Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar

Antananarivo, Madagascar, Antananarivo, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar

1. Rice and Beans (Vary Taranaka)

A classic Malagasy dish made with rice, beans, cassava leaves, and various vegetables. Try it at Chez Bovary Restaurant.
  • Authenticity: Offers a genuine taste of Malagasy cuisine
  • Value for Money: Affordable and filling meal for tourists
  • Location: Centrally located in Antananarivo, easy to reach

2. Zebu Sausage (Sakay)

Grilled sausage made from zebu (Madagascar's version of a cow). You can find it at the local markets or restaurants like Le Café des Arts.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the unique Malagasy take on sausage
  • Street Food Experience: Enjoy this dish in a lively market atmosphere
  • Availability: Widely available across Antananarivo's markets and eateries

3. Ambongo (Fermented Cakes)

Sweet, tangy fermented cakes made from rice or cassava. Try them at a local bakery like L'Atelier de la Boulangère.
  • Unique Taste: Offers a distinct, tangy flavor not found elsewhere
  • Local Experience: Participate in the local tradition of eating these cakes
  • Bakery Atmosphere: Enjoy in a charming, cozy bakery setting

4. Rice Pudding (Ravitoto)

A creamy rice pudding dish seasoned with vanilla and coconut milk. Visit Le Jardin Restaurant to try it.
  • Tasty Dessert: Delicious dessert option for tourists
  • Traditional Recipe: Experience a classic Malagasy dessert recipe
  • Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Antananarivo

5. Zebu Stew (Ranovola)

Slow-cooked zebu meat simmered in coconut milk and various spices. Try it at Restaurant La Source.
  • Flavorful Meal: A rich, flavorful stew for tourists to enjoy
  • Cultural Significance: Understand the importance of zebu in Malagasy culture
  • Restaurant Quality: Enjoy this dish at a high-quality, popular restaurant

6. Antananarivo Specialty Pizza (Pizza Vary Antananarivo)

A unique Madagascar-style pizza featuring local ingredients like zebu sausage and spices. Try it at Pizzeria La Maison Blanche.
  • Culinary Innovation: Experience a fusion of Malagasy and Italian cuisine
  • Local Ingredients: Enjoy pizza made with local ingredients
  • Restaurant Atmosphere: Dine in a cozy, romantic restaurant setting

7. Fresh Fish (Vazaha Fena)

Grilled or fried fresh fish served with rice and vegetables. You can find it at restaurants like Le Grand Café de la Gare.
  • Fresh Seafood: Enjoy fresh, locally-caught fish
  • Local Dining Experience: Participate in a common Malagasy meal choice
  • Central Location: Conveniently located near Antananarivo's train station

8. Rice with Vegetables (Vary Mena)

A simple yet flavorful dish made with rice and a variety of Malagasy vegetables. Try it at the local eatery, Ambongo Grill.
  • Healthy Option: A lighter, vegetable-based meal choice for tourists
  • Local Ingredients: Enjoy locally grown vegetables in this dish
  • Street Food Experience: Experience this dish at a bustling street eatery

9. Chicken in Coconut Milk (Vary Mpanjakany)

Tender chicken pieces cooked in coconut milk and a mix of spices. Try it at the popular restaurant, Le Jardin Gourmand.
  • Flavorful Meal: Enjoy a richly flavored chicken dish
  • Popular Restaurant: Dine at one of Antananarivo's most popular restaurants
  • Central Location: Easily accessible in the heart of Antananarivo

10. Spicy Beef (Ranola)

A spicy beef dish cooked with onions, garlic, and various spices. Try it at the local eatery, Chez Gogo.
  • Spicy Dish: Experience a flavorful, spicy Malagasy dish
  • Street Food Experience: Participate in this common Malagasy street food tradition
  • Affordable Option: An affordable meal choice for tourists

11. Fruit Salad (Salade de Fruits)

A refreshing fruit salad made with a variety of tropical fruits. Try it at the local café, Café des Artistes.
  • Refreshing Snack: Enjoy a cool, refreshing snack
  • Tropical Fruits: Experience a variety of delicious tropical fruits
  • Central Location: Located in the heart of Antananarivo's art district

12. Malagasy Salad (Salade Vary)

A vegetable salad dressed with a tangy, lemon-based dressing. Try it at the local restaurant, Le Relais de l'Oubrai.
  • Refreshing Option: Enjoy a refreshing vegetable salad
  • Popular Restaurant: Dine at one of Antananarivo's well-known restaurants
  • Central Location: Easily accessible in the heart of Antananarivo

13. Mangoes (Mangazaha)

Sweet, juicy mangoes straight from Madagascar's orchards. You can find them at local markets or street vendors.
  • Fresh Fruit: Enjoy freshly picked mangoes
  • Street Food Experience: Experience this common Malagasy street food tradition
  • Affordable Option: An affordable, tasty snack for tourists

14. Antananarivo Brewed Beer (Three Horses Beer)

Crisp, refreshing beer brewed in Antananarivo. You can find it at bars and restaurants across the city.
  • Local Brew: Enjoy a beer brewed locally
  • Wide Availability: Easily accessible at various establishments
  • Refreshing Drink: Enjoy a cool, refreshing drink after a day of exploring

15. Madagascar Rum (Rhum de Madagascar)

A smooth, flavorful rum made from local sugarcane. Try it at bars and nightlife spots across Antananarivo.
  • Unique Taste: Experience a distinct rum flavor
  • Wide Availability: Easily accessible at various establishments
  • Local Tradition: Participate in a long-standing Malagasy tradition