Mauritian Fried Noodles with Chicken and Shrimp (with chili)

Fried noodles is a typical Mauritian dish that everyone loves. It's easy to make and incredibly delicious. We take noodles, cook them quickly, then sauté them with vegetables, chili, a tasty broth, and seasonings to give them flavor. We add chicken, shrimp, or other meats to make it even tastier. This dish is often served with a good tomato rougail or other rougails for extra flavor and freshness. In Mauritius, fried noodles are not just food, they are a moment of sharing, a time when family and friends come together. The chili makes it very exciting, and it's the spiciness that makes everyone want more. If you want to taste the true flavor of Mauritius, you must try fried noodles!

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• 400 g yellow noodles (Chinese noodles)

• 200 g chicken breast, cut into small pieces

• 150 g peeled shrimp

• 2 eggs

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small piece of fresh ginger (1/2 teaspoon grated)

• 1 carrot, cut into julienne strips

• 1 red or green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

• 150 g pet sai (Chinese cabbage or napa cabbage), sliced

• 2 to 3 fresh bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (or more, depending on taste)

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (essential for the traditional flavor)

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (traditional and highly recommended)

• 1 tablespoon white or apple cider vinegar (optional, but often used to balance flavors)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (peanut, sunflower)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• A few sprigs of fresh chives or coriander to garnish

Preparation

1. Cooking the noodles
   Cook the noodles in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain well. Set aside.

2. Preparing the eggs
   Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Make a thin omelet in a wok or large pan with a bit of oil. Slice it into strips and set aside.

3. Cooking the chicken
   Heat a tablespoon of oil in the wok. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked and lightly browned (5-7 minutes). Set aside.

4. Cooking the shrimp
   In the same wok, sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Set aside with the chicken.

5. Sautéing the vegetables and chilies
   Add a little oil if necessary. Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and chopped chilies for 1-2 minutes until the aroma is released. Then, add the carrot, bell pepper, and pet sai. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, they should remain slightly crunchy.

6. Final assembly
   Return the chicken, shrimp, noodles, and omelet to the wok. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and vinegar. Mix well on high heat so that everything is well coated and heated through. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.

7. Finishing touches
   Sprinkle fresh chives or coriander before serving.

Notes

• Pet sai is the traditional vegetable base.

• Fresh bird's eye chili is a must to give the dish the authentic Mauritian kick.

• The oyster sauce and fish sauce are essential for achieving the authentic flavor.

• The vinegar is optional, but recommended for balancing the flavors.