Ask any Mauritian about comfort food, and dholl puri will almost always be part of the conversation. This humble street food has become a true symbol of Mauritius : simple, affordable and loved by everyone, from early morning workers grabbing breakfast to families stopping by for a quick meal.
For this edition of We Tried It , the Restaurants.mu team went on a mission to find some of the dholl puri spots that locals keep recommending, with one simple question: where can you still find a really good dholl puri in Mauritius , the kind that makes you come back for another pair?
What makes a good dholl puri?
Dholl puri may look simple, but making a good one is all about the details.
The base is a thin flatbread made from flour and water, but what gives it its unique taste is the yellow split pea filling ( dholl ) — cooked, ground and added between layers of dough before being cooked on a hot tawa . This gives the dholl puri its slightly nutty flavour and soft texture.
Freshly made dholl puris stacked on a metal plate. — Restaurants.mu
Traditionally, dholl puri is served in pairs and topped with cari gros pois (butter bean curry), rougaille , pickles ( achards ) and a spoonful of chilli for those who like some heat.
For many Mauritians, the perfect dholl puri is about balance: soft but not too thin, enough filling without being heavy, good curry portions and just the right amount of spice.
How to order dholl puri like a local
“ Enn paire, sil vou plait. ” This is the most common way to order. Since dholl puri is traditionally sold two at a time, asking for “ enn paire ” simply means you would like one pair of dholl puri. The next question you will usually hear is whether you want chilli.
Avek pima → with chilli
San pima → without chilli
Our favourite dholl puri spots to try
1. Dholl Puri Bhai Assim — Trou aux Cerfs, Curepipe
A popular stop for Curepipe locals, Bhai Assim is one of those places where people come back regularly because they know what they are getting: a satisfying dholl puri with good flavours and consistency.
Trou aux Cerfs, Curepipe — 5916 0962
Dholl puri filled with gros pois, satini, and chilli. — Restaurants.mu
2. Al Barakat — near Malartic Mosque, Curepipe
Located near Malartic Mosque , Al Barakat is another well-known address for dholl puri lovers in Curepipe .
One thing to know: go early. The place is famous for selling out quickly, and the dholl puri often finishes before the official closing time.
Near Malartic Mosque, Curepipe — 5767 8407
Friday and public holidays: usually closes around midday
Other days: around 2 PM, but dholl puri often finishes earlier
3. Béré Dhall Puri — Rue Desforges & Rue Canal Bathurst, Port Louis
For many people working or passing through Port Louis , Béré Dhall Puri is a familiar name.
Located around Rue Desforges and Rue Canal Bathurst, it is another place where locals stop for a quick and affordable dholl puri fix.
Mr Oomar: 5799 7630
4. Taleb Dholl Puri — Curepipe
Another Curepipe favourite, Taleb Dholl Puri is conveniently located near Emtel, just before the pharmacy and MCB bank.
A good option if you are already in town and looking for a quick local meal.
Curepipe (near Emtel, before the pharmacy & MCB)
Busy hands preparing dholl puri at a vibrant street stall. — Restaurants.mu
5. Chez Bye — Rose Hill
Chez Bye has built a loyal following thanks to its generous fillings and satisfying dholl puri.
If you prefer your dholl puri slightly thicker, with a good amount of filling and plenty of flavour, this is one worth trying. Many regular customers return daily because of the consistency.
117 Prince of Wales Street, Rose Hill — 464 3417
6. Le Taj Chez Maraz — Mahébourg
Le Taj Chez Maraz is one of the most recognised street food stops in the south-east of Mauritius .
Based in Mahébourg since 1991, the team has built a reputation among locals and visitors for its dholl puri, chana puri and savoury snacks.
If you are exploring Mahébourg, this is a place many locals recommend adding to your food stops.
Rue Des Flamands, Mahébourg — 5082 1682. Monday to Sunday: 07:00 – 22:00
Why dholl puri remains Mauritius’ favourite street food
Part of what makes dholl puri special is that it belongs to everyone.
It is the meal students grab after school, the lunch office workers look forward to, the quick stop during a road trip and the food many Mauritians miss when they are abroad.
It is filling, affordable and full of flavour — proof that some of the best food experiences do not need a fancy setting. A pair of dholl puri with curry, chutney and chilli remains one of the best-value meals you can find on the island.
Our final verdict
Finding the “best” dholl puri in Mauritius is almost impossible because every Mauritian has their own favourite spot. Some love a softer version, others prefer it thinner, more filled or with extra chilli.
But one thing is certain: the places that survive for years are the ones that keep people coming back.
Whether you are in Curepipe , Port Louis , Rose Hill or Mahébourg , there is always a dholl puri stop worth discovering. Our advice? Follow the queues, go early, order “ enn paire ” and enjoy one of Mauritius’ greatest street food traditions.
We tried it. Now it’s your turn.