If there is one thing we take seriously on this island, other than our Sega dancing and our naps on the beach, it is our food. And specifically, our Chinese food. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, I came to Mauritius for curry and seafood, why Chinese?”
Ayo! (Oh my!) You are in for a surprise. Despite the Sino-Mauritian community making up only about 3% of the population, their influence on our bellies is absolutely massive. We are talking about a culinary takeover that has given us national treasures like “Mine Frit” (fried noodles) and the legendary “Bol Renversé” (Magic Bowl).
But where do you go when you want the real deal? Not just the street food stall (though we love them), but the sit-down, spin-the-lazy-susan, fight-over-the-last-dumpling experience?
We have scoured the island, loosened our belts, and compiled this list of the best Chinese restaurants in Mauritius. To make your life easier, because we know you don’t want to drive across the island when you’re hungry, we have grouped them by region.
Allons manze! (Let’s eat!)
Contents
Part 1: The Capital’s Finest (Port Louis)
Port Louis isn’t just for business meetings and buying cheap socks. It is the historic beating heart of the Chinese community. If you are looking for the best Chinese restaurants in Mauritius with a side of history, this is where you start.
1. Lao Zhao Hotpot Restaurant
Location: Le Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Vibe: Interactive, Modern, Authentic
If you like playing with your food (in a socially acceptable way), Lao Zhao is the spot. Located at the fancy Caudan Waterfront, this place is currently wearing the crown for authenticity. It’s not just soup; it’s an event. You get a bubbling pot of broth right at your table, Tom Yum, Hot and Sour, you name it, and you cook your own premium ingredients.
It’s perfect for groups, but maybe not for a first date if you are clumsy with chopsticks (splashing boiling soup on your date is not romantic, serye). The reviews are glowing, praising the authentic flavors that remind people of mainland China rather than the localized fusion stuff.
Pro Tip: Leave room for the brown sugar glutinous rice. It sounds heavy, but it’s a hug for your stomach.
2. Red Phoenix Restaurant
Location: 21 Mère Barthélemy Street, Port Louis Vibe: Classic, Reliable, Old School
Deep in the traditional quarter, Red Phoenix is like that reliable uncle who always has good stories. It has been around for ages, surviving trends and changes, simply because the food is good and the prices are fair.
They serve the classics: crispy fried chicken, sweet and sour fish, and stir-fries that taste like nostalgia. Unlike some spots that rush you out, they have a great tea and coffee selection, inviting you to linger. It’s one of the best Chinese restaurants in Mauritius if you want that old-world Chinatown feel without the chaotic noise.
3. The City Orient
Location: Léoville L’Homme Street, Port Louis Vibe: Upscale Casual, Business Lunch Favorite
If you want to impress a client or just pretend you are a fancy CEO for the afternoon, head to The City Orient. It’s sophisticated but not stuffy. They are famous for their Peking Duck, crispy skin, tender meat, little pancakes… mari bon (very good)!
They also do a unique “City Orient-style fried rice” with calamari and eggs that puts standard fried rice to shame. It’s a solid choice for authentic Cantonese cuisine where you know the quality is consistent. Just remember, quality comes with a slightly higher price tag, so bring your credit card, not just your loose change.
4. Grand Canton Restaurant
Location: 47 Queen Street, Port Louis Vibe: Bustling, Traditional, Local Favorite
Located on Queen Street, Grand Canton is a staple for the office crowd. It’s one of those places that manages to be authentic while adapting to the Mauritian palate. You’ll find dishes like “Porc Piment” (Chili Pork) which kicks up the heat, because we Mauritians love our chili.
It’s busy, it’s loud, and the food comes out hot and fast. If you are exploring the capital and checking out items from our 10 Must-Try Foods in Mauritius list, this is a great pitstop.
5. Dumpling Realm
Location: Le Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis Vibe: Quick Bite, Specialist, Lunch Only
Sometimes, you don’t want a 10-course banquet. Sometimes, you just want to inhale 15 dumplings in 10 minutes. Enter Dumpling Realm. As the name suggests, they do one thing, and they do it exceptionally well.
Their pan-fried chicken and chive dumplings are, according to fans, “out of this world.” It’s a newer spot, but it has quickly climbed the ranks of the best Chinese restaurants in Mauritius for a quick, high-quality lunch. Note the hours though, they close before dinner, so this is strictly a daytime affair.
Part 2: The Urban Plateau (Plaines Wilhems)
Heading up to the cooler central plateau? The towns of Rose Hill, Beau Bassin, and Quatre Bornes are packed with residential gems. This is where the locals eat on Sunday nights.
6. House of Canton
Location: Quatre Bornes Vibe: Premium, Dim Sum Heaven, Family Style
With nearly 1,000 reviews, House of Canton is a heavyweight champion. If you ask anyone in Quatre Bornes where to go for Dim Sum, this is the answer. It is widely considered one of the best Chinese restaurants in Mauritius for those little steamer baskets of joy.
View this post on InstagramAdvertisement
It’s a bit pricier ($$), but you pay for the atmosphere and the massive tea selection. It’s very family-friendly, accessible for wheelchairs, and perfect for big celebrations. Warning: It gets packed. If you show up on a Sunday at noon without a reservation, you will be waiting outside smelling the food and crying inside.
7. HOW CHI Restaurant
Location: 25 Royal Road, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill Vibe: Modern, High Value, Generous Portions
HOW CHI is the new kid getting straight A’s. With a 4.7-star rating, it is winning hearts with a simple strategy: huge portions and great prices. In a world where “shrinkflation” is real, HOW CHI is out here feeding us like grandmothers.
It’s casual, cozy, and open late (until 9:00 PM), making it perfect for a relaxed dinner after work. If you are staying in the center and checking out the local life (perhaps calculating your budget with our Mauritius Living Cost Calculator 2025), this place will keep your wallet happy.
8. King Dragon
Location: Route Saint Jean, Quatre Bornes Vibe: Classic, Affordable, No-Nonsense
King Dragon is a legend in Quatre Bornes. It’s the definition of “reliable.” You know exactly what you are going to get: tasty sizzling lamb, crispy calamari, and chicken cashew that hits the spot.
It has a loyal following because the prices are very reasonable for the quality. It’s not trying to be a fusion experiment; it’s just good, honest Sino-Mauritian food. Great for a quick business lunch or a family dinner where nobody wants to cook.
9. Royal Choice Restaurant
Location: 165 Pope Hennessy Street, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill Vibe: Volume Leader, Buffet Lovers, Big Groups
If you have a big family, or you just have a really big appetite, Royal Choice is the venue. It has the most reviews on our list for a reason. They are famous for their “All-You-Can-Eat” options.
Is it the most refined gourmet experience of your life? Maybe not. But is it tasty, plentiful, and great value? Absolutely. It’s the go-to spot for birthdays where you need to feed 20 cousins without taking out a loan.
Part 3: The Coastal Vibes (West Coast)
Most tourists stick to the beach hotels, but if you venture out in Flic en Flac, you can find some serious culinary treasures.
10. Lao Fang Zi
Location: Pasadena Complex, Flic en Flac Vibe: Holiday Mode, Fusion, Breeze
Located in the popular tourist hub of Flic en Flac, Lao Fang Zi offers a different vibe. It’s women-owned and brings a nice touch of hospitality. Since it’s by the beach, the atmosphere is more relaxed.
They serve a mix of Chinese hotpot, crispy chicken, and even some fusion items like cheese garlic bread (because why not?). It’s Halal-friendly, has outdoor seating, and free parking, which, if you know Flic en Flac on a weekend, is worth its weight in gold. It’s the perfect dinner spot after watching the sunset or exploring the Best Nightclubs in Mauritius.
A Quick Crash Course: What Makes Mauritian Chinese Food Special?
You might notice that the food here tastes different from London or New York. That’s because our Chinese cuisine is a beautiful mutant, in a good way!
Most Chinese immigrants in Mauritius came from the Hakka region or Guangdong province in the 19th century. Over time, they had to adapt. They didn’t have all their traditional ingredients, so they used what was available: Creole tomatoes, Indian spices, and French techniques.
This created a Neo-Mauritian Chinese cuisine.
- Bol Renversé: It’s basically a stir-fry with a sunny-side-up egg, stacked in a bowl and flipped upside down onto rice. It’s architectural genius.
- Gajacks: These are our snacks. Hakka meatballs (boulettes) are practically a religion here.
Some restaurants on this list, like Lao Zhao, stick to modern “Mainland” authenticity. Others, like King Dragon, serve the beloved Mauritian-Chinese hybrid style. Both are delicious; it just depends on what your tastebuds are craving.
Pro Tips for Dining Like a Local
Before you rush out to these best Chinese restaurants in Mauritius, keep these tips in mind:
- Book Ahead: For places like House of Canton or Lao Zhao, especially on weekends, reservations are essential. Don’t just rock up with 10 people and expect a table.
- Island Time: Service can be leisurely. Relax. Drink your tea. Doucement (slowly).
- The Secret Menu: In the more authentic places like City Orient, if you can speak a little Mandarin or ask for the “Chef’s recommendation” (and not just sweet and sour pork), you might unlock secret dishes that aren’t on the English tourist menu.
- Transport: If you are drinking wine with your dinner, remember that driving laws are strict. Check our Mauritius Transport Guide (we just updated it!) to find a taxi or check bus times.
- Safety: Port Louis at night can be quiet and dark in certain streets. Stick to the main areas or take a taxi door-to-door. Read our Is Mauritius Safe? Guide for more info.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are craving the comfort of a sizzling hotpot or the crunch of a perfectly fried wonton, Mauritius has a table waiting for you. The fusion of cultures on this island makes every meal an adventure.
So go on, explore these spots. Try something new. And if you eat too much? Well, that’s what the hiking trails are for (check our Best Hikes in Mauritius to burn off those dim sums!).
Bon appetit!
External Links:
