La Caze Mama

Despite its popularity within Melbourne's Mauritian community, Mauritian food is still relatively unknown in Victoria. For many Melburnians, La Caze Mama at the Dandenong Market (translated as “mother’s home”) is their first introduction to this Creole cuisine, which combines African, French, Chinese and Indian influences. Not only can you try the staples here, but you can also purchase hard-to-find Mauritian pantry items in-store to make them yourself.

A fan favourite is the mine frite, which – unlike other Chinese-influenced dishes – sees fresh Hokkien noodles stir-fried rather than boiled to produce a chewier texture. The noodles are flavoured with fish sauce, dark soy sauce and white wine, and is accompanied with garlic sauce.

Other highlights include chicken briani (biryani) as well as dholl puri, flatbread stuffed with venison or split peas and pickled vegetables. Sweets include napolitaines (shortbread sandwich cookies filled with sweet jam), and popular Mauritian soft drinks such as Pearona and Cidona.

Owner Girish Ramjuttun wants to raise awareness around Mauritian food, which has been heavily shaped by the African island nation’s colonial history. He and his family are on mission to celebrate and share their culture with Mauritians and non-Mauritians alike, and their homey cafe is a meeting point for many in the community.