20th August 2008 - Manjar Dos Deuses

Manjar Dos Deuses doesn't look like much from the outside but this restaurant is probably the most local you get in Maputo. It is centrally situated, small and has a basic interior with clean table linen. The interior of the restaurant reminded one of our diners of Austria with its pine bar and ceilings. The restaurant was fairly full for early evening and by the time we left it was packed to the brim with both locals and expats alike. The menu was fairly simple but it was clear when we walked in that the 'Cavoador' was a must, there were several already served to tables. We placed our order of 2 'Cavoadors' to share between 4 of us, a Steak on a Hot Rock and a Frango. The 'Cavoador' can be likened to a mini 'braai' which is placed onto the table top. It has hot coals inside it to cook your prawns, steak or chicken or you can have a combo of ingredients. The steak for both the Hot Rock and 'Cavoador' turned out to be the most delicious fillet steak, it was so tasty and tender - 'deliciosa'! We were also served a plate of fruit: banana, papaya and pineapple to cook on the 'Cavoador' which was very interesting. The side dishes were salad and chips and were of the quality normally served in Maputo. This experience is definately a must, what a wonderful way to share a meal. True social eating! Prices were run of the mill for wines, food and beer at about 700mtns p/head. Manjar Dos Deuses can be found at 162 Julius Nyerere, between Mia Casa and the Polana Shopping Centre but on the opposite side of the road. Its easily seen by the neighbouring building which has a lit up blue and yellow sign and says Teixere ..... or something along those lines!!

Gelati, Ice Cream Parlour

This Ice Cream Parlour can be found on Julius Nyerere next to the Xenon Cinema and they serve the yummiest, creamiest ice cream in some absolutely delicious flavours. We often find ourselves there after dinner for a little dessert. The boys have discovered the Whisky Cream flavour and they love it and us girls seem to stick to the various chocolate flavours, as girls tend to do. 'Mecroche' tastes like Ferro Roche chocolates and it gets the taste buds going just thinking about it. There are fruity flavours, lots of different chocolate flavours and several unusual but delicious looking flavours. You can have a taster, they'll allow you 3 tastes with those little tasting spoons. Gelati is an absolute must if you like ice cream, it's a truly YUM experience.

Leon's Birthday - Sophie's Restaurant, Matola

Sophie's is Leon's favourite restaurant and one we have frequented often and one that deserves a mention on our Blog. Sophie's is a small, South African run restaurant in Matola. The service is friendly and always good, although they do need a little nudge every now and then and it's always wise to double check your order as you place it. The ambience is warm and cosy. The restaurant is clean and the food is always very good. The menu is vast, you will find local fare, pizza, shwarmas, burgers, chicken schnitzel and much, much more. The portions are always generous and we have enjoyed every meal there. They also do a Seafood Platter which is generous, priced fairly and delicious. Prices across the board are fair, your tummy will be full and you'll want to go back for more. Sophie's can be found in Matola near to Shoprite. At the Shoprite traffic lights on the Maputo road, turn right, take your first left and turn almost immediately right into a small shopping complex, head towards the end of the car park and you'll see Sophie's on your right.

16th April '08 - Inter Thai Resturant

Now this is a Gem and a must whether you live in Maputo or are just visiting. We have been back several times and the food is always excellent. The restaurant is set in a garden under the most enormous Sausage Tree complete with Koi Fish pond. It is a lovely setting, quite a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. The service is generally good the only flaw being that they don't allow any time between starters and your main course, so you can feel a little rushed. The prices are a little upper mid-end. We would definately recommend the Satay Chicken and Tempura Veg starters and give the cheese spring rolls a miss, they were good but boring compared to the traditional Thai dishes on offer. For main course the hit meal was the Red Curry Special but all the meals were EXCELLENT. The drinks were a little slow, the 2M was good as always and the red wine, Boschendal Pavillion, Shiraz/Cab Sav was excellent.

InteThai is situated on Rua Mateus Sansoa Muthemba, off Julius Nyere - beware of the one-way system around here. InterThai is closed on Monday evenings.

We had a Guest Diner with us and this is what he had to say: "Very relaxed, laid back atmosphere. The live entertainment was a bit dead because the wind wasn't blowing through the bamboo as it usually does. The food was very good, something for everyone's taste. Will come again and recommend it as a MUST when visiting Maputo." Jean Holder