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Mauritian culture is the result of various waves of migration from all over the world which met and mixed on this small island in the Indian Ocean. This diversity is particularly reflected in our incomparably rich gastronomy. However, our cuisine is not only the result of the influences of various cultural heritages that have been preserved throughout the generations, but also the encounters of cultures in a new environment and society which throughout the years gave birth to innovations and adaptations thus enriching even more our Mauritian culture. 

Have you ever tasted a Gato Zinzli? This delicious Mauritian pastry originating from China…

But ... have you ever tasted a Gato Zinzli stuffed with Nutella or Pistas Griye?

Coming from the corporate world Sharon was forced to reinvent herself due to the Covid pandemic. She was determined to face this challenging situation. Far from the universe of cooking and pastry, she started to prepare some Gato Zinzli with her sister, Isabelle, with their Popo's (grandmother) recipe in hand. Isabelle was the one who launched this activity, first by preparing these delicacies for close relatives during confinement. 

Even if the challenge was significant, the idea of a reconversion from the corporate world to that of a small pastry enterprise seduced Sharon. She took over the little business and named it Popo’s Treats during Chinese New Year 2022. Not only did she have to practice and experiment over and over again using the original recipe, to be able to obtain the researched results but also test many fillings before being satisfied to commercialise her Gato Zinzli. 

Her idea has been to innovate by readapting the fillings of ‘’gato zinzli’’ or sesame cakes.

Traditionally, the cake’s dough is prepared using sweet potatoes and rice flour which are then rolled in sesame seeds and fried. They can be plain or stuffed with ‘’tausa’’.  ‘’Tausa’’ is basically a Chinese red bean paste. Tausa had already been readapted in Mauritius by replacing red beans with black lentils in many Mauritian Chinese families.  

Milk and dark chocolate, Nutella, peanut butter, mozzarella, green tea, coffee and so much more…

Sharon got the brilliant idea of stuffing the cakes with other ingredients. She actually proposes 9 different types of Gato Zinzli. Moreover, sweet potatoes being one of the good carbs makes this product even more interesting.

She confides that she faces some reluctance from Sino-Mauritians to try her products. They tend to stick to the traditional ones. However, those who have tasted, have immediately fallen in love with Sharon’s new recipes.

We tasted it and were totally conquered.

The explosion of flavour when you bite into the soft-inside, crispy-outside Gato Zinzli, filled with melting chocolate, Yummy !!!

Perfectionist, Sharon is an example of perseverance. The young lady entrepreneur manages the production, delivery and customer service. Even though, she had moments of panic and doubts, her clients’ satisfaction is what fuels her will to keep going. Moreover, she still finds time to drop a little positive message in her packings to bring a smile on her clients’ lips.

One of the aims of my enterprise is to share happiness with people.

What about experimenting these innovations on other Chinese pastries?

Be the first to surprise your friends and family with these very Mauritian Gato Zinzli for parties, tea time or any other functions. For the time being, these delicious cakes are available only on order by calling Sharon on 57651467.

Have a look on her Facebook page

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