Probably the most famous novel set in Mauritius is Paul et Virginie , a rather sappy love story by French author Bernadin de St Pierre that you'll find reference to across the island. One highlight of a visit to Mauritius is the magnificent mixture of cuisines on offer.
Boiled rice is served with just about everything.
Common dishes include rougaille , a Mediterranean dish of tomatoes, onions, garlic and any kind of meat or fish, and daube , an octopus stew. Favorite local beverages includes lassi , a refreshing yogurt and ice-water drink, and alouda , a syrupy brew of agar, milk and flavourings that's available everywhere from streetside vendors. History Arab traders knew of Mauritius as early as the 10th century but never stopped to settle it. Portuguese naval explorers stumbled upon it in the wake of Vasco de Gama's voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1498. Still, apart from introducing pesky monkeys and rats, the Portuguese did little to influence the island.