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Everything has an origin.

The Year is 1710.

The Dutch have just left Mauritius. The Dodo has been decimated. The Giant Tortoise population are at critical levels. Large areas of forest have been cut down for sought-after Ebony bark.

It was a regrettable time for the small island of Mauritius – however, areas in Mauritius now had names that still live in today, such as Pieter Both Mountain.

Most importantly – the Dutch had introduced sugarcane to the island from Java, Indonesia. An introduction that would stand today as one of the country’s biggest exports worldwide.

The Arrival of the French

During September 1710, Guillaume Dufresne d’Arsel arrives and takes possession of the port of Mauritius, however, it was only 11 years later in 1721 when the French occupation starts.

The French colonised and ruled Mauritius for 100 years. During their colonisation, the French introduced their language (which is still widely spoken today), gave names to many areas of Mauritius such as the capital of island – Port Louis, built many government buildings and industrialised the island.

18th Century Industrialised Globalisation

Not limited to the small island of Mauritius, the 1700’s was a testing time. Humankind had started to think differently, realising that power and intelligence can adversely affect their own fortunes as well others. Nations forged alliances and declared wars. They would either gain or lose in huge quantities, and the new-found enlightened thinking was driving this.

Amongst the incredible advances of humankind during this time, came international travel by means of ships – and with this, came the import and export of goods from different countries. Amongst these imported delights from afar, were culinary discoveries and delights such as herbs, spices, confectionary ingredients and more.

Combined with the enlightened, empowered thinking of this era – cooks and bakers began experimenting and copying the culinary delights from afar, much to the delight of their hosts.

The Rise of French Café Culture

The combination of Globalisation, the import and discovery and herbs, spices and confectionary and cultures across the globe had lead to a spike in creative thinking, which in-turn lead to a boom in bakery goods. People were excited about different bakery items that were now on offer and ultimately lead to a new type of industry in France: Café Culture.

Sampling bakery goods whilst drinking tea and coffee had become an experience. It had become a place to meet your friends to talk about politics, the news of the day or even gossip. It had become a place to unwind. There was now feeling and emotion associated with giving and receiving bakery goods, especially cakes and pastries.

Naturally… these trends made their way to Isle de France… otherwise known today as Mauritius.

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