Set against the blue ocean and green tropical forests, Seychelles shopping is a mélange ranging from the active local markets to small shops hiding the islands’ history and rich heritage.
Mahé markets offer a colourful encounter of fresh fruits and local vegetables, handicrafts, and the chance to taste Creole cuisine. You can explore all the island has to offer when renting a car from Kreol Cars.
Where to go
Victoria Market (Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market)
A morning visit provides the best cultural experience because vendors tend to explain more about the products and Seychelles’ history. Fruits and vegetables fill the stalls to the brim, and for seafood lovers, there are fresh fish and sea delicacies hauled right from the seas surrounding the islands. Other stalls provide an assortment of herbs and spices which adds true Seychellois flavours to any dish. The market also provides souvenirs and handmade memorabilia which provide visitors with a way of taking a piece of the Seychelles home.
Local Supermarkets & Speciality Shops
On the journey to the island of Mahé, shoppers can visit speciality stores with products that are locally made and are one of a kind, giving you a shopping experience that is unique to the Seychelles islands. Tourists can see the making of handmade jewellery, batik garments, and other handiwork. Not only will this give the visitors to the island a chance to buy these special items but also view local craftsmen at work, witnessing how these items are made.
Small Roadside Stalls
Locals put up their stalls along the roadside on the island. These individuals usually offer an assortment of items ranging from fresh fruits, fried fish, and Creole snacks along the major roads.
What to Eat
The islands of Seychelles are renowned for their beautiful scenery and Creole dishes. Fresh seafood including tuna, red snappers, and grilled octopus are available in markets of Mahé Island. The Creole curries made from coconut milk accompanied with rice are an absolute must, and the fried cassava chips and breadfruit too. The street food vendors offer tasty samosas and lentil cakes to add some more flavour to your journey.
There are plenty of tropical fruits and these include mangoes, passion fruit, and even the rare Coco de Mer or double-lobed coconut. Year-round, there is plenty of fresh fruit because the island is near the equator, and these include anything from gigantic bananas to humongous avocados.
What to Avoid
Despite the island’s fame for its seafood, avoid specific fish such as barracuda and grouper because they can give you ciguatera poisoning. Make sure to only sample fresh seafood to stay clear of potential stomach issues. Creole dishes, particularly their curries, are known to be very spicy. Be cautious with spicy foods if you are sensitive to heat. Be sure to ask the vendors about the strength of hot dishes before buying them. Use caution with homebrew liquors referred to as “Baka” because they are strong and loosely regulated fermented sugarcane spirits.
Explore the local markets, roadside food stalls, and seafood spots by hiring a car in Mahe from Kreol Car Services. There’s simply too much to indulge from hand-picked tropical fruits and freshly caught fish to Creole spices.
So, get on the road, find the island treasures, and feast your senses on Seychelles flavours!
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