Eating in Mauritius can cost very little… or very much.
In 2026, the price of a meal in Mauritius It depends mainly on the type of establishment: street food (dholl puri/roti), fast food, a "local" restaurant, a more touristy restaurant, or even a hotel buffet. To give you some concrete examples, this article compiles... prices observed in 2025–2026 (Port Louis as a reference when specified) and explains how to build your meal budget no unpleasant surprises.
Key takeaway: price ranges in 2026
- Street food (dholl puri / roti) : often ≈ Rs 25 to Rs 28.50 per unit (increase observed in autumn 2025).
- Simple lunch in town (lunchtime menu + drink) : ≈ Rs 334 (Port-Louis).
- “Combo” type fast food menu” : ≈ Rs 225 (Port Louis), with promotions that can go down to Rs 99 at McDonald's during certain time slots.
- Dinner “simple outing” : ≈ Rs 1,527 for two (i.e. ≈ Rs 764 per person) in Port-Louis.
- Hotel buffet/dinner (examples) : often ≈ Rs 3,400 (and more on special evenings).
To easily convert to euros, the Bank of Mauritius publishes indicative rates: at 26/01/2026, we see a EUR ≈ Rs 53–55 according to the "buying/selling" exchange rates. (The conversions below are therefore...) orders of magnitude.)
Summary table: price of a meal in Mauritius (benchmarks 2026)
| Meal type / expense | Indicative price (Rs / MUR) | ≈ Price in € (order of magnitude) | Source (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dholl puri / roti (individually) | ≈ Rs 25 to Rs 28.50 | ≈ €0.50 | Media Challenge (Oct. 2025) |
| Simple lunch menu (with drink) in the business district | ≈ Rs 334 | ≈ €6 | Expatistan (Port Louis, updated January 2026) |
| “Big Mac meal” fast-food combo” | ≈ Rs 225 | ≈ €4 | Expatistan (Port Louis, updated January 2026) |
| McDonald's promotion (Extra Value Meal during lunchtime) | ≈ Rs 99 | ≈ €2 | McDonald's Mauritius (online deals) |
| Simple dinner for two (local pub) | ≈ Rs 1,527 (for 2) | ≈ €28 (for 2) | Expatistan (Port Louis, updated January 2026) |
| A more complete dinner for two (Italian dish + wine + dessert) | ≈ Rs 2,375 (for 2) | ≈ €43 (for 2) | Expatistan (Port Louis, updated January 2026) |
| Hotel buffet/dinner (example of price shown) | ≈ Rs 3,400 | ≈ €62 | Constance Belle Mare Plage (festive program, 2025–2026) |
Budget advice for 2026: If you are arriving in Mauritius to settle down, build your meal budget with 3 levels (street food / simple restaurant / hotel restaurant) and keep a margin linked to inflation. In 2025, inflation was around 3–4% According to economic projections and publications: it is reasonable to include a small reserve.
Meal prices in Mauritius: details by type of establishment
1) Street food and snacks (the best “price/pleasure” ratio)
Street food is one of the most economical ways to eat in Mauritius. It is also an excellent gateway to discovering the mix of influences (Indian, Creole, Chinese…).
- Dholl puri / roti: Local media have reported an increase starting October 1, 2025, with prices generally mentioned around Rs 25 to Rs 28.50 according to the sellers.
Note: prices vary depending on size, accompaniments (curries, chutneys), and area (Port Louis, tourist areas, beaches, etc.).
2) Fast food (clearly displayed prices, frequent promotions)
Chains and fast food allow you to keep a stable budget, especially when you haven't yet established your routines (recent arrival, searching for accommodation, administrative procedures...).
- Fast food combo : landmark at ≈ Rs 225 in Port-Louis (collaborative estimation).
- KFC (examples of prices shown) : a “Streetwise” burger is listed at Rs 165, and meal boxes around Rs 285–300 depending on the composition.
- McDonald's (example of a promotion) “Extra Value Meal” at Rs 99 on a weekday time slot (offer displayed online).
Be aware of additional charges: some delivery services display fees delivery fees (e.g., Rs 200 on an order page), which quickly increases the actual cost of the meal.
3) “Simple” restaurants (business lunches, brasseries, local eateries)
For a sit-down meal, without going overboard into "premium touristy" territory, a good place to start is... lunch menu (often more advantageous than dinner):
- Lunch menu with drink : ≈ Rs 334 (Port-Louis).
- Simple dinner : ≈ Rs 1,527 for two (Port-Louis), or approximately Rs 764 per person.
This is often the best compromise if you work locally (Ebene, Port-Louis…) or if you want to treat yourself regularly without breaking the bank.
4) More “expat/touristy” restaurants (starter + main course + wine)
In more "outdoorsy" establishments, with a more complete experience (aperitif, wine, dessert), prices logically rise.
- Italian dinner for two including aperitifs, main course, wine and dessert: ≈ Rs 2,375 (Port-Louis, collaborative estimate).
5) Hotel buffets and restaurants (the vast difference)
In hotels, the cost can vary significantly depending on the type of meal (buffet, set menu, special evening, holiday celebrations). To give you a rough idea based on displayed prices:
- Buffet/dinner options are listed around Rs 3,400 (and more on certain dates and special menus, with higher prices for Christmas/New Year).
If you are a resident, remember to look out for "local" offers when they exist, or lunch deals.
Drinks: which quickly inflate the bill
With the same budget, it's often the drinks that make the difference.
- Cappuccino : ≈ Rs 145 (Port-Louis).
- Beers and outings : ≈ Rs 172 beer in pubs (Port-Louis); in supermarkets, a landmark is ≈ Rs 75 for a home beer (0.5 L).
- Cocktails in a club : ≈ Rs 436 (Port-Louis).
- Wine (supermarket) : ≈ Rs 500 for a “good quality” bottle (Port-Louis benchmark).
VAT, service charge, tips: how to read a bill in 2026
To properly estimate the price of a meal in Mauritius, You need to know the basic rules:
- VAT (VAT): the standard rate is 15% in Mauritius (official source: Mauritius Revenue Authority).
- Service charge / gratuity: Depending on the establishment, a service charge may already be included; otherwise, a "deserved" tip is often mentioned in travel guides, around 10%. In practice, always check your bill (for a line item indicating whether or not there is a "service charge").
Examples of "meal" budgets (typical day) for 2026
These scenarios use published/displayed price benchmarks (Port Louis and some examples of chains/hotels). They are intended to help you build a realistic budget.
Tight budget (street food mix + promo)
- 1 dholl puri/roti: ≈ Rs 25–28.50
- 1 “value meal” promotion: ≈ Rs 99
- 1 drink / coffee (optional): ≈ Rs 145
Indicative total: ≈ Rs 124 to Rs 272 (depending on whether you have coffee).
“Comfort” budget (lunch + dinner at a simple restaurant)
- Lunch menu (with drink): ≈ Rs 334
- Simple dinner: ≈ Rs 764 (based on “Rs 1,527 for two”)
- Coffee : ≈ Rs 145
Indicative total: ≈ Rs 1,243 for the day.
Budget “pleasure / hotel” (one hotel meal during the day)
- 1 hotel/buffet meal (example): ≈ Rs 3,400
- + another simple meal (lunch or dinner): ≈ Rs 334 to Rs 764
Indicative total: ≈ Rs 3,734 to Rs 4,164 (excluding additional drinks).
Home-cooked meals: estimating the cost without inventing (simple method)
If you're moving abroad, cooking can significantly reduce your monthly expenses. To keep costs down, the best approach is to start with observed unit prices (e.g. Port-Louis) and to calculate a cost per portion.
Examples of food prices recorded: 500g of chicken breast ≈ Rs 142, 1 L of milk ≈ Rs 59, 12 eggs ≈ Rs 93, 1 kg of tomatoes ≈ Rs 68, 1 kg of potatoes ≈ Rs 49, Bread for 2 people/day ≈ Rs 22.
Next, you estimate your portion size (weights) and add them up. This gives you a order of magnitude without “guessing” for missing prices (rice, spices, oil, etc. can vary the total).
Why do prices vary so much depending on the area (North, West, Port Louis…)
Two people can spend very different amounts on a meal in Mauritius, even on the same day. The differences often stem from:
- The location: Highly touristic areas (seaside, resorts) vs more local areas.
- The moment: Lunch deals are often more competitive than dinner deals.
- The content: Seafood, premium meat, alcohol, desserts and coffee quickly drive up the bill.
- The macro context: Inflation (around 3–4% in 2025 projections and observations) can have repercussions on the restaurant industry.
Best practices for managing your food budget in Mauritius
- Opt for "lunchtime menus"“ for a sit-down meal at a reasonable price.
- Keep the street food as a simple solution (quick, local, economical).
- Monitor the delivery : fees can negate the benefit of the advertised “low price”.
- Check VAT/service charge on the ticket, especially in tourist areas.
- Create a monthly budget using "envelopes".“ : home cooking + simple restaurants + "fun" outings.
FAQ – Price of a meal in Mauritius (frequently asked questions)
What is the price of a dholl puri in Mauritius in 2026?
In practice, many of the available benchmarks date back to 2025. Mauritian media reported that from October 1, 2025, dholl puri and rotis increased in price, often selling for around Rs 25 to Rs 28.50 The unit price varies depending on the vendors and areas. In 2026, this remains an excellent budget indicator for street food, even if the price can vary depending on the size, accompaniments (curries, chutneys) and location (Port-Louis vs tourist areas).
How much should I budget per day for food in Mauritius if I mostly eat out?
Using "city" price benchmarks (Port Louis), a simple day trip can be structured as follows: lunch ≈ Rs 334 (menu with drink) + dinner ≈ Rs 764 (based on a dinner for two at Rs 1,527) + possibly a coffee ≈ Rs 145. We arrive at an order of magnitude close to Rs 1,200–1,300 per day, excluding extras (alcohol, desserts, tourist attractions). If you alternate with street food and special offers, the budget can be significantly reduced.
Is VAT included in the prices displayed at restaurants in Mauritius?
The VAT (VAT) in Mauritius is at the standard rate of 15% (Official source: Mauritius Revenue Authority). However, depending on the restaurant, prices displayed may or may not include VAT, and some establishments also add a service charge. The best approach is to check the bill (or ask when ordering) whether VAT and service are included. This avoids surprises, especially in tourist areas or hotels.
Is a hotel buffet necessarily “overpriced”?
Not necessarily, but it's often more expensive than a simple restaurant or street food. Hotel brochures (e.g., holiday programs) often list dinners/buffets at around Rs 3,400 and even more so on special evenings (Christmas/New Year's). The advantage is the experience (setting, variety, products, service). If you live in Mauritius, compare the set menus (lunch vs. dinner) and keep an eye out for special offers: that's where the price difference can be narrowed.
And now ?
If you're planning your move abroad, the "food" budget is just one part of the equation (housing, schools, banking, insurance, permits, etc.). For a simpler and more structured expatriation, you can consult Expat Mauritius (support for expatriation to Mauritius) and browse Expatriation guides to build a realistic budget from the outset.
