Discovering the wonders of Réunionian cuisine

The Réunionian cuisine is in keeping with the island: Mixed, generous, colorful, and full of flavors. Indian, Chinese, African, Malagasy and French influences blend to create a unique cuisine in the Indian Ocean.

During my [blogtrip to the island of La Réunion], I was lucky enough to discover the best of Reunion cuisine, especially during a very hearty and delicious dinner on the beach at the famous restaurant L’Orangine, in LUX* Saint-Gilles.

A mixed and authentic cuisine, with a thousand flavors, that is truly part of the experiences to be had during a trip to Reunion.

The recipes can vary from north to south, from east to west, and especially from one family to another. This is precisely what makes this cuisine so interesting to discover.

The Reunion cuisine: an incredible mix of influences

Réunion is a true land of mixing races and this is particularly evident in its cuisine.

The culinary traditions from India, China, Africa, Madagascar and France have blended over time with the products of the island.

During my stay, I discovered a generous and fragrant cuisine, with simple recipes that appear simple but are often very elaborate in terms of spices and seasonings.

Here are some of them Indispensable Reunion specialties which I recommend you to try.

The samoussa

It is impossible to discover the Réunion cuisine without trying the Samoussas !

In a triangular shape, they bear witness to the influence of Indian cuisine. They can be stuffed with meat, fish or other prepared ingredients seasoned with spices.

What I particularly liked about La Réunion is that they are very easy to find. They are sold, among other places, in small eateries and around beaches and tourist sites.

When prepared at home, they are particularly delicious.

It’s also a small specialty that’s very easy to share with family and ideal for eating on the go during a day of exploring the island.

The bouchons of Reunion

Another must-try dish of Reunion gastronomy: the plugs.

This time, it is the Chinese influence that is found in this specialty. These are small bites of dough stuffed with ingredients, usually meat, that resemble small ravioli.

You can find some of them everywhere on the island.

Traditionally, they can be served on small sticks and accompanied by a sauce or a little bit of pepper.

I found that it was a specialty particularly easy to discover with the family: their small size allows you to try it without necessarily ordering a full meal.

The chicken curry

The Chicken curry It is probably one of the most emblematic dishes of La Réunion.

At first glance, the ingredients may seem quite simple. Yet the result is very different depending on how the dish is prepared.

The chefs and cooks from Reunion have their own habits, their own combinations of spices, and sometimes their own little secrets of preparation.

That’s exactly what makes each cari different.

During a stay in La Réunion, I really recommend you to try one Traditional chicken curry.

Sausage roulade

Another classic: the rough cut sausage.

It is certainly one of the Reunion dishes that has left the strongest impression on me.

Contrary to what its name might suggest, roquefin is not necessarily an extremely spicy dish. It is actually a preparation made with tomatoes and onions, which is used here to accompany the sausages.

The dish is usually served with rice and various side dishes.

According to the recipes, the chili pepper can be more or less present. As is often the case in Reunion, each family has its own way of preparing this great classic.

Exotic fruits

After the savory dishes, let's move on to Tropical fruits !

Réunion has an incredible variety of fruits that can be found, among other places, in the markets.

During my stay, I was able to discover or rediscover:

• the letchis; ;
• the bananas; ;
• coconut; ;
• the guava; ;
• the pineapple; ;
• the mangoes.

It’s also a great way to discover local products simply by strolling through the island’s markets.

The little sweet treats of Reunion

The Réunion cuisine is obviously not limited to savory dishes.

There are also many small treats to be enjoyed at different times of the day: beignets, honey candy, spicy candy, coconut candy or even sweet potato cake.

Some of these specialties are perfect for a small gourmet break during a day of sightseeing.

The Reunion products I discovered after my return

For nostalgic people like me, it is also possible to find some Reunion products after their return to metropolitan France.

Shortly after my stay, I had the opportunity, among other things, to discover several products that I had not had the chance to try directly in Reunion, notably from papaya jam and mustard to rosehip honey.

There was also some spread in the package… but Thibault ate it before I even had time to take a photo of it! 😉

It was a nice way to prolong the trip a little after my return.

Where to discover Reunionian cuisine?

To experience authentic Reunion cuisine, I recommend that you don't limit yourself to the tourist restaurants.

Markets, small local restaurants, snacks and outlets set up near the beaches often allow you to discover the island’s specialties in a much more relaxed atmosphere.

And above all, feel free to try several small dishes instead of systematically ordering just one.

A few samoussas, some bouchons, a curry, a rougail and some tropical fruits already allow you to discover a good part of Reunion’s cuisine.

My experience at LUX* Saint-Gilles

During my stay, I had the chance, among other things, to discover the Réunionian cuisine at the restaurant L’Orangine du LUX Saint-Gilles*, with a dinner set up right on the beach.

The setting was obviously exceptional and this experience remains one of my fondest memories of my short stay in Reunion.

I devoted a full article to this hotel:

LUX Saint-Gilles in Reunion: my review of the 5-star hotel

The Reunionian cuisine as a family

Gastronomy is a great way to introduce La Réunion to children.

Les Samoussas and the corks They are especially easy to share and can serve as a first introduction to local flavors.

They can then be gradually introduced to cari, rougail and the various tropical fruits.

It is also an opportunity to break with routine and to try out together products that are not necessarily available in the metropolitan area.

What must you absolutely try in La Réunion?

If you are preparing your first trip to the island, here is my short list of must-see places:

🥟 Samoussas
🥢 Seals
🍛 Chicken curry
🌶️ Rougail sausage
🥭 Tropical fruits
🍯 Honey candy, coconut candy and potato cake

And above all: try it, test it, share it and be surprised!

FAQ – Reunion cuisine

What is the specialty of Reunion?

Among the great classics of Reunion cuisine are, among others, the chicken curry, the pork roulade, the samoussas and the bouchons.

What to eat in Reunion?

I recommend you try several specialties: samoussas, bouchons, cari, rougail, tropical fruits, and small sweet treats from Reunion.

Is the Réunionian cuisine spicy?

Some preparations can be adjusted, especially with pepper, but this depends a lot on the recipes and habits of each cook.

What to eat in La Réunion with children?

Samusas, jams, rice and tropical fruits are generally good first discoveries for children.