Comoros is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, located between Madagascar and Mozambique. Its cuisine is a mix of African, French, and Arabic influences. The food here is simple but packed with flavor. From local markets to street vendors, there is always something delicious to eat.
Local Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
Comorian cuisine revolves around rice, seafood, coconut, and spices. While Comoros might not be a hotspot on the international foodie map, the local dishes are tasty and worth trying.
Langouste à la Vanille (Lobster in Vanilla Sauce)
Lobster in vanilla sauce is a signature dish in Comoros. It might sound unusual to pair vanilla with lobster, but don’t knock it until you try it. The vanilla adds a sweet depth to the seafood, and the sauce is usually creamy. The lobster is usually grilled before the vanilla sauce is added.
M’tsolola
M’tsolola is a coconut and spinach-based dish. It also includes meat—usually beef or goat—and fish. The ingredients are slowly cooked in coconut milk, making the dish very rich. The coconut milk mellows the flavors for an earthy and comforting meal.
Pilao (Comorian Rice Pilaf)
Pilao is a spiced rice dish similar to what you find in the Middle East and India. The Comorian version usually has beef, chicken, or seafood. You’ll find aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves mixed in, giving the rice a fragrant and mildly spicy flavor.
Laha
This is one of the country’s most common breakfast dishes. Laha is a type of porridge made from cassava flour. You’ll usually find it eaten alongside bread and served plain or with a bit of sugar, coconut milk, and sometimes cinnamon.
Mataba

Mataba is another coconut-rich dish made with cassava leaves cooked in coconut milk. It’s usually served alongside rice or grilled fish. The result is a creamy and slightly bitter dish—perfect if you like spinach-based dishes.
Shawarma
Comoros has a strong Arabic influence, and shawarma is a popular street food. You can find it sold in markets and street corners. It’s a thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or beef) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, tomatoes, and lettuce. Many vendors also sell their shawarma with fries stuffed inside the wrap.
Breadfruit-Based Dishes
Breadfruit, known as “mburogo” on the island, is a common ingredient. You’ll find it grilled, fried, or even boiled as a side dish. When seasoned well, it makes for a tasty alternative to potatoes.
Seafood Delights
As you’d expect from an island nation, seafood is central to Comorian cuisine. Fresh fish, prawns, and lobster are common in most meals. You’ll often find seafood prepared over open flames with just some lemon, garlic, and a touch of chili.
Grilled Fish
One of the simplest dishes you’ll find is grilled fish. It’s usually marinated in local spices like cumin and turmeric, then cooked over hot coals. Fish like tuna and grouper are local favorites, served alongside rice, plantains, or vegetables.
Octopus Curry
This spicy octopus curry, known as ‘Poulpe au Curry,’ is a local favorite. The dish combines coconut milk, turmeric, and cardamom, giving it a rich and spicy flavor. You can easily find it at small local restaurants and sometimes from street vendors.
Street Food in Comoros
Comoros offers some delicious street food. If you’re roaming the streets in search of a quick bite, there’s plenty to sample. These snacks are affordable and give you a taste of the local island culture.

Samosas
Like many East African countries, Comoros has adopted the humble samosa. These fried pastries are filled with meat, fish, or spicy vegetables. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a light lunch.
Bonbon Piment (Chili Fritters)
If you like spicy snacks, you need to try bonbon piment. These deep-fried fritters are made from lentils or chickpeas and spiced with plenty of chili. You’ll find these spicy treats at street stalls or local markets.
Makara (Comorian Doughnuts)
Makara are local doughnuts made from flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes a hint of cardamom or coconut. They’re usually deep-fried until golden brown. You’ll find them sold by street vendors across the islands, especially in the afternoons.
Sweet Treats
If you have a sweet tooth, Comoros won’t disappoint. The island’s desserts often feature tropical flavors like coconut and vanilla.

Gato Pima (Sweet Fried Bread)
These are soft, fried bread rolls coated in sugar. They’re similar to beignets. Locals usually eat them with tea or coffee. They’re simple but satisfying, especially when they’re served fresh and warm.
Fruit Platters
Because of Comoros’ tropical climate, fresh fruit is abundant. Vendors often sell platters of sliced mango, pineapple, bananas, and papaya—ideal for dessert or a light snack. And because vanilla is grown locally, fresh vanilla pods are often added for extra flavor.
Comorian Vanilla Flan
Not surprisingly, Comorian vanilla is a key ingredient in many desserts. A popular one is vanilla flan. Creamy, smooth, and infused with vanilla, it’s a simple but flavorful dessert. You can find it at many restaurants and cafés.

Where to Eat in Comoros
Comoros doesn’t have a huge dining scene like other larger countries, but there are plenty of places to eat well. Here are some suggestions.
Local Restaurants and Street Stalls
For an authentic experience, head to the local markets and street stalls. Not only will you get to try traditional Comorian dishes for a low price, but you’ll also eat alongside locals. In Moroni, for example, you’ll find many street vendors, especially near the Volo-Volo market. Start with some samosas and grab a grilled fish or shawarma.
Mid-Range Restaurants
If you’re looking for something a little more formal, you’ll find a few mid-range restaurants in Moroni and the other larger towns on the islands. One favorite is Le Select in Moroni. It’s known for dishes like grilled fish, seafood curry, and lobster in vanilla sauce. The setting is casual, but the food is well-prepared.
Beachfront Dining
If you want to eat fresh seafood by the water, check out some of the beachfront restaurants. Many of the hotels have in-house restaurants that specialize in seafood and other local options. Karthala International Hotel has a restaurant that serves a mix of Comorian and French dishes along with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean.
Food Markets
Volo-Volo Market
One of the best places to buy fresh produce or try street food is at Volo-Volo Market in Moroni. Local vendors sell everything from fresh fish to exotic fruits like breadfruit, mangoes, and coconuts. You can also find spices here, like vanilla and cloves, which make perfect souvenirs to take home. Don’t leave without trying a few bonbon piments or snagging some fried bananas.
Bambao Market
If you’re on Anjouan Island, check out Bambao Market. This market sells a variety of fresh seafood and produce. Food stalls offer grilled fish, fruit juices, and sweet snacks. It’s a great spot to embrace the local culture and sample freshly prepared food.
Conclusion
Comorian cuisine is simple but rich in flavor. The mix of African, Arabic, and French influences makes for unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re grabbing shawarma from a street vendor or dining at a beachside restaurant, there’s always something tasty to eat in Comoros. Be sure to try the seafood, and don’t skip the vanilla-flavored dishes. Your tastebuds will thank you!
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