Enjoying yourself Mauritania
Timetable Mauritania
Most addresses, restaurants or cafes, bakeries, etc., are open all day. Some are closed on Fridays, the day of prayer, but this does not apply to the whole territory.
Budget & Tips Mauritania
It all depends on the standing of the establishment. You can have lunch or dinner of local dishes (or international dishes if you are in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou), between 250 and 400 MRU per plate. In the high-end hotels in the capital, you will have to count a little more. And even if, sometimes, some addresses seem to leave something to be desired at first sight, the service is always attentive, and you will always eat to your heart's content.
What costs extra Mauritania
Tipping is not a common practice in Mauritania. You are free to ask for your change or not, and if they do try to avoid giving it back to you, we can only advise you to be patient and not to make fun of them.
The local way Mauritania
Couscous, mechouis, grilled meat, fish brochettes... Mauritania, in terms of cuisine, is marked both by its many communities, and by some constraints: the vegetables are those that could be grown, mainly in the South, or imported from Morocco, when relations with the Polisario Front are lenient. Fish on the menu, thanks to the fertile and generous waters. And friendly dishes, sharing, where the dish is in the center and where everyone picks from it, Fridays day of prayer, on the occasion of festivals or gatherings. If you are lucky enough to be invited under a tent or in a local's house!
In restaurants, especially in Nouakchott, you will find local specialties, fast food, as well as international dishes (pizzas, burgers, etc.).
To be avoided Mauritania
During the Ramadan period, avoid being seen drinking, smoking or eating between sunrise and sunset, out of respect for those who are fasting.
Take a break Mauritania
Timetable Mauritania
In Mauritania, you will learn patience! If the addresses have in general an important time amplitude, on the other hand the haste is not welcome there. But the welcome, although sometimes a little indolent, is always warm! Don't forget that Friday is a day of prayer: this means that some places will be closed that day, in whole or in part.
Age restrictions Mauritania
Alcohol consumption is forbidden in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania: don't even try to get around this rule, you won't find anything to get drunk in the country.
What's very local Mauritania
For a break, the local custom is to drink the three ceremonial teas! Don't miss the fresh fruit juices, and the many varieties of oriental pastries, filled with dates or honey.
