Entrepreneur Introduces Unique Mauritian Cuisine to Nova Scotia

Tanya Suefna, a business owner in Nova Scotia, is bringing a taste of Mauritius to Canada through her company, Mo Gato Mauritian Delicacies. Established in 2022, the business offers a unique array of dishes from the island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Suefna’s venture is part of the Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship (SPICE), which supports female entrepreneurs in the region.

Upon moving to Canada, Suefna found herself without a local Mauritian community. “In Canada, they are very spread out so I was trying to find my home here,” she explained. Recognizing a gap in the local culinary scene, she decided to share her heritage by offering Mauritian food at the Alderney Landing market. Starting with a single variety of strawberry-guava flavored cookie, her business has rapidly expanded.

From Cookies to Classic Dishes

Today, Mo Gato boasts over 20 unique flavors of cookies and traditional Mauritian dishes. Suefna describes her cuisine as a fusion of flavors influenced by the diverse cultures that settled on the island, including Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, African, and European. “We all joined together and created this amazing food,” she said.

The SPICE program has been instrumental for Suefna, as noted by its lead, Natalie Frederick-Wilson. She highlighted the significance of showcasing various cuisines through the program, emphasizing inclusivity for all women entrepreneurs. “If they have an idea, if they are looking to grow and scale a business, we can help them,” Frederick-Wilson stated.

In 2025, Mo Gato expanded its menu to include traditional savory Mauritian dishes, complementing its sweet offerings. The business now serves fried noodles and buttery shortbread cookies, catering for events and participating in markets across the region, including the Halifax Brewery Market each Saturday.

Highlighting Diversity in Culinary Arts

The introduction of Mauritian cuisine in Nova Scotia reflects the broader mission of the SPICE program to empower female entrepreneurs and promote cultural diversity through food. Suefna’s journey is not only about serving unique dishes but also about building community connections and enhancing the local food landscape.

As Mo Gato Mauritian Delicacies continues to thrive, Suefna’s story serves as an inspiring example of how one woman’s passion for her culture can create a unique culinary experience and foster community engagement in the process.