What to eat Benin? culinary specialties and gastronomy

In Cotonou, restaurants generally serve from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm, or even 11pm. And usually every day. The capital's maquis and bars in the rest of the country mostly serve 7 days a week, non-stop from 8am to 10pm.

There's something for every taste and budget. You can eat on the street or in a maquis (between 1,000 and 2,000 FCFA), or treat yourself to a gourmet meal in a good restaurant. Maquis offer very simple dishes: braised chicken or peanut sauce, spaghetti, brochettes, etc. These cheap eateries are often a good opportunity to meet the local population and make friends. Small restaurants offer African and European cuisine, in addition to these low-cost options. In Cotonou, a few restaurants with more elaborate menus prepare excellent European, African, Italian and even Asian cuisine. Fish and shellfish lovers will also be delighted, with fine fish and seafood offerings, notably on the beaches of Fidjrossè in Cotonou or in the seaside resort of Grand Popo in the south-west.

In Benin, we like to be rewarded with a small tip. If you've been satisfied with the service, a few coins or a bill will make the staff happy. Even if there's no obligation!

In the maquis or small street cafeterias, you can savor the cuisine of the tantis! You wait (often a little longer than expected), chat with your guest, then your neighbor, then your neighbor's neighbor, and salivate at the idea of a good grill, a slightly (or well) spiced fish, mashed yams with peanut sauce or a peuhl cheese. Once served, the dish is shared with fellow travelers and eaten with the fingers. A small basin of water is usually available for rinsing hands before setting off again.

Even if it's not usually offered to tourists, be careful not to drink tap water, which is generally undrinkable. Bottled water and sugary drinks are preferable. When you're off the beaten tourist track, some street cafés are not recommended for the faint of stomach.

Children are always welcome around a Beninese table. In fact, they'll be especially pampered!

Smoking is forbidden in enclosed spaces and, in any case, the Beninese hardly ever smoke. However, you can enjoy a smoke on a terrace or in the open air.

In Cotonou, restaurants generally serve from 12pm to 3pm and from 7pm to 10pm, or even 11pm. And usually every day. The capital's maquis and bars in the rest of the country mostly serve 7 days a week, non-stop from 8am to 10pm.

Bars and cafés are generally open all day from 8 or 9am, until 11pm, or even 1am for some. Some bars organize concerts by local bands, especially in Cotonou.

Petite Béninoise, the local beer, costs 500 FCFA in 25 cl bottles. A cocktail costs between 2,500 and 3,000 FCFA. A soda, known in Benin as a "sucrerie", costs 300 FCFA.

Night bars are open to people over 18. In some cases, you'll need to show proof of identity.

In bars and cafés, Beninoise is the most popular national beer in Benin. It is produced by the Sobebra brewery and you will see it everywhere. In the markets, especially in the north of the country, you can taste the tchouk, a local beer made of millet or sorghum served in a calabash. Not to be missed!

Don't worry about your charming toddlers, they're welcome anywhere in the country!

Smoking is prohibited in cafés and bars. Most of the time, however, you'll be on a terrace, where it won't be a problem.