Enjoying yourself Benin
Timetable Benin
In Cotonou, restaurants generally serve from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00, or even 23:00. And, in general, every day. The maquis of the capital and the tables or bars of the rest of the country serve for the most part 7 days a week and continuously from 8 am to 10 pm.
Budget & Tips Benin
There is something for every taste and budget. You can eat in the street or in a maquis (between 1,000 and 2,000 CFA francs) as well as treat yourself to a gourmet meal in a good restaurant. The 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 cheap eateries. In Cotonou, a few restaurants with more elaborate menus prepare excellent European, African, Italian and even Asian cuisine. Lovers of fish and shellfish will also be delighted, with beautiful proposals of fish and seafood, especially on the beaches of Fidjrossè in Cotonou or in the seaside resort of Grand Popo in the southwest.
What costs extra Benin
In Benin, we like to be rewarded with a small tip. If you were satisfied with the service, a few coins or a bill will make the staff happy. Even if there is no obligation!
The local way Benin
In the maquis or the small street cafeterias, one savors the cuisine of the tantis! You wait (often a little longer than expected), you chat with your guest, then your neighbor, then your neighbor's neighbor, and you 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. In general, a small basin of water is used to rinse the hands before resuming the road.
To be avoided Benin
Even though it is not usually offered to tourists, be careful not to drink tap water, which is usually not drinkable. Prefer bottled water and sweetened drinks. When you go off the beaten track, some street cafes are not recommended for the faint of heart
Kids Benin
Children are always welcome around a Beninese table. They will even be particularly pampered!
Smokers Benin
It is forbidden to smoke in closed places and, anyway, Beninese people almost never smoke. However, there is no need to worry about smoking on the terrace or in outdoor places.
Take a break Benin
Timetable Benin
In Cotonou, restaurants generally serve from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00, or even 23:00. And, in general, every day. The maquis of the capital and the tables or bars of the rest of the country serve for the most part 7 days a week and continuously from 8 am to 10 pm.
Budget & Tips Benin
Bars and cafés are generally open all day from 8 or 9 am until 11 pm, or even 1 am for some. Some bars organize concerts by local bands, especially in Cotonou
You should expect to pay 400 FCFA for a small Beninoise, the local beer, in 25 cl bottles. For a cocktail, you should count between 2,500 and 3,000 FCFA. For a soda, which in Benin is called a "sucrerie", count 300 FCFA.
Age restrictions Benin
Night bars are open to people over the age of 18. In some cases, you will be required to show identification.
What's very local Benin
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!
Kids Benin
Don't worry about your charming toddlers, they will be welcome everywhere in the country!
Smokers Benin
It is forbidden to smoke in cafés and bars. However, most of the time you will be on the terrace where it will not be a problem.
