to always ask where it came from.
Where to try it: Given sustainability concerns, it’s important to be cautious about trying palm heart salad. Ask where the palm heart was sourced from, and ideally avoid it unless you can be assured it was obtained sustainably. If sourced sustainably, it can be found in many restaurants, although increasingly rare, as chefs are becoming more aware of the ethical implications.
Nougat – A Sweet Relic of French Influence
Seychellois nougat reflects the island’s French colonial past with its sweet, nutty goodness. This dessert is a delightful combination of sugar or honey, roasted nuts (often almonds or cashews), and sometimes dried fruits. While you can find it commercially produced, homemade versions offer a unique glimpse into local traditions and are often passed down through families. The texture can range from chewy to brittle, depending on the recipe and preparation. Expect to find variations in flavor as well, with some nougat infused with local spices or tropical fruit essences. Packaged well, it makes for a great souvenir!
Where to try it: Look for nougat at local markets, souvenir shops, and occasionally at smaller bakeries or cafes, especially in areas with a strong Creole influence. Homemade nougat might also be available through guesthouses or local contacts on the smaller islands. Prices vary depending on the size and ingredients, so be sure to compare a few options before you purchase.
Bouyon – Hearty Fish Broth
Bouyon is a hearty fish broth steeped in Seychellois tradition, a testament to sustainable coastal living. Prepared using fresh fish heads, bones, and other scraps, and combined with humble yet aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, it transforms what some might consider food waste into a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal. Often seasoned with local herbs and spices like thyme, parsley, and chili, the slowly-simmered broth is full of flavor. Beyond its taste, Bouyon offers insights into the values of resourcefulness, community, and reverence for the sea, reflecting the ethos of the Seychellois people.
Where to try it: Seek out small family-run eateries or guesthouses on the islands for a taste of authentic Bouyon. The dish is less likely to be found on high-end restaurant menus. Be sure to ask about the fish used and the day’s catch, as the flavors of Bouyon can vary depending on the ingredients available. The price is likely to be budget-friendly – a reflection of the dish’s humble roots.
Kalamia – Caramelised Coconut Sweet
Kalamia, a delightful Seychellois sweet that involves few ingredients, is deceptively flavorful. Grated coconut is cooked with sugar (traditionally jaggery, a type of unrefined sugar), resulting in a chewy, caramelized treat that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Its rustic charm and simple preparation speak to traditional Seychellois cooking, and it’s loved by locals of all ages. The preparation requires constant stirring to prevent burning, and you’ll recognize it is ready once the mixture turns a deep amber color with a rich, caramelized aroma. This sweet treat is excellent with tea or coffee.
Where to try it: Kalamia is most often found at local markets, especially when there are community events and local fairs. It is often not sold in restaurants, but it is worth noting that many guesthouses sometimes will prepare it for guests. Be certain to visit a market on Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue during your visit. A small box will be super affordable (SCR 20-50 / $1.5 – $4 USD).
Cassava Pudding – Another Sweet Ending
Cassava Pudding is a sweet, starchy Seychellois dessert made from grated cassava (also known as yuca), coconut milk, sugar, and spices such as nutmeg. Combining cassava root with coconut imparts a unique texture to the pudding. The grated cassava gives the pudding a slightly coarse and fibrous consistency, which contrasts nicely with its creamy smoothness. Cassava pudding is a delicious reminder of Seychelles’ rich culinary traditions and resourcefulness, using locally sourced ingredients.
Where to try it: Usually found at local markets, especially those that are more community focused and less touristy. Try inquiring about a small guesthouse nearby to where you are residing, they may be able to point you in the right direction. For a small amount, you can pickup a freshly-made pudding.
Rum Arrangé – Infused Rum
Seychelles’ creativity extends to its local beverages, and a prime example is Rum Arrangé. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill rum; it’s an infusion that captures the essence of the islands. High-proof white rum is combined with a blend of local fruits, spices, and even herbs, then left to macerate for weeks or months. The longer it sits, the richer and more complex the flavor becomes. Common ingredients include vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, citrus peels, pineapples, star anise, coffee beans, and even chili peppers. The beauty of Rum Arrangé is its infinite variations, each reflecting the creator’s touch and the ingredients at hand. Sipping it is like tasting a piece of Seychelles itself.
Where to try it: Many distilleries in Seychelles now make Rum Arrangé, in addition to most hotels. It is also possible to find individual versions in various shops catered to tourists.
Fruit Bat Curry
Fruit Bat Curry is a traditional Seychellois dish that may intrigue adventurous foodies. Though perhaps not for everyone, it represents a part of the islands’ culinary landscape. The bats are thoroughly cleaned then stewed with a blend of spices, vegetables, and coconut milk, in a similar fashion to other meat-based curries. Those who have tried it describe the meat as gamey and flavorful, but the bones can be numerous. Note that fruit bats are an essential part of the Seychellois ecosystem and are legally protected. It may not always be available due to conservation measures.
Where to try it: While its availability is decreasing due to conservation efforts, some traditional Creole restaurants may still serve Fruit Bat Curry when in season. Be sure to inquire about its availability beforehand and be conscious of its environmental impact. Keep in mind that regulations can change, so it’s essential to be respectful of local laws and conservation efforts when considering this dish.
Tek Tek Soup
Tek Tek Soup is a comforting and flavorful Seychellois soup made with small shellfish called “tek tek,” a type of periwinkle. For anyone exploring coastal cuisine, this simple yet satisfying soup offers a distinct taste of the islands! Tek tek is harvested from the shallows of the ocean, and their slightly briny flavor infuses the broth of the soup. The tek tek are gently simmered, often with vegetables such as onions, garlic, and carrots. Simple spices like thyme, parsley, and pepper are typically added to enhance the flavor of the broth, creating a light and satisfying meal.
Where to try it: You’re most likely to find Tek Tek Soup in smaller, family-run establishments or perhaps on special occasion menus at local restaurants. Be sure to ask about it at restaurants near the coast during your visit; Tek Tek soup can be a hidden gem!
Seychelles Black Tea – Afternoon Delight
Seychelles Black Tea offers a delightful interlude during your stay, and the tea is actually grown locally on the islands. The tea leaves grown in Seychelles deliver a smooth texture, whether enjoyed black or with a dash of milk. Black Tea complements the cuisine of Seychelles, with a subtle caffeine boost!
Where to try it: Seychelles Tea & Coffee Company offers tours of their tea plantation, and you can shop their for black tea to take home!
Pineapple Chutney
Pineapple Chutney is a popular condiment in the islands, infused with sweet and spicy elements, capturing the flavors of Seychelles! Diced local pineapple is cooked with sugar, vinegar, spices like ginger, chili, and mustard seeds, creating a balance of sweetness and tanginess. You can add it to your favourite seafood options or eat right out of the jar!
Where to Eat It: Can be found in smaller boutique shops, or local markets. It can also be found in various guesthouses.
Fish Kebabs
Fish Kebabs are easy to eat and provide the same simple flavour to your liking! Diced fish in large quantities are skewered and grilled, seasoned with lemon juice and spices. These can be served at most resorts on the island!
Where to Eat It: Resorts on the island offering grilled options will often have this kebab option available.
Smoked Fish Salad
Smoked Fish Salad is a lighter option compared to some of the more savory options! Flaked smoked fish is combined with lettuce and served amongst spices and vegetables, and served with a light vinaigrette!
Where to Eat It: This is a popular side dish, so visit a local restaurant or grocery store!
Saffron Rice
Saffron Rice consists of rice that has been infused with saffron, bringing about its yellow colouring. It is often fragrant, served as a side to compliment other seafood meals or grilled dishes!
Where to Eat It: Served as a complimentary meal in several restaurants or small stores.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Seychellois cuisine:
What is the most popular food in Seychelles?
Creole curry is arguably the most popular food in Seychelles. It’s a flavorful and versatile dish that can be made with various ingredients, including fish, chicken, pork, or vegetables. Grilled fish is also a very popular and widely available option.
Is Seychellois food spicy?
Some Seychellois dishes can be spicy, but not all of them are. Many dishes use chili peppers for flavor, but the level of spiciness varies depending on the dish and the cook. If you’re sensitive to spice, be sure to ask about the level of spiciness before ordering.
Are there vegetarian options available in Seychelles?
Yes, there are vegetarian options available in Seychelles, although they might not be as widely available as meat or seafood dishes. Lentil stew (Dhal) is a popular vegetarian option, and you can also find vegetable curries and other dishes made with local produce. Be sure to inquire about vegetarian options when you visit restaurants.
How expensive is food in Seychelles?
The cost of food in Seychelles can vary depending on the type of restaurant and the location. Eating at tourist-oriented restaurants can be quite expensive, while eating at local takeaways or markets can be more affordable. If you’re on a budget, consider self-catering or eating at local spots.
What is a good tip for eating in Seychelles?
A good tip for eating in Seychelles is to try the local cuisine. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new flavors and dishes. Also, be sure to ask locals for recommendations – they can point you to the best spots for authentic Seychellois cuisine. In addition, be sure that you’re eating it at the right time, since the sugar content of some of the sweets are often very high and not suitable for every occasion!
References List
- Seychelles Tourism Board. https://seychelles.com/
Ready to embark on your culinary journey through Seychelles? Don’t just dream about the turquoise waters and pristine beaches; plan your trip and dive into the delicious world of Seychellois cuisine. Book your flights, reserve your accommodation, and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience. From grilled fish on the beach to flavorful Creole curries, Seychelles has something to offer every palate. What are you waiting for? Start ticking off items on this food bucket list and create memories that will last a lifetime!
