The Gambia has a wide variety of bars and restaurants. In the main resort areas of Bakau, Fajara, Kololi and Kotu you will be spoilt for choice (Chinese, French, Italian, Indian, Lebanese, Thai etc.) and almost all of the hotels have their own a la carte restaurants too..

However, if you would prefer to try some of the local cuisine (which we love) then the following are most commonly found on the menu:-

• Benachin: chicken, beef or fish cooked in a tomato-based sauce with garlic and peppers
• Yassa: chicken served with fried onions and pepper
• Domada: chicken served in a peanut, tomato and pepper sauce (not dissimilar in taste to satay sauce)
• Afra: signifies barbecued food

( Recipes for the above can be found in the Culture section of http://www.africanculture.dk/gambia )

Most hotels and bars serve a selection of local and internationally branded drinks. The local beer is called Julbrew, which you seem to be able to drink in copious amounts with no discernible hangover the following day and only a touch of wind!

The cost of eating and drinking out varies depending on where you are. A meal can cost anything from 25 Dalasi for a plate of benachin or domada and rice from a street vendor, to over 500 Dalasi for a main meal at one of the more upmarket restaurants. And, as anywhere else in the world, the price you pay is no indication of the quality or quantity of food that you will be served.

Some of our 'less expensive' favourites include: -

MacDomara's (Bakau), Mr Bass Happy Corner (Cape Point), Francisco's (Fajara), Leybato (Fajara), Churchills (Palma Rima junction), and Paradiso Pizza Restaurant (Senegambia).

Calypso (Cape point) has a fantastic beach front location and is another of our favourite haunts, but prices have increased.

For something a bit more 'upmarket' we recommend The Butchers Shop on Kairaba Avenue, Fajara (beware the Sales Tax 'not included' in the evenings), the Clay Oven Indian Restaurant, Fajara or the Jade Kylin Chinese Restaurant, Senegambia.

And for something 'away from it all' try the little Italian restaurant on the banks of the Alahein river, after Kartung where you can sit and watch the dug out canoes ferrying passengers over to Southern Senegal.

(Please note that during the 'Off-Peak' Season of June - October opening hours are subject to change and some places close down entirely.)

A rough price guide for drinks (as at November 2009) is as follows:-

                                         Hotel                   Local Bar                  Local Shop
Bottled Julbrew               100 Dalasi            25Dalasi                     15 Dalasi
Imported Bottled Beer   150 Dalasi             75Dalasi                    
Branded Spirits               150 Dalasi (shot)   75Dalasi (shot)
Wine                                100 Dalasi (glass)  60 Dalasi (glass)
Bottled Soft Drinks          50 Dalasi             20 Dalasi                     10 Dalasi
Bottled Water 1.5l            75Dalasi              25Dalasi                      25 Dalasi

Please note that the Dalasi has appreciated against all major currencies, and rates are fluctuating daily. we therefore suggest that you check out your local travel agent and/or bank plus http://www.oanda.com/convert/classic (select your currency, Gambia Dalasi and typical cash rate) for the current rate of exchange. For more information on changing money in The Gambia, please see our Money page.

© Copyright 2009 Hooked on Gambia