Food · Seychelles
What to eat in Seychelles
The dishes, drinks and food experiences that define Seychelles, and where locals actually eat them.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Start with Creole fish curry, Octopus curry and Fruit bat curry. Takeaway counters in Victoria and around the islands sell boxes of curry, rice, lentils and chutney for a fraction of restaurant prices — the way most Seychellois eat lunch. Restaurant prices are high by global standards; mix in takeaway lunches and self-catering to control costs.
Key facts
- Signature dish
- Creole fish curry
- Vegetarian-friendly picks
- 5
- Tipping
- Tipping is not expected, and many restaurants and hotels include a service charge.
- Food experiences
- 3
10 foods to try
Dish
1.Creole fish curry (Kari pwason)
Fish such as tuna or red snapper simmered in a mild curry of coconut milk, turmeric, ginger and curry leaves, served with rice and chutneys. It is the everyday centrepiece of Creole cooking.
Where: Creole restaurants across the islands and takeaway counters in Victoria.
Dish
2.Octopus curry (Kari zourit)
Octopus slowly cooked in coconut curry until tender, often with aubergine. Many visitors find it the most memorable Creole dish.
Where: Creole restaurants on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Dish
3.Fruit bat curry (Kari sousouri)
A traditional Seychellois dish of fruit bat cooked in a spiced sauce, with rich, gamey meat. It is offered at some Creole restaurants and buffets for visitors willing to try it.
Where: Creole buffet nights at some hotels and traditional restaurants.
Dish
4.Grilled fish
Whole red snapper, jobfish or parrotfish grilled with garlic, ginger and chilli and served with rice, lentils and salad. Fish is caught daily around the islands.
Where: Beach restaurants and takeaways; buy fish at the Victoria market to grill if self-catering.
Dish
5.Shark chutney (Satini reken)
Boiled shark meat mashed with bilimbi juice, lime, onion and turmeric, served as a side to curry and rice. It is a distinctive Seychellois specialty.
Where: Creole restaurants and buffets, often as one of several chutneys.
Dish · Vegetarian
6.Palm heart salad (Salad palmis)
Thinly sliced heart of palm dressed with vinaigrette, once called 'millionaire's salad' because a whole palm was felled to harvest it.
Where: Creole restaurants and hotel buffets.
Snack · Vegetarian
7.Breadfruit (Friyapen)
Breadfruit is a staple roasted on coals, fried as chips or mashed, and a local saying holds that whoever eats it will return to Seychelles.
Where: Takeaways and Creole restaurants, and street vendors selling breadfruit chips.
Dessert · Vegetarian
8.Ladob
Ripe plantain or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk with sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. A savoury version with salted fish is also made.
Where: Creole restaurants and home-style takeaways.
Drink · Vegetarian
9.Takamaka rum
Rum distilled on Mahé, from white and dark rums to spiced and coconut versions, often served as a punch with fresh fruit.
Where: Bars and restaurants throughout the islands, and the distillery at La Plaine St André.
Drink · Vegetarian
10.SeyBrew
The local lager brewed on Mahé, light and served very cold, the default beer with lunch on the beach.
Where: Bars, takeaways and shops on every island.
Food experiences
Takeaway Creole lunch
Takeaway counters in Victoria and around the islands sell boxes of curry, rice, lentils and chutney for a fraction of restaurant prices — the way most Seychellois eat lunch.
Creole buffet night
Many hotels and some restaurants hold weekly Creole buffets with fish and octopus curries, grilled fish, breadfruit and chutneys, sometimes with live sega music.
Market morning in Victoria
Browse the fish hall and spice stalls at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, then sample snacks like samosas and fruit from the surrounding shops.
Quick bites and street food
- Breadfruit — Takeaways and Creole restaurants, and street vendors selling breadfruit chips.
Vegetarian options
Of the 10 foods in this guide, 5 are usually vegetarian: Palm heart salad, Breadfruit, Ladob, Takamaka rum and SeyBrew. Check preparation with staff, as stocks and fats vary.
Eating out: tips and etiquette
- Restaurant prices are high by global standards; mix in takeaway lunches and self-catering to control costs.
- Many restaurants add a service charge or include taxes; check the menu before tipping extra.
- Restaurants on Praslin and La Digue can close early; book dinner and confirm it is open on Sundays.
- Fish is caught daily and is the best-value protein; imported meat and dairy are expensive.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected, and many restaurants and hotels include a service charge. Leaving about 5–10% for good service, or a small tip for boat crews and guides, is appreciated.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonzour | Hello / good day |
| Mersi | Thank you |
| Komman sava? | How are you? |
| Orevwar | Goodbye |
| Silvouple | Please |
Questions travellers ask
+What food is Seychelles famous for?
Creole fish curry, Octopus curry, Fruit bat curry and Grilled fish. Fish such as tuna or red snapper simmered in a mild curry of coconut milk, turmeric, ginger and curry leaves, served with rice and chutneys.
+Is Seychelles good for vegetarians?
Several local staples are meat-free, including Palm heart salad, Breadfruit and Ladob.
+Do you tip in restaurants in Seychelles?
Tipping is not expected, and many restaurants and hotels include a service charge. Leaving about 5–10% for good service, or a small tip for boat crews and guides, is appreciated.