National Dish Mauritius: Bol Renversé (Recipe)
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Discover Bol Renversé — the unique “upside-down bowl” of Mauritius! This showstopper of a dish layers fluffy rice, tender chicken, crisp vegetables and a silky fried egg in a bowl, then flips the whole lot onto a plate for a presentation that never fails to impress. It is a delicious taste of the island’s Sino-Mauritian heritage, and far easier to make at home than it looks.
About Bol Renversé
Bol Renversé, also known as the upside-down bowl, is a much-loved Mauritian dish cooked in a wok. It combines succulent meat, crisp vegetables and an aromatic sauce, all “overturned” onto warm rice — the flip that gives the dish its striking presentation. Like the island’s beloved Mine Frite, it showcases the strong Chinese influence running through Mauritian cooking.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g chicken breast fillet
- 1 carrot
- 100 g broccoli
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 eggs
- 200 g cooked rice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
Most of the ingredients for bol renversé are easy to find in the Asian foods aisle of your local supermarket. Fresh vegetables and meat are available from the produce section and the meat counter respectively. For speciality sauces such as oyster sauce, a trip to an Asian grocery is well worth it.
Preparing the dish
- Cut the chicken breast fillet into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel the carrot and cut it into fine strips.
- Divide the broccoli into small florets.
- Slice the onion into thin rings.
- Finely chop the garlic.
- Whisk the eggs and season with a pinch of salt.
- Cook the rice and set it aside.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a wok and fry the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add the carrots, broccoli, onions and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 5–7 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and deglaze with the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir briefly and season to taste.
- In a small frying pan, cook the whisked eggs, stirring loosely as they set.
- Line a bowl with the egg, add the vegetable-and-chicken mixture on top, then finish with the cooked rice.
- Carefully invert the bowl onto a plate so the vegetables and meat sit proudly on top.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Bol renversé is naturally lactose-free, as no dairy is involved at any stage. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari and check that your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free — dedicated gluten-free versions are widely available. With those small changes, everyone at the table can enjoy this Mauritian classic without compromise.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan or vegetarian version, the chicken can be replaced with tofu or tempeh. Instead of oyster sauce, use a vegan mushroom-based sauce. The eggs can be left out altogether or replaced with a plant-based alternative such as a vegan egg substitute.
More tips and tricks
- Experiment with different vegetables such as peppers, sugar snap peas or baby corn.
- Add a little grated ginger for an extra layer of flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe is easy to adjust to different preferences. For a spicier version, work in some fresh chillies. Seafood lovers can use prawns instead of chicken — if that appeals, a Mauritian Prawn Curry is another dish worth trying — and a dash of sesame oil lends a bolder, nuttier flavour.
Ingredient substitutions
If certain ingredients are not to hand, there are good alternatives: soy sauce can be replaced with tamari, and cauliflower works well in place of broccoli. The flexibility of the recipe allows for plenty of variation.
Drink pairing ideas
Bol renversé pairs beautifully with light, refreshing drinks. Green tea or jasmine tea are a perfect match. A chilled white wine or an alcohol-free ginger lemonade also make excellent companions.
Serving and presentation ideas
- Serve bol renversé in an attractive deep bowl that has been warmed beforehand.
- Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs such as coriander or spring onions.
- Use colourful, crisp vegetables for an appealing combination of colours on the plate.
A bit of history
Bol renversé comes from Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean famed for its wonderfully diverse food culture. The dish reflects the culinary influences of the many communities that have shaped Mauritian cuisine — Chinese, Indian and Creole traditions alike, from tomato-rich Rougaille to flaky flatbreads.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bol Renversé
Bol renversé is a delicious and impressive dish from Mauritius that wins people over with its simple ingredients and dramatic presentation. With this recipe and its many tips, you can put together an authentic, flexible meal that is sure to please everyone. Give it a try and enjoy a little piece of Mauritius in your own home!
