We tested for you: 42 Market Street at Bagatelle Mall

Saturday, 12:30pm. Our appetite and curiosity were both aroused as we reached Bagatelle. We headed straight to 42 Market Street! This 1,500m² space borrows its name from its location within the mall and provides a market for local entrepreneurs, with everything from food to craft items.

This new type of market in Mauritius has recently opened with a really tempting offer. In addition to 11 craftworkers providing a wide range of nice products, gift ideas and convenient services, 42 Market Street has everything to become THE temple for foodies in the heart of the island! Its 3 grocery stores (Tabazy Moris, Votre Pote Âgé and Food Lover’s Market) and 16 food stalls with different flavours from all over the world will take you on a tantalising culinary journey. There’s a total of some thirty merchants selected for the quality of their products and services.

Once there, we were immediately swept up in the ambiance of the place: the contemporary industrial architecture, the contagious good mood of the shoppers who came to spend some quality time with their families and a lively concert, all recreating the jovial atmosphere of such markets in the world’s large cities.

For our first visit, the biggest challenge was to choose from a wide range of food options whether it be a shawarma from Sultan Xpress, a banh mi from Miam’s or a chicken burger from Enn Zistwar Poul. We finally chose a fresh fruit cocktail and a healthy salad from Fresco Salad Bar. We sat down at one of the welcoming long tables set up in the heart of the market. We took the opportunity to enjoy a chat with those sitting next to us – who were as curious as us – about our choice of meal!

After having satisfied our appetite, we wandered around the stalls selling local products and services. We felt a sense of pride at discovering the expertise of our fellow countrymen. From Polly Esther’s custom fluffs to La Savonnerie Créole’s beauty products, Matelot’s fancy socks and Ravior’s elegant jewellery, it’s hard to resist the urge to please oneself!

We had a real crush for the entire concept, and not just one stall: 42 Market Street combines purpose with pleasure with shoemaker, printer/photographer, manicure/pedicure services and even a tattoo artist, Allan Tattoo! It is probably this diverse mix that creates a unique, pleasant atmosphere.

42 Market Street was developed during the health crisis and is mainly intended for Mauritian entrepreneurs. It stems directly from Ascencia’s B’Local initiative to support our local businesses in expanding their commercial offer while improving their market visibility. The 30 craftworkers and traders have been chosen for the quality and originality of their products in order to create memorable customer experiences at Bagatelle!

For our part, we look forward to returning once, twice or even ten times to try all the culinary delights available (and certainly more than once!), including Bali Craving by Lexia’s tea as well as do some errands, get some inspiration for our shopping and gift ideas, and much more!