Eat like a local
Elle put together some easy steps every host can follow to prevent hosting from becoming more of a chore than a reward.
“Some of our most enthusiastic hosts are so dedicated to their guests having an exceptional stay that they’re challenged to find their own time and resources for themselves,” says Elle. “They’re givers and sometimes givers swing too far into that giving activity.”
The saying “You have to taste a culture to understand it” certainly holds very true for the Seychelles. Food in the Seychelles is a melting pot of cultural influences that have been blended with the islands’ natural bounty of fruits, spices and ocean-fresh seafood. Here are our top picks of places to experience authentic Creole cuisine:
MARIE-ANTOINETTE
This Seychelles restaurant is housed in a hundred-year-old colonial-style building in the heart of Victoria. As the Seychelles’ oldest restaurant, this establishment serves up delicious food prepared according to traditional Creole recipes. In fact, the menu has not changed much since the restaurant first opened in 1972, and you can still enjoy Creole specialities such as battered parrot fish, octopus curry and Chauve Souris Frugivore (curried fruit bat).
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12:00-14:30 (Lunch) | 18:30-21:00 (Dinner)
BAZAR LABRIN
Every Wednesday night, the Seychelles’ most popular beach, Beau Vallon, is transformed into a vibrant market with colourful stalls appearing at the side of the road, selling popular Seychelles street food at traditional prices. Fresh fruit juices, handmade souvenirs and local artwork are also on sale, lending a kaleidoscopic ambience to the evening. As the sun sinks below the horizon, twinkling bonfires light up on the beach for the Seychelles’ traditional moutay dance.
Opening hours:
Wednesdays: 16:30-21:00
STREET FOOD IN VICTORIA
The narrow streets of Victoria are lined with tiny shops and food stalls, each offering a unique insight into the culinary culture of the Seychelles. Take a stroll through the bustling capital and make sure to sample local Creole cuisine while searching for souvenirs and admiring the local architecture. Not to be missed is Callino’z, serving classical street bites from Jardin de Enfants, opposite the Convention Centre.
How to get there: A taxi from the hotel costs roughly EUR 50* or, for an authentically local experience, take the public bus. There is a bus stop on the West Coast Road, just 10 minutes from the hotel’s main gate. A ticket costs EUR 0.30*.
LE JARDIN DE SEYCHELLOIS
Of course, it is possible to enjoy traditional Creole cuisine without ever having to leave the resort. Every fifth night, the buffet dinners at Café Lazare are transformed into a celebration of local cuisine with our weekly Creole extravaganza. Simmering curries, grilled fish and piles of fresh fruits are just some of the local favourites that we invite you to sample.
CATCH OF THE DAY
The Seychelles is home to some of the richest fishing grounds in the world, where angling has become a way of life. It’s no surprise, then, that grilled fish is a staple of Creole cuisine. There is no better way to enjoy this simple, yet delicious dish than if you’ve caught the fish yourself. Bring back the day’s catch from your latest fishing expedition and our chefs will gladly prepare it for you.
