We think it's useful and interesting to talk about the restaurants in Bamako, at least in general outline, some information on the cuisine of Mali who, like all cuisines, is an important aspect of the culture of the country.

The Cuisine of Mali has many dishes in common with that of Senegal and northern Africa.

We find here the famous Cous Cous accompanying the meat (usually sheep or beef, sometimes chicken) or fish from the Niger (there is often a great capitaine) along with cooked vegetables.

Among drinks you should try drinking mint tea which is quite strong and the ritual is repeated many times during the day.

We also remember the good juice of ginger ((gingembrè), or hibiscus (bisap or Bleni), mango and tamarind, and a drink with china leaves (quenqueliba) that is used a lot during the period of Ramadan to breakfast at sunset.

The Malian cuisine is based mainly on millet, sorghum, rice and fonio.

Depending on the regions and cultures (remember that Mali is four times larger than Italy) change the cereals used or condiments.

The main dish of the Bambara region is a pie similar to a "polenta" unsalted called "to", made from millet. To "to" is added a sauce with meat, fish, peanut sauce or gumbo (made from a local shrub). The Dogon eat to with a sauce made from baobab leaves. A drink with baobab juice and millet is also prepared, always by Dogon, a good drink, refreshing and nourishing.

Other dishes include rice with sauce made from peanut butter and the riz au gras (rice with lamb). Is obtained from millet also millet beer, a fermented beverage spread to all Sahelian countries.

The food in Mali is primarily a time of joy and socialization, so food must be eaten slowly.

The main meal is usually consumed in the evening with the family reunited. It is a very important time and is carried out quietly, devoting your time and using it for exchange of ideas, stories, children's education, and so on. Particular value is given to the "dinner" with the guests, very important in African culture.

In the morning is quickly consumed a breakfast with the leftovers of the evening meal, to which families with more disposable income add powdered milk or sugar.

They often use to make a boiled (just said bouilli) rice or millet or corn sweetened with sugar and milk.

Lunch varies greatly depending on the season: during the dry period is consumed more easily at home and is made up largely of legumes, while in the rainy season is consumed in the fields and is much more substantial, with pancakes and different sauces .

In Mali, in the homes and villages, there is no "sitting at the table" like us, but they form a circle of benches, often outdoors in the yard under the trees, the women and men eat separately, forming neighborhood groups. The food is placed at the center of the circle in a large bowl of enamelled metal or ceramic: they don't use cutlery and the food is placed in the mouth with the hand, which is washed thoroughly before eating. The women wear the first staple, like the to ', and then is added and mixed with seasonings. Everyone takes the food from the bowl making sure to take only what is in the nearest container: it is good manners, in fact, not to expand in areas where others are eating. At the end of the meal you wash your hands again and the women are involved in clearing the table and washing the dishes, pots and other containers.

Obviously, these are signs to get to really know Malian culture but in restaurants, bars and public places you can safely eat at the table with knife and fork. We suggest some, although many are so reliable and I would say that the choice is difficult.

-Le Pili Pili: it is in the district Hippodrome, rue 250, ports 501. Phone: +2229797. You eat at tables arranged in small huts, surrounded by greenery and in a very collected atmosphere. The quality of the cuisine is excellent and affordable. The price of a dish is around 2000FCFA (3 Euros)

-Le San Toro. This is the restaurant that I have already mentioned and which is owned by Ms. Aminata Traorè, former minister of culture, and that is part of the activities that she herself carries out, in particular in favor of the autonomy of women. The restaurant is located on the border between the districtsMissira and Hippodrome, on route de Koulikoro, BP 1511 - phone. +2213082. It's open daily for lunch and dinner (hours 9-23). The restaurant, decorated with beautiful and unique decoration, offers imaginative recipes, often mixing sweet and salty, but good. It has a lounge-cocktail (non alcoholic),with cocktails all mixed up with live kora player. There's also to visit the garden and the gallery of artisans that I have already spoken about (see shopping). A full meal is around 10000FCFA (about 15 €)

-Restaurant de la Paix: it is a vegetarian restaurant where, however, you can also go with friends who "can't live without meat" . It's situated in the Rue Bagayoko in front of the Catholic Mission (sort of family house run by Catholic nuns). The menu is quite varied and, optionally, you can ask in advance to prepare what you want and you will be satisfied! A full meal can cost 2000FCFA (3 Euros) or slightly more, depending on what you choose.

-Bistros Bafing. It's located in Du Fleuve between the Bridge of Martyrs and Roy Fadt Bridge. Once in Martyrs Square, go to the river and turn the second right (it is a dirt road). The food is excellent, with the possibility of self-service or mixed dishes of stew and grilled meats. The walls and ceiling of the restaurant are completely decorated with hand-painted decorations and writings. At the entrance of the restaurant there is a small bar where, if you wish, you can have a drink.

-Akwaba: in the neighborhood Hippodrome rue A. Cabral 37 ports - phone. +2210645. It's a place that is located in the most lively and rich discrict, full of meeting places. It's decorated with masks and African statues and offers culinary dishes always followed by African music, live or salsa. Often you can find the famous Malian singer Salif Keita. The dishes cost from 2000 to 5000 FCFA (about € 3 to 7).