Enjoying yourself Algeria
Timetable Algeria
As a general rule, restaurants are open at the same times as in France: from 12pm to 2pm or 2:30pm at lunchtime, and from 7pm to 10pm or 10:30pm in the evening. Most are closed on Fridays, the day of rest. In larger towns, you'll also find restaurants open all day long, with small stalls serving non-stop.
What costs extra Algeria
Tipping. Tipping is not obligatory, just a gratuity, a gesture to show you've appreciated the service.
The local way Algeria
Mint tea is simply unmissable. It's a whole ceremony that obeys very precise rules. First of all, the preparation: in a teapot rinsed with boiling water, infuse for a few seconds 2 teaspoons of tea (green from China, gunpowder type), then discard the liquid. Add a bunch of fresh mint, washed and crumpled, and either crushed sugar loaf fragments or a dozen sugar cubes, over which boiling water is poured until the teapot is full. Leave to infuse for a few minutes, then check the consistency of the brew by filling a tea glass and pouring the contents back into the teapot. Repeat at least three times. Then serve the tea, pouring it from high up to aerate it. A successful tea should froth. If your tea is too hot, never blow on it, but drink it by sucking strongly. You'll make a noise that your hosts will take as an expression of your satisfaction. Don't refuse a second glass - it's only after the third that you can decline the offer without being rude.
Take a break Algeria
What's very local Algeria
Alcohol is forbidden by religion, but while many Algerians don't drink, those who do are generally heavy consumers. According to a recent study, Algerians are even the biggest consumers of alcohol in Africa. They generally drink beer and wine. Apart from wine, other alcohols are imported. Beers of the famous Heineken or 1664 brands are readily available in most bars serving alcohol.
While it has become easy to find bars serving alcohol in Algiers, this is not the case in other cities, let alone in the interior of the country. Bars (especially hotel bars) are certainly convivial places, and it's not uncommon to come across a few women. By contrast, there are no women in popular cafés, and customers only drink coffee and fruit juice.
Most restaurants don't serve alcohol either, with a few exceptions (often high-end or hotel restaurants).
