Discovering Port Louis

Denoting sophistication, Port Louis, the nation’s beating heart, has a wealth of wonders to offer. This destination deserves special attention for its wide variety of culinary experiences and unforgettable historical explorations. As the hub of Mauritius, Port Louis stands out for its unique exotic charm. With its splendid waterfront, iconic sites, tasty restaurants and even […]

by | Mar 2, 2024 | Activities, News | 0 comments

Le Mandala Moris

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Denoting sophistication, Port Louis, the nation’s beating heart, has a wealth of wonders to offer. This destination deserves special attention for its wide variety of culinary experiences and unforgettable historical explorations. As the hub of Mauritius, Port Louis stands out for its unique exotic charm. With its splendid waterfront, iconic sites, tasty restaurants and even skyscrapers; in other words, it’s a city that has admirably managed to preserve its authentic character while constantly evolving with the times.

The contemporary painting of Port Louis

Port Louis is a vibrant, colorful metropolis. One site not to be missed, the Caudan, emerges as the most dynamic commercial hub of the main city. It has an undeniable appeal with its luxury stores and international gastronomic palette, as well as shops where you can acquire handcrafted creations, such as model ships. The center also hosts a wide range of events, including philanthropic concerts and gastronomic feasts such as the Bread Celebration.

There are also movie theaters, a casino and a contemporary museum called Blue Penny. Extending beyond the Caudan friezes, a windmill, now transformed into a museum, can be seen in the distance, the work of French Royal Navy Captain Mahรฉ de Labourdonnais. Port Louis ‘ central market flourishes between Queen Street and Farquhar Street. It’s the perfect setting for savoring the delicacy of local cuisine. Your senses will be heightened by the bouquet of fruits, spices and incense. The place is constantly buzzing with activity, and the energy is contagious and festive. Here you can enjoyalouda, a colorful milky delight, enhanced with almond or vanilla flavoring and set with a scoop of ice cream. The market also offers exotic sorbets made from crushed ice topped with shimmering syrup, colorful pyramid stands of fresh vegetables and fruit, spices, fruits marinated in salt and chili, and sugar cane. The Port Louis bazaar is a mosaic of the island’s treasures.

Port Louis is a vibrant city where festivals abound, like Porlwi. Held at the end of the year, it illuminates the capital’s arteries at night, paying tribute to contemporary art and culture. As for the Kreol festival, it salutes fashion and music, while Chinatown has its own culinary celebration.

Dive into Port Louis’ past

The enchanting city of Port Louis, one of the most venerable in the country, never ceases to amaze with its rich history. Steeped in centuries past, this city has seen the country transform and develop before its very eyes. Four fascinating museums – the Blue Penny, the Museum of Photography, the Post Office Museum and the Museum of Natural History– keep its past alive. Followers of various faiths have also found refuge here, expressing themselves in buildings as varied as St Louis Cathedral, Jummah Mosque, Kwan Tee Pagoda, Marie Reine de la Paix and Kaylasson Temple. These places of worship, bringing together different religions in a single city, illustrate the uniqueness of Mauritian culture.

The town’s port, one of the most venerable in the region, is constantly evolving and modernizing. It can now accommodate large cargo ships, and a quay has even been built specifically for cruise ships. Not far from there, opposite the Gare du Nord station, the UNESCO-protectedAapravasi Ghat site pays tribute to the memory of Indian workers who joined the ranks of the the island at the request of the British after the abolition of slavery. This site contains a valuable collection of photographs and personal objects of these hard-working people.

The famous Place d’Armes, lined with century-old palm trees and adorned with statues that recall its major role in the country’s history, stretches as far as the eye can see. The only female figure represented is none other than Queen Victoria.

Fort Adelaide, commonly known as La Citadelle, sits majestically on a hill near the Champ de Mars, overlooking the city of Port Louis. This citadel was built by the British in anticipation of possible French attacks.

The lively Champ de Mars, the oldest racecourse in theIndian Ocean, is a favorite with all Mauritians. Weekend race days attract enthusiastic crowds. Horse owners enjoy the show from their sumptuous boxes, while punters huddle around the track to cheer on their favourites, adding to the festive atmosphere typical of the venue.

Port Louis urban tasting

Imagine an explosion of flavors as you roam the streets of Mauritius’ capital, a crossroads between street food and more formal establishments. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Mauritian meal, a bold culinary fusion or an international standard, variety is the order of the day. In the brasseries and other places of relaxation, the gastronomic diversity testifies to the cultural richness of the island.

China Town, which stretches along the Royal Road for half a kilometer, invites you to travel back in time, between ancestral traditions and the whirlwind of the present. It is home to major events such as the Chinese New Year, the Moon Festival and the Chinese Culinary Festival. You’ll be introduced to typical dishes from the Cantonese region, sometimes revisited in Mauritian style.

Chinese dumplings, a Sino-Mauritian specialty, are a delicacy not to be missed. Their choice of flavors ranges from vegetables, meat and fish to tofu. They are known by various names: niouk yen, sao mai and teokon. Niouk yen, for example, is made from grated chayote, tapioca flour and soy sauce, steamed and served in a hot broth, topped with spicy sauce and enhanced by a verdant note of chives.

Halim is a thick soup simmered with wheat, meat, spices and lentils. Lamb is the preferred ingredient, but some adapt it with ground chicken. Available from small urban restaurants and street vendors, halim is best enjoyed hot, drizzled with vinegar and garlic for a touch of acidity, and finished with fresh chives.

Port Louis is famous for its street food. Fried specialties such as pimento and arouille cakes are a common sight on every street corner. To start your meal, try pistachios roasted in sand or poutou. The latter, an immaculate dessert made with rice flour and steamed, is generously sprinkled with coconut powder. For a late-night snack, head to Rue Desforges for briani, a spice-scented rice dish, or to enjoy a variety of grilled meats.

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