The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Reunionese Foods. If you manage to be in an Reunionese restaurant or you are visiting Reunion, I recommend the following
1. Bouchons
It is one of the most consumed Creole snacks on the island. It can be drunk at any time of the day, not just as an aperitif. Named after the shape of a cork, this snack is prepared by wrapping minced pork or chicken in a paste, steaming it so that it is piping hot and adding soy sauce or Japanese pepper.
2. Achard
There are several recipes depending on the origin. In general it is made with vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli and garlic as well as lentils that are cut and cooked and cheese is added at the end. It can be prepared with other types of vegetables, either raw or cooked, and serve as an accompaniment to a main dish. There are various recipes depending on the origin. Cheese or yogurt will add creaminess to the preparation.
3. Cabri Massalès
Cabri massale, of Indian origin, is one of Reunion’s most popular dishes. A mixture of many spices, goat or goat meat, tomatoes stewed with massale and turmeric, this dish must simmer for at least an hour before it can be appreciated at its true value. It is then served with its creole rice and accompanied by a spicy tomato rougail according to your tastes and desires. In order to respect the tradition to the end, the goat massalé is presented in a banana leaf and eaten with the fingers.
4. Sausage Rougail
Sausage rougail is the most representative dish of Reunion cuisine. Simple and inexpensive, it requires only a few products as long as you follow the authentic recipe. Fresh or smoked pork sausages, i.e. smoked, tomatoes, onions and a little olive oil. The rougail sausage will be accompanied like most Reunion dishes by white rice, saffron rice or zembrocal, a mixture of white rice, potato and turmeric, Reunion saffron.
5. Gateau Sosso
This is a sweet corn cake similar to the polenta we all know. Nowadays, corn flour is used in sweet concoctions such as torta sosso. This cake is served as a breakfast or snack, but rarely as a dessert. Traditionally, the preparation was formed in a pot placed over coals, with the lid of the pot closed and covered with coals. Today, this cooking method has been replaced by the oven.
6. Civeta de Zourites
It is a young octopus that hides in the lagoons along the coast. The term civet is used on Reunion Island when wine is added in the preparation of curry. If the recipe is simple enough to make, cleaning the octopus is a bit more work. Its tentacles are covered with mucus that is difficult to remove, and its flesh will have to be softened to become tasty. The zourite stew consists of pieces of octopus, onion, garlic, tomato, turmeric and thyme. All accompanied of course by rice and a rougail of green mango or tomato that goes well with the zourite.
7. L americain
Reunion recipe for American Grilled Ham Sandwich. This Creole recipe is very popular in Reunion. It’s just a slice of baguette with your favorite condiments. Originally it was ham and fries topped with grated cheese. Sandwiches are usually placed under the grill.
8. Zambrokal
Zembrocal rice is usually served as a complete dish consisting of rice, grains, meat, usually sausage and sometimes leftover roast, arranged as yellow rice, or as a simple accompaniment to other traditional dishes such as sausage rougail, smoked meat rougail or chicken curry. Some people prefer a meatless vegetable version: potato zembrocal.
9. Brèdes
A collective term for all edible leaves and tender stems of a particular plant. All types of plants can be prepared as hybrids. They are valued for their diuretic properties. It refreshes, cleanses the stomach and soothes. Therefore, it is recommended not only for the elderly and small children, but also for those who do not like greasy or spicy food.
10. Carri Tangue
This is the cooked meat of an animal similar to a hedgehog. It is usually served with rice, broth and cereals, for example. The tradition is that it is eaten with the fingers on a banana leaf.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional African Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.