The markets

The markets, Mauritius Although there are number of retail parks springing up everywhere, Mauritians have rightly-so continued to buy most of their shopping from local markets. © Bamba Sourang / OT Ile Maurice

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Colourful and convivial, the markets are to be visited in the morning, when the bustle is at its liveliest. You see the Mauritian men and women come to buy the ingredients they need for the preparation of currys or "mine frits", two traditional dishes of the island. In Port-Louis, the market is a stone's throw away from Caudan seafront. Full of variety, it has a food section, a section for cloths and one for souvenirs. People with a sensitive stomach should avoid the meat and fish stalls as the smell is quite strong. However, the fruit and vegetable stands are a delight for the eyes. There is even, in one corner of the market, a traditional herbalist's stand which displays all kinds of herbal teas meant to cure you from various aches and ailments.