Taking a bite out of Madagascar

Madagascar is truly a feast for the eyes, but did you know it’s also a feast for the culinary adventurer? There’s simply no better pairing for the sun-kissed, beach-bliss paradise of the island than a little tour of all that Madagascar has to offer your palette.

Deriving from a variety of influences the world over, the traditional Malagasy spread reflects the flavours of the Southeast Asian, African, Indian, Chinese and European migrants that have settled on the island since it was first called home. From spices and sweet treats to sensational savoury dishes, there truly is something for every taste.

The first thing you’ll learn on the island is that rice forms the staple of most meals in Madagascar – from breakfast to dessert, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dish that isn’t made with or accompanied by rice. The great part is, there’s a large variety of vegetables, meats and fresh seafood to create a multitude of mouth-watering menus.

Wandering around the island, vendors and restaurants alike offer a range of delicious delicacies. After a long day of spotting wildlife on our kayaking safari, you simply can’t miss out on romazava, the traditional dish that is often considered Madagascar’s national dish. It comprises of a meat stew mixed with green vegetables, onions and an array of peppery spices. Other unique local creations include lasary and foza sy hena-kisoa.

Spice forms a large part of the Malagasy palette and if you love the heat, you’re in for a treat! Madagascar boasts its own unique version of hot sauce, called sakay. Made with chili, ginger and garlic, most restaurants will have their own version of the devilish condiment, making each and every meal its own unique adventure. If you’re looking for a fun way to test your taste buds, our island hopping adventure will give you a great excuse to explore the differences.
Besides the variety of readily available fresh fruit, sweet treats can also be found around every corner. One of Madagascar’s most popular desserts is koba, made from ground peanuts and brown sugar, enveloped in sweetened rice flour and boiled in banana leaves. Yum!

Thirsty? Not to worry! Coffee is grown in the eastern part of the island and is an absolute must with breakfast, served black or with sweetened condensed milk. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, however, the island offers a range of local alcoholic beverages. The local pilsner, Three Horses Beer, is as refreshing as it is popular and rum is widely produced and can be enjoyed either neat, flavored with exotic fruits and spices or blended with coconut milk to make a punch coco cocktail. And where better to enjoy a rum-inspired cocktail than on the deck of one of our sensational charter yachts?

So what are you waiting for? Sun, sand, sea and a sensational culinary experience are ready and waiting.