In 1870 the Rault family started producing manioc biscuits at their little biscuit factory on the northern outskirts of Mahébourg. It has changed hardly a jot since. The crispy, square cookies are made almost entirely by hand using a secret recipe passed down from generation to generation and baked on hotplates over stoves fuelled with dried sugar-cane leaves. The 15- to 20-minute guided tour ends with a chance to sample the end result – with a nice cup of tea, of course. The factory is on the far side of the Cavendish Bridge; when you cross the bridge turn left at the brown-and-white factory sign and then follow the further signs. Packets of the biscuits (we recommend butter flavour and reaching this decision involved pleasurable research...) are on sale for Rs 65.
