The best restaurants Democratic Republic Of The Congo

Timetable

Meals are still modelled on Belgian habits: breakfast in the morning, lunch at noon and dinner in the evening. But it is possible to eat at any time in the establishments and street terraces. The restaurants are generally open from noon to 3pm and from 6pm to 10pm.

Budget & Tips

You can eat at any price, depending on the type of establishment. In town, a meal on a street terrace(malewa or nganda) is very inexpensive and made up of local produce. As for restaurants, on the whole, the less local produce on the menu, the higher the bill. In the major cities, European, Asian and Indian cuisine is readily available. Rarely is everything on the à la carte menu available. Waiting times for service can be very long. Find out more to avoid starvation. Except in the major chains, payment is made in cash, in dollars or francs.

What costs extra

The bill is global and therefore includes taxes and tips, although as everywhere a small bill is never refused. Only well established restaurants take credit cards.

The local way

Fufu, bukari, chikwangue. Fried, boiled, in fermented buns or mixed with corn, cassava is an essential accompaniment to fish, poultry, bushmeat and kebabs. Even its leaves can be prepared like spinach (pondu). Chillies are served at discretion.

Bar à cabri is a culinary classic in the city. The goat is killed, skinned, prepared and grilled on the spot. Eaten by several people on the brown paper used as a container during grilling, it may seem a little wild as it is, but accompanied by chikwangue and a fresh Primus, it's absolutely delicious.

Malewas, the very common street canteens run by mothers, and ngandas, the drinking and eating establishments with decibels all around, generally serve a more or less extensive menu of non-imported specialties. Best eaten without cutlery, from plate to mouth.

To be avoided

Except in classy restaurants, rare meat should be avoided.