Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations Season 5 Episode 23 Mauritius

In this episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, host Andrew Zimmern takes viewers on a culinary journey to the exotic island nation of Mauritius. Located off the eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius boasts a unique blend of Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences in its cuisine, due in large part to its history as a trading post.

Zimmern's first stop is the bustling market in the capital city of Port Louis. Here, he samples fried gajaks, a popular street food made with dough filled with lentils, spices, and chilies. He also tries samosas, a savory pastry filled with meat or vegetables that originated in India but is now a staple of Mauritian cuisine.

At another market stall, Zimmern is introduced to dholl puris, a dish consisting of a thin pancake made from ground split peas and served with a spicy chutney and bean curry. The pancake is made on a traditional griddle called a tawa, which gives it a unique texture and flavor.

Next, Zimmern travels to a seaside village to sample fresh seafood straight from the ocean. He tries octopus curry, a dish that is slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices until it is tender and flavorful. He also samples fish vindaye, a tangy dish made with a blend of onions, mustard seeds, and vinegar.

In the central part of the island, Zimmern visits a tea plantation where he learns about the history of tea production in Mauritius. He samples fresh tea leaves and tries a cup of tea made from the estate's finest leaves. The tea is served with a side of buttery biscuits, which are a popular snack in Mauritius.

At a restaurant in the coastal town of Flic en Flac, Zimmern tries a dish that combines traditional Mauritian flavors with modern techniques. The dish is a fried rice ball filled with goat cheese and coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture. It is served with a side of pickled vegetables and a spicy sauce that complements the creamy goat cheese.

Finally, Zimmern visits a Mauritian family at their home to learn about their traditional way of cooking. He is treated to a feast of curried chicken and fish, several types of chutneys and pickles, and a dessert made from sweet potatoes. The meal is served on banana leaves, which is a traditional custom in Mauritius.

Overall, this episode of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations shows the diverse and delicious cuisine of Mauritius, which combines flavors and techniques from around the world to create a unique culinary experience.