Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Brings Authentic Mauritian Flavors to Life

In an inspiring story of culinary entrepreneurship, Tanya Suefna has launched Mo Gato Mauritian Delicacies, a business bringing the unique flavors of Mauritius to Nova Scotia. Established in 2022, the venture highlights the rich culinary heritage of the small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, situated east of Madagascar.

Suefna’s journey began when she moved to Canada and found herself yearning for the familiar tastes of her home. “In Canada, the Mauritian community is very spread out, so I was trying to find my home here,” she explained. Recognizing a gap in the local food market, she started offering her first product, a strawberry-guava flavored cookie, at the Alderney Landing market. This initial success prompted her to expand her offerings, and now she features over 20 unique flavors of cookies inspired by the diverse culinary influences on the island.

Bridging Cultures Through Cuisine

What sets Mo Gato apart is its representation of Mauritius’ multicultural cuisine, which blends flavors from India, China, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. “Basically, all the countries that settled on the island joined together and created this amazing food,” Suefna noted. Her commitment to sharing these diverse tastes has resonated with locals, making her the only provider of Mauritian food in the region.

The Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship (SPICE), facilitated by the Centre for Women in Business, has played a pivotal role in Suefna’s entrepreneurial journey. Program lead Natalie Frederick-Wilson highlighted the importance of this initiative in supporting women entrepreneurs. “More than anything, we are highlighting that throughout the course of the time that we’ve been here, we’ve brought you so many cuisines,” she stated. The program aims to empower women from all backgrounds who seek to launch or expand their food service businesses.

Expanding Offerings and Community Engagement

By the end of 2025, Mo Gato will introduce traditional savory Mauritian dishes alongside its sweet treats. The menu will include dishes such as fried noodles and “melt-in-your-mouth” buttery shortbread cookies. Suefna plans to serve these offerings not only through catering but also at various events across the region, including every Saturday at the Halifax Brewery Market.

The success of Mo Gato illustrates not only Suefna’s entrepreneurial spirit but also the potential of the SPICE program to foster cultural diversity through food. “If they have an idea, if they are looking to grow and scale a business, we can help them,” Frederick-Wilson emphasized, underlining the program’s dedication to nurturing female talent in the culinary sector.

As Mo Gato gains popularity, it serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of global cuisines available in Nova Scotia and the important role that individual entrepreneurs play in enriching local communities. Suefna’s story is a testament to the power of food to connect people and cultures, providing a little taste of Mauritius to her new home.