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Gourmand Award Winning Book on Mauritian Creole Cuisine

Best of Mauritian Cuisine by Madeleine and Clancy Philippe

by Madeleine & Clancy Philippe

Clancy has brought together an exceptional collection of recipes, presented in an easy to follow format, for the whole world to try.

Throughout the entire book one ingredient predominates and is clearly the mainstay of not only the recipes but is the essence of life itself. In an interview not long before her passing, Madeleine was asked: "What is the most essential ingredient for the preparation of good food?" Her emphatic answer: "Love!"

About The Book

This is no ordinary recipe book! Following on from his first book, a very moving, tear jerking autobiography: "Madeleine - Losing A Soul Mate to Cancer", Clancy has brought together an exceptional collection of recipes, presented in an easy to follow format, for the whole world to try.

Throughout the entire book one ingredient predominates and is clearly the mainstay of not only the recipes but is the essence of life itself. In an interview not long before her passing, Madeleine was asked: "What is the most essential ingredient for the preparation of good food?" Her emphatic answer: "Love!"

Whilst the Mauritius Australia Connection web site is now a Mauritian Community Portal web site for the Mauritian Community in Australia, Clancy and Madeleine always want to make available the very best of Mauritian Cuisine in print.

Mauritian cuisine will titillate your taste buds like no other cuisine. This unique cuisine is a combination of French, African, Malagasy, English, Indian, Tamil, Telegu, Muslim and Chinese gastronomic delights that will bring to your table a whole new spectrum of tastes and flavours. Evolving from this, the Mauritian Creole cuisine is also unique in that it evokes a subtle and flavoursome blend of its constituent cultural mix, supercharged with a rich culinary heritage.

It has been a long held dream of Madeleine and Clancy to share their passion for Mauritian Cuisine worldwide. This book does just that and will also share with you the rich culinary history of Mauritian Cuisine, honouring the people who left their own motherlands to call Mauritius home.

“Madeleine Philippe is a seminal figure in the global promotion of Mauritian cuisine. Her contributions as a food writer, culinary historian, and cookbook author have helped preserve and popularize the rich, multicultural food traditions of Mauritius far beyond its shores. Key Contributions 1. Pioneering Digital Presence • In 1994, Madeleine and her husband Clancy Philippe launched the website “Recipes from Mauritius”—the first website dedicated to Mauritian cuisine, marking a pivotal shift in how Mauritian food reached an international audience[1][2]. • The site has consistently ranked highly and serves as a vital resource for both Mauritians abroad and anyone interested in Mauritian cooking, featuring authentic recipes and culinary advice[1][2]. 2. Authorship • Madeleine Philippe co-authored several influential books, most notably “The Best of Mauritian Cuisine”, which is regarded as a definitive collection of recipes and culinary lore[3][4][5]. • Her books and writings emphasize the unique fusion of French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Creole influences that characterizes Mauritian food[3][5]. • The cookbook not only provides recipes but also recounts the social and historical context behind the dishes, strengthening cultural connections for readers and cooks[5]. 3. Culinary Evangelist • Through articles in magazines, food guides, and contributions to publications such as the Lonely Planet Guide to Mauritius, Madeleine established herself as an authority on Mauritian cuisine[6][7][8]. • She was frequently invited to advise chefs and restaurants around the world on authentic Mauritian dishes for international food festivals and menu development[8]. 4. Community and Cultural Legacy • By sharing the stories and preparation methods behind Mauritian staples such as curry, faratas, briani, bol déviré, and rougaille, Madeleine fostered a sense of pride and the preservation of Mauritian heritage internationally[4][5]. • Madeleine’s philosophy prioritized cooking with love, stating that the attention and passion invested in food are fundamental to its appeal and authenticity[5]. Enduring Impact • Following her passing in 2011, Madeleine’s legacy endures through the ongoing work of her husband, Clancy, who continues to maintain the “Recipes from Mauritius” website and promote her culinary teachings[7][4]. • Her work has inspired both expatriate Mauritians and new audiences worldwide to embrace the flavors and traditions of Mauritius, ensuring that the cuisine remains vibrant and relevant for new generations[1][4]. Conclusion Madeleine Philippe transformed the international perception and appreciation of Mauritian cuisine through digital innovation, dedicated writing, and passionate cultural advocacy. Her foundational work has solidified her status as a world-renowned brand for Mauritian food, making her one of the most significant ambassadors for her country’s culinary arts[7][4]. ”

Clancy Philippe

Clancy Philippe

Clancy Philippe

Madeleine and Clancy Philippe are Australian‑Mauritian cookbook authors and culinary educators whose work has been pivotal in documenting, teaching, and popularising Mauritian and Mauritian Creole cuisine internationally, especially from their base in Victoria.

Madeleine and Clancy Philippe are Australian‑Mauritian cookbook authors and culinary educators whose work has been pivotal in documenting, teaching, and popularising Mauritian and Mauritian Creole cuisine internationally, especially from their base in Victoria.[1][2] Who Madeleine and Clancy Are Madeleine Philippe grew up in Mauritius in a family where culture, the arts, and especially food were central, and she was taught cooking skills from an early age by her mother.[1] She developed a keen ability to analyse dishes and their flavour profiles, often talking directly with restaurant chefs in Mauritius to understand techniques and ingredients.[1] After marrying Clancy Philippe, whose own technical and professional background complemented her culinary talent, the couple created the “Recipes from Mauritius” website, which became a leading online reference for Mauritian cuisine.[3][1] Madeleine passed away in 2011 after a long battle with breast and ovarian cancer, and Clancy has since continued their shared mission of preserving and promoting her culinary legacy.[4][1] Their Work on Mauritian Cuisine Together they developed a comprehensive body of recipes and culinary writing covering the full spectrum of Mauritian foodways: Creole rougailles, Indian curries, Muslim biryanis, Chinese dishes, French classics, and English staples, reflecting the island’s multiethnic heritage.[3] They have contributed food content and expertise to publications such as the Lonely Planet guide to Mauritius, Réunion and Seychelles, as well as various magazines and food guides.[5][1] Their major cookbook, The Best of Mauritian Cuisine (also associated with History of Mauritian Cuisine and Recipes from Mauritius), collects traditional recipes framed by a narrative about Mauritian culinary history and their own family journey.[6][7][8] The book presents accessible recipes for cooks at all levels and emphasises “love” as the essential ingredient, echoing Madeleine’s philosophy that food is fundamentally about family, care, and togetherness.[9][6] Awards and Legacy The cookbook The Best of Mauritian Cuisine was self‑published through the Madeleine Philippe Cancer Foundation (Aus) Inc and has sold widely across the world.[2] It was recognised at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, where Madeleine and Clancy received “Best in the World” honours in global categories for their work on Mauritian cuisine.[10][2] Clancy continues to run their culinary platforms, host cooking activities, and share Madeleine’s recipes, effectively acting as a custodian of Mauritian Creole heritage for the diaspora and broader Australian community.[9][1] Their story—combining migration, illness, family, and food—has become a touchstone narrative for how Mauritian cuisine can be documented with both technical rigour and emotional depth.[9][1] Mauritian Cuisine in Brief Mauritian cuisine is famously described as a “taste of paradise,” blending influences from French, African, Malagasy, English, Indian, Tamil, Telugu, Muslim, and Chinese culinary traditions into a distinctive local repertoire.[11][6] Within this, Mauritian Creole cuisine in particular highlights tomatoes (pommes d’amour), onions, garlic, ginger, chillies and herbs, building rougailles, cari poule, and other dishes with layered flavours rather than extreme heat.[11][3] This unique fusion reflects Mauritius’s colonial and migratory history, creating a table where Creole stews, curries, biryanis, Chinese stir‑fries, and French daubes coexist and cross‑influence each other.[6][3] Madeleine and Clancy’s work systematically captures these strands, positioning Mauritian cuisine as an important example of cross‑cultural food heritage that deserves preservation and scholarly attention.[6][1]

More Books by Clancy Philippe

Madeleine - Losing a Soul Mate to Cancer

A courageous battle to beat breast and ovarian cancer.

This emotional rollercoaster describes the journey of one man losing his lifelong partner to cancer and details how he tries to come to terms with the bereavement and prepares to face life without her.