The Republic of Seychelles is one of the most beautiful archipelagoes in the world. Before the French took control in the 18th century, the uninhabited Seychelles was used as a transit point between Asia and Africa among the traders (including the Arabs) and pirates.
Seychelles is dwelled by immigrants, the descendents of African, French, Indian and Chinese. Muslims make up a small minority - about 1% of the total population but live harmoniously in the multiracial society which Seychellois pride themselves for.
Seychellois food incorporates the rich blend of African, French, Indian, Chinese and African influences, which is called Creole Cuisine – typically curry and grilled fish dishes on the menu. There are also Western joints serving food like pizzas, and burgers which are becoming popular in Seychelles.
While there is no formal Halal certification in Seychelles for restaurants, finding Halal food places to eat meat dishes can be viewed as somewhat limited, unless your hotel or resort can provide fully Halal catering, that is if you advise them in advance. Having said that, because majority of meat is imported into Seychelles, a number of international hotels and international restaurants opt-in using Halal certified meat on their restaurant menu. It is therefore highly recommended for you to make an inquiry about your Halal food requirements before dining.
Fret not, holidaying on the island means you can indulge in seafood galore, as well as plenty of salad dishes and fresh tropical fruits. You can look for seafood buffet night which is common among international hotel chains, or you can also check out any of the Japanese joints serving fresh sushi and sashimi.
The list below will guide you in finding Muslim-friendly restaurants on Mahe Island, the most populated of all 115 islands. It focuses on seafood and vegetarian dishes you can eat in restaurants that also serve non-Halal items (alcohol/pork). This guide includes value-for-money takeaway joints, as well as moderately priced cafés and restaurants based on the standard cost of eating out in Seychelles.
Find a Mosque near you in Seychelles
Maria’s Rock Café is well-known for its hot stone cooking situated on the West coast of the island. Pick either fish fillets, prawns or both, and enjoy cooking at your own leisure. The hot stone specialties come with rice, homemade sauce, and salad. Other options on menus are fried rice and smoked fish salad. For dessert, you can indulge in crepe with papaya jam or caramelized banana with ice cream. Don’t leave this pirate-decorated and cave-like interior restaurant without saying hi to Maria (the restaurant owner) as well as her Italian spouse, Antonio Filippin, who runs an art studio beside the restaurant.
Cuisine: Cajun & Creole
Address: Anse Gouvernment Rd, Baie Lazare, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Opening Hours: 12 pm to 9 pm (Wed-Mon). Close on Tuesday
Price/Price Range: $$
Reservation: No
Contact: +248 4 361 812
Picture Credit - PlacesMap.net
If you fancy a French café ambiance with Creole spirit, stop by at New’s Café, centrally located in Victoria, not far from the main market. Not only good for people watching from its balcony, but you can also browse the international newspaper while enjoying a great selection of healthy breakfasts and light lunches. You will not be disappointed by the variety of sandwiches, cakes, paninis, coffees, teas, juices, salads, and hot dishes (pasta and vegetarian dishes).
Cuisine: European
Address: 1st floor, Trinity House, Albert Street, Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm (Mon-Sun)
Price/Price Range: $ - $$
Reservation: No
Contact: +248 4 32 29 99
The Boathouse is a family-run business, once started by a husband and wife - Richard and Karen Mancienne. Now, two of their children (Francoise and Dominic Mancienne) manage this spacious restaurant, which was once their house, and have turned it into a famous local hangout with great Creole buffet dinners. Daily dinner buffet is served from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, where you'll encounter a wide selection of salad (such as papaya satini, mango salad, smoked fish, pumpkin, pasta, breadfruit, eggplant), hot dishes (vegetable fried rice, vegetable noodles, tuna curry, lentil curry, grilled tuna, catch of the day, vegetable curry) and dessert (fruit salad, coconut nougat, local cake, and banana caramel). You could also dine a la carte for dinner. For lunch, order from its Creole dishes (tuna steak with caper sauce, fish fillet in passion fruit sauce) or modern dishes (tuna sashimi, fish and chips, tuna burger, or squid rings and chips). Great vibe and location right opposite the Beau Vallon beach. Take note that there’s a bar on the top floor of this restaurant.
Cuisine: International, Cajun & Creole
Address: Beau Vallon, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Opening Hours: 9am to 10:30pm (Mon-Sun)
Price/Price Range: $$-$$$
Reservation: Yes
Contact: +248 424 7898 / +248 424 7888
Website: http://www.boathouseseychelles.com
Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed when visiting Anchor Café, a laidback family-run joint by the beach in the South of Mahe Island. Enjoy the outdoor seating while the fresh sea breeze blows in your hair. This joint is famous for authentic Creole cuisine, such as blackened fish (available only on the dinner menu), a range of Creole curries (including lobster curry), grilled red snapper, plus the obligatory catch of the day. Other dishes such as fish and chips, and octopus salad are also available. Burn off the calorie by walking along the beach after your meal. Note that the VAT and service charge are not showed in the menu which only added to the final bill upon payment.
Cuisine: International, Cajun & Creole
Address: Anse a la Mouche, Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Opening Hours: 1pm to 10pm (Mon-Sat)
Price/Price Range: $-$$
Reservation: No
Contact: +248 4 371 289
Picture Credit - www.oceanafisheries.com
If a quick meal is what you're after, Oceana Takeaway is a must-visit. Located in a fishing port in Victoria near the Oceana Fisheries Fish Market (about 10 minutes walk from Victoria Clock Tower), this casual joint serves a good choice of fish dishes such as fish curries, fish burgers, fish steaks, and a very tasty fish gyros/shawarma in a wrap. Enjoy the convenient and tasty meal in the fresh air, outdoor seating, and with a cold drink.
Cuisine: Seafood, International
Address: Victoria Fishing Port, Oceana Fisheries Market, Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm (Mon-Fri)
Reservation: No
Contact: +248 4 224 712
Website: http://www.oceanafisheries.com/en/services
Picture Credit - www.aubergeanseboileau.com
This unique, small establishment exists as part of a little guesthouse since about 25 years ago. It's named after its original chef (Jean Claude Plumas). It is known for the classic, traditional menu that is timeless in its exquisite taste and simplicity, such as job and red snapper with saffron sauce, and white captain fish served with passionfruit sauce. Don’t overlook the crab dish in locally grown ginger and for dessert, try the passionfruit or coconut soufflé. Even the starters range can impress the tastebuds from simple salad (octopus, couchette) to stuffed mussels. A modern international fare is also available if you fancy some pasta, whole grilled fish, or fish carpaccio. While this restaurant is lacking an ocean view, its charming outdoor colonial style and the friendliness of its Australian owner will certainly steal your heart.
Cuisine: French, International
Address: West Coast Road, Anse Boileau, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Opening Hours: Lunch from 12pm (Tue-Sun). Dinner 7pm to 10pm (Mon-Sat)
Price/Price Range: $$-$$$
Reservation: Yes
Contact: +248 4 355 050
Website: http://www.aubergeanseboileau.com/restaurant
Picture Credit - adapted from facebook.com/TheCopperPotSeychelles/
There are few Indian establishments on the island (Maharaja and Mahek are good examples), but Copper Pot stands out in terms of its wallet-friendly takeaway menu, and it's the only establishment serving South Indian cuisine. A favorite restaurant among the Indian diaspora on the island, you can choose from a wide selection of vegetarian meals such as vegetable biryani, uttapam with coconut chutney, parathas with vegetable korma, masala dosa, idly, and vegetable full set menu. There is also a full selection of side dishes available, including vada, samosa, and pakora. Enjoy your order to go, or simply dine in at the humble eatery.
Cuisine: Indian
Address: Beau Vallon, Mahe Island, Seychelles (Opposite Beau Vallon petrol station)
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am to 8pm / Sun 9am to 12pm
Price/Price Range: $
Reservation: No
Contact: +248 2 768 323
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Cover Photo by pan xiaozhen on Unsplash
