Rok Flander (Co-founder of Wapalapam) : “Wapalapam is a Mauritian brand that has the potential to become a worldwide spread culinary brand”

An Eatdifferent experience to celebrate life in an authentic atmosphere with family and friends. That is what Wapalapam invites to experiment in its restaurants.

What is Wapalapam’s concept?

Wapalapam is a culinary concept providing a unique experience to our guests that makes them feel like kings and queens. We are using the most delicate local products which are harvested, caught and raised here on the island and turn it around in an #eatdifferent experience to celebrate life in an authentic atmosphere with family and friends. Our restaurants are all uniquely designed, including our customized furniture in order to fit in to the strong ideology of our Brand. Wapalapam is a concept inspired by the beauty of Mauritius and is one of a few strong local Restaurant brands.

Do you expect that companies dealing with the difficult economic situations will tend to decrease the budget devoted to the endof-year celebrations this year?

We don’t want to go too far into the economic situation because it’s not looking good with all supply chain difficulties as well as with the actual inflation. Yes, it’s hard to increase the business but we believe with creativity and our strong and unique concept, we will make the difference. So far so good.

To what extent have you adapted your services to their expectations and needs?

We managed to create a concept where all sorts of people feel comfortable to sit on the same table and enjoy a good time with a very casual Island style service. At our restaurant at Le Morne, it is on a daily basis that you will find billionaires sitting at the same table with very simple surfers and other individuals seeking for a unique experience that will remain in their memories for the rest of their lives!

What services will you be offering companies and individuals for the end-of-year celebrations?

We have the most unique property at La Place d’Armes in Port-louis where we can provide cocktails for up to 250 guests and sit-down dinners for up to 80 guests. We can provide entertainment and parking until late in the night. We have a similar situation at our Restaurant at Curepipe! For those attracted to the beach, we can provide same at our Island Eatery located at Le Morne Brabant.

You evolve in a very competitive environment. How do you go about getting out of the game?

First of all, Wapalapam is a Mauritian brand that has the potential to become a worldwide spread culinary brand. Our mission is to bring forward the beauties of this island. We believe there is always a good market if you do something different that comes from your heart! What new services and products will you be offering this year? We need to be flexible and use the products that are available in Mauritius. I think it’s our responsibility to support all local producers to sell their products. Either farmers, the fishermen’s or any other producers on the island. We at Wapalapam created a platform to support the local community.