Mauritian Tuna Curry (Vindaye Poisson)

This simple curry dish from Mauritius combines meaty tuna steaks with pickling spices and tangy vinegar.

Mauritian ‘vindaye poisson’ is a vibrant and tangy fish curry that showcases Mauritius’ rich cultural fusion. Tying in Indian and Portuguese pickling traditions, this dish typically features fried fish - often diced tuna—marinated in a spiced mustard seed-based sauce with lots of turmeric, aromatics and vinegar. The dish combines classic Portuguese preserving methods - lots of garlic and vinegar - with Indian pickling spices like mustard and fennel seed. The result is a bold yet light dish that’s both piquant and deeply satisfying, often served with steamed rice, lentils, or warm roti. It’s a beautifully elegant seafood dish that doesn’t require a whole arsenal of spices too - though I recommend going out of your way to use curry leaves, whether fresh or dried, though they can be left out if you can’t get them. Let’s go!