How to eat in Seychelles - Savour Creole-inspired dishes!

When in Seychelles savour the delicious preparations made inspired by the islands Creole influence. Make sure to eat these delicacies next time you are there and want to experience the cuisine of the locals.

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Salted fish

You will no doubt come across this dish while in Seychelles. Poisson Sale in French is fish generously coated in salt and sundried. This was the selected process used by the islanders to conserve their fish supplies.

This is an acquired flavour and might not be for everyone's cup of tea. But if you are adventurous and adamant about having a local experience, go ahead and try it out. The salted fish is cooked into various other dishes as well. A classic staple is the Rougay, where the fish is simmered in a tomato and onion-based sauce that is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and chilli. It is usually accompanied by rice. The coconut milk curry is another delicious way to enjoy this type of fish. It might be the best way to experience it as the sweetness of the coconut milk cuts through the saltiness of the fish.

Coconut milk curry

The coconut curry is a favourite among Seychellois’s people. Loads of spices, curry leaves, hot chillies, and freshly prepared coconut milk goes into its preparation. Chicken and fish are the commonly used protein, which pairs nicely with white rice. This makes for a hearty and delicious meal. Curries are known to be spicy so if you favour less spice let the cook know.

 Lentil stew

Dishes made using lentils are very common in Seychelles and a staple among locals. Slow-cooked red lentils are simmered in a paste made out of onion, garlic, and ginger. This paste adds deliciousness to this humble meal.

Bananas dishes

The islands are native to at least 23 species of bananas, so expect to see a lot in their cuisine. The bananas and cooking plantains are found in many sizes and used for savoury and sweet dishes. Bananas fried in sugar and butter is common, it almost a banana caramel. In another popular dish, bananas are baked in coconut milk and sugar, which is known as the 'banana ladob'. Bananas flambéed in rum and brandy and served with ice cream is another dessert option. Fried plantain chips both sweet and savoury is a common snack as well.

Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a starchy vegetable and used in a variety of dishes. The vegetable is boiled, baked and fried and a staple among locals. It is prepared similar to banana ladobe to make breadfruit ladobe. One of the simplest ways to eat is to wrap the entire fruit in coconut husks and roast it in the fire for around 45 minutes. The peel is charred to reveal the smooth buttery flesh, it is eaten on its own with salt and butter.

Smoked fish salad

Smoking fish is another preserving technique in the islands. Once smoked the fish has a wonderful flavour which compliments the salad. A selection of seasonal vegetables is used for the salad and is eaten cold. The fish commonly used is swordfish, tuna, or sailfish. Green mango and papaya being a nice kick to the salad which is marinated in an oil-based dressing.

Satini 

Satini is another salad made from finely grated unripe fruits such as papaya or golden apple. It is then combined with onions and spices such as chilli to give it a spicy kick! Freshly grated coconut also goes into the mix. The salad also gets made with fish coated in turmeric to give a bright yellow hue. 

Grilled fish 

Although the simplest of dishes it is probably the most flavourful to be found on the islands. The fish is grilled on hot coals fired by coconut husks; this technique brings about a wonderful smoky flavour to the fish. The marinade is simple and consists of garlic, ginger, and chilli. It is complemented by rice with fresh lime for added flavour. Such dishes can easily be found in many restaurants in Mahe. Almost all hotels will feature these dishes too, so make sure to taste them, resorts like Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas is a good option as well.