If the recent summer rain got the better of the straw hats of Chapeau La Paille dholl puri sellers, it has not changed their ways. They can be seen everyday at La Gare du Nord, at the same spot, with their unmistakable ?chapeaux la paille?, serving dholl puris and rotis. The small stall is so popular that six employees are now needed to serve the customers.

Chapeau La Paille is a must if you are visiting Port-Louis. There are always a dozen people queuing at all times at the stall. Fans confirm that the dholl puris are soft, light and not greasy. After twenty years in business, they seem to have mastered the technique ! ?Our customers know we make quality products and this is why you see so many people coming to buy dholl puris and rotis here?, the owner, Younous Manally, explains.

When Younous started, he was alone with his father. As the latter got older, he stopped and Younous?s two brothers joined him. The owner adds: ?In general, we can?t complain. Things are going well for us. However, we have to adapt to all sorts of conditions. For example, if it rains for two hours, we?ve lost two hours of custom.?

He explains however that things are getting more difficult with the rise in the price of flour. He says his products are traditionally inexpensive and he cannot increase the price of his dholl puris and rotis, as many of his clients would probably desert him. His profits are not high as he must provide paper and plastic bags for wrapping. He has also invested in a means of transport, which he has to pay for.

Anyway, he loves his job and would not change it for anything. What he enjoys most is being self-employed . Quality and hygiene are his leitmotivs. His employees all wear uniforms and his permits are approved each year without any problem, after sanitary inspection of his kitchen.