Practical information : Eating out Mayotte
Timetable
Most restaurants only open at lunchtime for workers, especially in Mamoudzou, so always phone ahead if you are going to a remote area. Lunchtime services start early, around 11am, either on the spot or to take away, and there is often not much left after 12.30pm except in the tourist restaurants less frequented by locals. You will notice that at 2pm no one serves you anymore, and the same goes for the evening, try to eat between 6pm and 8pm otherwise you will not have any choice.
Budget & Tips
Since most restaurants are frequented by expatriates or transient workers who generally earn a good salary, the quality/price ratio is not always optimal. Expect to pay around €15-20 for a dish. Those on a tight budget will turn to street vendors, mamas brochettis or markets, where you can find meat brochettes and starchy foods (manioc, breadfruit, green bananas) for a few euros. Beware, very few restaurants accept credit cards, so remember to have cash on hand when leaving Mamoudzou.
What costs extra
Tipping is not common in Mayotte, but you can innovate!
The local way
The locals, mainly men, like to meet around the mamas brochettis at dusk on the roadside. Despite the absence of public lighting, these informal meeting places are easily found by the light of the small brazier on which the mbawas crackle.
To be avoided
The sanitary conditions on the island are not always equal to those in mainland France. To avoid intestinal disturbances, avoid drinking tap water after heavy rains or during cyclones (or at any time if you are sensitive). Last minute information on possible warnings can be found on the website or Facebook page of the Prefecture.
Kids
Mayotte could be called the island of children, they are everywhere and very independent. You will see children as tall as three apples walking alone, hitchhiking, going to buy food, on the beach, on the stadiums. Youth is everywhere, and for good reason the average age on the archipelago is 23 years. Your children will be welcomed everywhere on the island, and can even be an icebreaker to start a conversation with strangers.
Smokers
Very few people smoke in Mayotte, so be careful not to disturb your non-smoking table neighbours.