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Mozambique is an ex Portuguese colony, and was a place also occupied by Indian expats.
It now is a hub for oil & gas, and other construction, so it is quite diverse in the different kinds of people living there. The main language spoken is Portuguese, however, English is also widely spoken.
How is the weather in Mozambique?
The weather is great all year round – the hottest months being between October to March – temperatures in the Northern Provinces reaching highs of 47 deg Celsius, while the Southern Provinces the real feel temperatures can get to 42 degrees Celsius.
Our winters are also quite warm, where the day time temperature can reach 30 degrees, while the night time temperature dips to anything between 12 and 21 degrees. Be prepared for the oscillation if you are planning a winter getaway.
What is the currency in Mozambique?
The currency used is the metical – ZAR 1 = MZN 4 (at the time of publishing this article).
Shopping in Mozambique?
Do not expect your shopping to be cheaper in Mozambique, unfortunately 90% of items are imported, so be prepared to pay South African rates plus a markup at the supermarkets.
Halaal Food Scene in Maputo:
I have resided in Maputo for the better part of the last 12 years. When I moved here in 2010, the variety of halal cuisine was restricted to grilled Mozambican style chicken and KFC. All our KFC’s are halal.
For the best chicken, my suggestions:
- Nasseelas / Munchies – they also make amazing mocktails and sandwiches.
- Takdir
- Jimmy’s Killer Grills – their pizza and wings are great as well.
Loads of new halal restaurants have opened up during Covid19, and here are some of my favourites:
- Yugo – halal korean and sushi. Their wings and bao buns are amazing. They deliver, so I am not sure where they are based.
- Bibos – at Baia mall – they make amazing shawarma and wings. Their subs and burgers are finger licking good.
- Belem – Turkish health food and brunch
- Pastello – grills and seafood
- BBQ House – Maputo Shopping centre – they sell everything excluding sushi
- Istambul – Maputo shopping centre – Turkish cuisine, albeit quite pricey
- Sr Kofte – in Baia mall – they specialise in Turkish sandwiches. Their food is very reasonably priced, however be prepared to wait. Food is delicious though
- Teka Famba – strategically placed burger food truck, all over the city – specialises in US style burgers. Freshly made in front of you.
- Alitas – Mexican styled sandwiches and wings. Based at resotel
- Galaxy Indian restaurant – their masala dosa is sublime – Maputo shopping centre
- Hot pie – south african styled pies & coffee – baia mall
- Frooties – waffles & ice cream – baia mall
- Pepper by Galaxy – Indian restaurant
- La Vida Pizza – all kinds of gourmet and standard pizzas, as well as mocktails, shakes & desserts – Blue Sky Hotel
- Pizza House – lebanese pizza & cuisine – Av Mau Tse Tung
All these food places have instagram accounts & are easily found on google maps. They have spectacular telephonic manners and can advise you on their specials.
Portuguese Coffee Shops:
Be sure to try the Portuguese coffee shops. My personal favourites are pasteis de nata (custard tarts), bolo de arroz (lemon scented muffins) and bola de Berlim (a sugar coated donut). The Portuguese coffees are a coffee lover’s dream come true. The best in Maputo is the coffee shop in Blue Sky Hotel
Hidden gem in the city is the coffee shop at the Clinicare Hospital. Open 7 days a week. Their drinks menu and all day breakfast is amazing. (SP Tea Garden)
Important info if you plan on travelling to Mozambique:
It goes without saying that Mozambique is a malaria hotspot, so do take precautions for medication as well as bug repellent, irrespective of when you are travelling and to which province.
About the author:
This blog post was written by Anaisa Mohamed. She has resided in Maputo for the better part of the last 12 years.