Due to its history as a port of call for immigrants from all over the world, the African island mixes a wide range of different cuisines. We have already presented some of these culinary experiences to you. However, the Wapalapam Restaurant Mauritius is worth a closer look, as its concept is outstandingly different. In fact, there are already three branches of Wapalapam. We have taken a closer look at the Island Eatery for you.
How it started
Rok Flander and Willibald Reinbacher (right). One is a Slovenian snowboard world champion, the other a Styrian boss and book author. Coming from different professional worlds, they were united by the fact that they had already seen a lot of the world at a young age and found a second home in Mauritius. When Flander and his wife Gabriella bought the building of a former bank at the foot of the legendary Le Morne and started to make gastronomic plans, Reinbacher was also on board. Together, they developed the former bank into a shabby-chic location with a novel kitchen concept, with great attention to detail.
Wapalapam Island Eatery – The Location
Located at the foot of the UNESCO© protected nature park of Le Morne Brabant mountain area, the restaurant exudes a quaint homely charm. The eye-catcher is the hand-carved bar with surfboards perched above it. At the table, unique cast-iron pieces hold the cutlery and may one day go on sale separately, so popular are they.
Another highlight is the tabletop of the small extra room, which is also handmade. It is made of 100-year-old wood and so heavy that it took 10 men to transport it, as Reinbacher tells us with a mischievous smile. All in all, the picture is coherent; the pub and the interior almost blend elegantly into the legendary region.
Eating and drinking at Wapalapam
“A restaurant is really good when I would sit down there alone,” explains chef Willibald Reinbacher. And we think there’s something to this idea. The Wapalapam undoubtedly fulfils this criterion. Firstly, it’s easy going here and come as you are is not only a song title by Nirvana, but also the guiding principle of the Island Eatery.
Secondly, the dishes are equally accessible. They are intense and a little different than usual. They have more pep, stronger flavours and are polarising. But that’s exactly what they are supposed to do, because that’s how they are remembered.
Reinbacher recommends that his guests choose a wide range of dishes. May the massive tabletop bend under it. And again we have to agree with him. Whether it’s the really excellent chilli chicken, the calamari, the whole fish or the black pepper beef: the dishes are bursting with flavour, but prepared and served with little chichi. The wine list is just as convincing as perhaps the best draught beer in Mauritius.
Conclusion
Almost everyone who visits Mauritius passes by Le Morne during their stay. This is the ideal opportunity to pay a visit to the refreshingly different Wapalapam, because it is well worth it. It is especially worthwhile for our members in the Chill Lounge, who receive a scoop of the best vanilla ice cream on the entire dream island, guaranteed free of any flavour enhancers! Just ask for it on your next visit!
Wapalapam Island Eatery
Centre Commercial de L’Harmonie, Le Morne Brabant 91202, Mauritius
wapalapam.com
Pro Chiller
And if you’re not a member yet, you should change that immediately. Sign up for our Chill Lounge and collect valuable chillings and a unique vanilla ice cream at Wapalapam for your tips. You can then exchange the chillings for hotel stays, restaurant vouchers and other goodies in our shop. Have fun collecting!
