There are few restaurants in Equatorial Guinea and those that exist are mainly restricted to Malabo and Bata and do not necessarily open every day. Most restaurants serve Spanish or continental cuisine. Beer is usually expensive.

National specialities:
• Chicken served in a peanut butter or cream sauce with rice or boiled plantain.
• Meat or fish grilled with crushed pumpkin seeds served in leaves.
• Cassava is a staple food, often served with fish or meat.
• Sweet potatoes, yams and plantain are all popular ingredients.

National drinks:
• Malamba (local sugar cane brew).
• Osang (African tea).
• Beer and palm wine are produced locally.

Tipping: Unless service charges are added to bills, 10 to 15%.

There is little nightlife except in Malabo and Bata where there are outdoor bars and lively nightclubs.

Markets sell local produce such as beans, rice, fruit, vegetables, oil and bush meat as well as fabric and clothing in traditional African prints, hardware and local crafts. However, prices may not be much cheaper than at home because many goods have to be imported from the mainland. Expect to barter in the markets.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1300, 1600-1900.