Gambia Travel Guide - Going Out

Western food is available at most tourist hotels and restaurants, as are traditional Gambian delicacies.

National specialities:
• Benachin (also called ‘Jollof Rice', a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables).
• Domodah (meat stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice).
• Chicken yassa (chicken cooked with onions, garlic and lime, served with rice or chips).
• Plasas (meat and smoked fish cooked in palm oil with cassava leaves, served with rice or mashed cassava).
• Mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, papayas and oranges.

National drinks:
• Jul Brew is the local speciality beer. 
• Fresh fruit juice.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills; if the service calls for it a further tip can be given.

In general the nightlife is subdued, although there are nightclubs and bars in Bakau, Fajara, Kotu, Kololi, Brikama and Serrekunda. There are organised performances of Gambian drumming and dancing, and also fire-eating displays.

Souvenirs can be bought in Banjul's Albert Market and the various bengdulas (craft markets) in the resort areas. Popular purchases include brightly coloured batik clothing, woodcarvings and handmade jewellery. Some of the souvenirs are gaudy, others exceedingly attractive. Drums, beaded belts and ladies' handbags are also popular items. Other West African handicrafts made of straw, beads, leather, cloth or metal can be purchased here.

Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri-Sat 0900-1300. Some shops may stay open until 2200.