Pavillon de Jade

The Sino-Mauritian community has shaped the island's food culture profoundly since the Hakka migrants arrived in the 18th century, and Pavillon de Jade in Grand Baie is the best place to taste that influence in an upscale setting. The restaurant occupies a purpose-built pavilion on a small lake off the main road, its architecture a deliberate nod to classical Chinese garden design — curved roof, red lacquer, a bridge over the water connecting the entrance to the dining room. Inside, the banqueting tables seat up to twelve for family-style ordering, and the menu runs to 180 dishes covering Cantonese, Sichuan, and Hakka-Mauritian preparations. The Cantonese roasted duck, ordered ahead and carved tableside, is the centrepiece of most big tables. The steamed grouper with ginger and spring onion is simpler but equally impressive — fresh fish, minimal interference, perfection. The dim sum service on Sunday mornings has been an institution since the restaurant opened: har gau, siu mai, char siu bao, and lo mai gai (sticky rice in lotus leaf) wheeled on trolleys through the room by staff in traditional dress. The wine list is dominated by Chinese baijiu and rice wines alongside a small selection of French bottles. Pavillon de Jade handles the Sunday lunch rush (families, multi-generational parties) with impressive grace.