The effect of strontium (Sr), antimony (Sb) and phosphorus (P) on nucleation and growth mode of the eutectic in hypoeutectic Al–10 mass%Si alloys has been investigated by electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD) mapping. Specimens were prepared from a hypoeutectic Al–10 mass%Si base alloy, adding different levels of strontium, antimony and phosphorus for modification of eutectic silicon. By comparing the orientation of the aluminium in the eutectic to that of the surrounding primary aluminium dendrites, the solidification mode of the eutectic could be determined. The results of these studies show that the eutectic nucleation mode, and subsequent growth mode, is strongly dependent on additive elements. The EBSD mapping results indicate that the eutectic grew from the primary phase in unmodified and phosphorus-containing alloys. When the eutectic was modified by strontium or antimony, eutectic grains nucleated and grew separately from the primary dendrites.