For committed foodies, Mauritius is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in the Indian Ocean, due in part to the influence of its Indian, Chinese, French and Creole cultural heritage. But with world-class international cuisine readily available, it’s easy enough to fall back on our tried and tested favourites.

To shake things up a bit we say try a different style of food – or venue – while you’re here and go back home with a deeper understanding of the island’s food culture. From street food snack bars to fine dining at sea, here’s five alternative places to eat in Mauritius.

Kwan Peng snack bar, Trou aux Biches

Sample some great value local favourites at the Kwan Peng snack bar opposite the beach in Trou aux Biches, though don’t be surprised to find a long queue. The Chinese food here is easily among the tastiest on the island, so order a few boulettes (steamed dumplings) with noodles or soup and tuck in.

La Case du Pecheur, Anse Bambous, Vieux Grand Port

Situated on the river mouth by the village of Anse Bambous, this thatch and stone seafood restaurant may look rather basic at first glance. But all the hanging fishing nets and shell lanterns give it a charmingly rustic vibe, and the reputation of its seafood continues to draw in an ever-steady stream of punters. Locally farmed lobster, crab, oysters and giant shrimps are the speciality here, and you can also purchase a bottle of the house-made rum.

Lady Lisbeth, 20 Degres Sud

Boutique hotel 20 Degres Sud’s vintage teak motor boat Lady Lisbeth is the oldest in Mauritius, and was painstakingly restored in Port Louis using only photos from the marine museum as a guide. Now she is a gourmet restaurant venue seating just 8 people, and sets sail nightly for a gastronomic cruise around the bay. She can also be rented for special events such as anniversaries, birthdays or intimate weddings.

Pyramid Snack, Mahebourg

One of the best places on the island to enjoy an authentic Mauritian briani (a traditional rice dish cooked with fish or meat and oodles of Asian spices), Pyramid Snack on Labourdonnais Street is an essential stop for street food fans. Eat at one of the tables inside or get yourself a slap-up meal to go, but as with the Kwan Peng snack bar above, don’t be surprised to find yourself fighting for space among dozens of locals – this places serves several hundred people.

Indian Pavilion at One&Only Le Saint Géran

Opened in September last year, Indian Pavilion at One&Only Le Saint Géran occupies an extraordinary setting on a promontory jutting out into the hotel’s private lagoon. Best of all, the restaurant has an open kitchen which allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the preparation of Chef Faizan Ali’s aromatic modern Indian cuisine.

Photos: Steamed dumplings, La Case du pêcheur, Lady Lisbeth, Indian Pavilion at One&Only Le Saint Géran.