Welcome to the Culinary Journey of Seychelles
Marvelous, tropical, and teeming with unique flavors and dishes, the cuisine of Seychelles is an unexpected treasure that is sure to delight any foodie. Situated in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a 115-island country that beautifully fuses African, British, French, Indian, and Chinese influences into its cooking. Ready for the tastiest trip of your life? Let’s dive in.
A Brief Overview of Seychellois Cuisine
Seychellois cuisine is a perfect testament to the cultural melting pot that Seychelles is. It’s an eclectic fusion of flavors brought by settlers, traders, and colonists over centuries. The dishes are largely based on seafood and tropical fruits and vegetables, representing the abundant resources available on the islands.
Seafood – The Star of Seychellois Cuisine
In Seychelles, the ocean is not just a beautiful view, but also the source of the main ingredients for most meals. As you would expect, the seafood here is incredibly fresh, typically caught the same day it’s cooked. You’re in for a treat if you love fish, octopus, or shellfish.
Fish Curries
Fish curries are an essential part of Seychellois cuisine, usually made with coconut milk and a variety of spices, including turmeric, garlic, ginger, and cumin. Red snapper is a popular choice, but you’ll find curries made with different types of fish. Every curry dish in Seychelles has its unique spin, but one thing is consistent — they’re all incredibly flavorful and moreish!
Octopus
Octopus is a delicacy in Seychelles, prepared in several ways. Grilled octopus is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, often marinated in a mix of local spices before it’s cooked. You can also find octopus curries, typically made with coconut milk, curry leaves, and a blend of spices, resulting in a dish that’s creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious.
Fruits and Vegetables
Seychelles’ tropical climate allows for a variety of fruits and vegetables to thrive. Staples include breadfruit, cassava, sweet potatoes, and a variety of tropical fruits.
Breadfruit
A star among the local ingredients is the breadfruit. It’s a versatile ingredient, used in everything from curries to chips. One dish you have to try is ‘ladob’, a dessert or savory dish depending on its preparation. Savory ladob is usually served with salted fish, while the dessert version is cooked with sweet ingredients like coconut milk and sugar. It’s a true reflection of Seychelles’ culinary versatility!
Fresh Fruits
The islands are teeming with a variety of tropical fruits. Enjoy ripe mangoes, sweet bananas, refreshing pineapples, and the local favorite, ‘bilimbi’, a fruit often used in local dishes for its sour taste. You can also find coconuts everywhere; used in food, drinks, or simply enjoyed fresh from the tree.
Street Food in Seychelles
No culinary adventure is complete without delving into street food, and Seychelles won’t disappoint you here either.
Takeaways
These small, often family-run eateries are the best places to sample local dishes at an affordable price. You’ll find a variety of seafood options, curries, and local desserts. Look out for grilled fish, ‘carotte banane’ (banana cake), and ‘satini reken’ (shark chutney)!
Creole Festival
If you’re lucky enough to visit Seychelles during the Creole Festival, held annually in October, you’ll experience the ultimate street food extravaganza. It’s a chance for locals to celebrate their culture, and that includes food! Here, you can taste traditional dishes, including some that aren’t commonly found in restaurants or takeaways.
Top Seychellois Dishes You Must Try
While there are numerous dishes to explore in Seychellois cuisine, here are a few iconic ones that you shouldn’t miss on your culinary journey.
Grilled Fish
No visit to Seychelles is complete without tasting the grilled fish. Cooked over an open fire, the fish is marinated with local spices and herbs, giving it a distinctive flavor. The result is a meal that’s smoky, spicy, and utterly delicious. Enjoy it with a side of fresh salad and a cold Seybrew – the local beer.
Bouillon Bréde
Bouillon Bréde is a traditional Seychellois soup made with leafy greens, known as ‘bréde’, and fish or meat. It’s a hearty dish, filled with flavor from the various herbs and spices used. The type of ‘bréde’ used can vary, leading to subtle differences in flavor between different versions of the soup.
Shark Chutney
For the more adventurous eaters, shark chutney is a must-try. Made from boiled and finely mashed shark meat, this dish is mixed with bilimbi juice and local spices, and served with freshly baked bread. While it might sound intimidating, it’s a delicacy that beautifully encapsulates Seychelles’ culinary spirit.
A Taste of Sweet Seychelles
Seychellois cuisine also features an array of sweet treats, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a flavorful meal.
Coconut Nougat
For dessert, try the coconut nougat – a sweet, chewy confection made from grated coconut, sugar, and vanilla. It’s a popular treat and a perfect representation of Seychelles, considering coconuts are found in abundance on the islands.
Banana Cake
The banana cake, or ‘gateau banane’, is a delicious, moist dessert made from ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and vanilla. It’s often enjoyed with a cup of Seychelles’ locally grown vanilla tea. The natural sweetness of the bananas combined with the vanilla creates a dessert that’s not overly sweet but incredibly satisfying.
Dining Etiquette in Seychelles
When enjoying the culinary delights of Seychelles, it’s important to respect the local dining etiquette. It’s common to eat with your hands in Seychelles, especially when enjoying curries. Just remember, as in many cultures, only your right hand should be used for eating. Also, it’s appreciated if you finish everything on your plate, as it’s considered respectful to the chef who has prepared your meal.
Exploring Seychelles through its cuisine offers a unique window into the country’s culture and history. Each dish tells a story of the island’s past and the people who have shaped it. So, come ready to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet friendly locals, and of course, eat some truly incredible food.