Gourmet products local specialties and wines Congo Brazzaville

A nice idea of gift for gourmets. Keben, who is also the former singer of the Lang'i group proposes his delicious products made from local fruits: barbadine jam (or fruit of passion), malombo, mbil'ésobé, tsuitéké jelly or djambala cream, but also salt to ginger ginger and pepper to season your dishes.

A Casino with a well-stocked parking lot where you'll find almost everything you need for everyday European life, including a well-stocked cheese, wine and charcuterie section that could make weanies faint after a long stay in the bush - but at French prices multiplied by at least two. There are also reading and technology departments. The Casino is backed up by a shopping arcade, including several brand-name clothing stores and an FNAC. Credit cards are accepted throughout the store. A warm welcome.

An integral part of the Pontenegrin landscape, La Citronnelle is an unmissable meeting place - usually for business - and a good haunt for newcomers to the city. Above all, it's a very good bakery-pastry shop, with a wide choice of viennoiseries and cakes. The establishment also serves fast food for savory cravings. Its terrace on the avenue allows you to observe the hustle and bustle of the street, even if the general hubbub doesn't facilitate conversation: in this case, prefer the inside and its large air-conditioned room.

Opened at the end of 2017, Park'n Shop has become a second alternative for Pontegrins to find Western and also Indian products. Prices are double or even triple those in France, as many of the products are imported. However, African specialties such as honey from the Congo can be found at affordable prices. The delicatessen section is very interesting. Beware, however, of Western wines, whose labels may have been altered. There may be some nasty surprises...

If you miss the traditional jambon-beurre, push open the door of this chic, black-clad bakery/pastry shop, where you'll find crusty baguette bread and a multitude of viennoiseries, each more appetizing than the last. Le Pain de Sucre also attracts crowds for its variety of cakes and pastries, as well as its artisanal ice creams, produced to the highest standards. Two small eateries allow you to sample all their products on the spot, at no extra charge. Very pleasant welcome.

The Casino supermarket, a direct competitor of Park'n Shop, is very well stocked. You'll find everything, at very different prices: private labels are still affordable, while some imported products, such as cheese and dairy products, are at least three times more expensive than you're used to. You'll find all your favorite French products, but at much higher prices. Don't hesitate to compare prices with Park'n Shop before you go shopping, and you might just save a few bucks.

Jean-Maurice Ouakatoulou, a former biochemistry student who studied in Cameroon and Japan, had long had the idea of making his own chocolate. Now he has his own small factory in Pointe-Noire! In the adjoining boutique, you can buy delicious 100% Congolese chocolate. Let yourself be tempted by his original chocolates, such as whisky and amarula. He also sells aphrodisiac sweets, cocoa powder and spreads.

It's the place to be for Congolese families and Westafs to come and enjoy an ice cream at the weekend. The ice creams, although industrial, are tasty and delicious. There's something for everyone: strawberry, mango, yoghurt, chocolate, salted butter caramel... The establishment also offers hamburger menus and inexpensive Asian formulas, as well as pizzas and meat brochettes. The place isn't very big, but you can sit in the small interior room or on the terrace overlooking the city's main boulevard. Friendly welcome.

Managed by Indians, this supermarket is barely larger than the casino. Local and imported products are available at affordable prices. Many European brands are represented, and you can find your favorite products here. The supermarket is well stocked and easy to find. Smokers will even find cartons of cigarettes here at unbeatable prices. Security is assured by guards posted at the entrance. Bags must be deposited in lockers before entering the store.

Close to the Moungali market, this establishment, part tea room and part snack bar, is a good option for a drink and a sweet or savoury snack outside the city center. With a good choice of sandwiches and other snacks, dripping pastries, fluffy crêpes and decent croissants, it's hard to resist one of these sweet treats prepared on the premises. Occasionally, a terrace overlooking the "tar" of Avenue de la Paix is set up for customers. The welcome is not always pleasant, too bad!

After developing her pastry, confectionery and chocolate-making skills in France, Mam'Irène, a French-Congolese born in the Congo, returned to her native country. The adventure began in her kitchen, where she concocted jams from seasonal fruits. Her friends and family were won over by the quality, and she launched her own business, which was an immediate success! Mango, passion fruit, pineapple or more surprising blends such as pineapple-moringa, the sweetness of the flavors is sure to please gourmets. Mam'Irène has also launched her own chocolate production business. A real delight.

Like its big sister in Brazzaville, the Pain de Sucre bakery-pastry shop delights lovers of French baguettes, viennoiseries, cakes, artisanal ice creams and espresso coffee. Popular with Pontegrin families and expatriates alike, it's a popular spot for breakfast and snacks, where the temptation of the tempting shop window is easily tempted. In Pointe-Noire, the establishment boasts a large, shady, leafy terrace, a pleasant place to relax. A smiling welcome and a competent team.