Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TANA'S CAFE CULTURE
Whether a remnant of French influence or a sign that Tananarivians have a
sweet tooth, the Malagasy capital has a number of cafes, some in a league of
their own when it comes to cakes and pastries, others a perfect halt for a quick
and cheap lunch.
InfiniThé
CAFE €
(Enceinte Motel de Tana Anosy; snacks Ar2500-5000;
8am-7pm Mon-Sat) Tana's chic-est address, InfiniThé caters to the town's elite,
who rush to buy its artisan breads and wondrous pastries or come to enjoy a cup
of tea in refined surroundings. There are lovely sandwiches and quiches for
lunch. It's 300m south of Lac Anosy, past the flower market.
Cookie Shop
CAFE €
(Ave Rainizanabolone; snacks Ar2500-5000;
8am-7pm Mon-Sat) This bright, sparky cafe used to be a favourite of American
expats before the embassy moved out of town. It's still popular with foreigners
but has also acquired a growing young and trendy Malagasy clientele, who love
the bagels, cookies and muffins on offer. Brunch (Ar12,000) is served on
Saturdays. Carry on Ave Toera past Marché Pochart and turn right on Ave Rain-
izanabolone.
Pâtisserie Colbert
CAFE €
(Hôtel Colbert, Rue Prince Ratsimamanga; cakes &
quiches Ar1300-5000; breakfast & lunch) This patisserie is a popular meet-
ing place for local businesspeople and a great place for breakfast. The croissants
are almost too buttery, but if you're not going to throw dietary caution to the
wind here, where will you?
La Potinière
CAFE €
(Ave de l'Indépendance; cakes from Ar800;
7am-6pm) This Chinese-run bakery heaves at weekends, when locals come for a
treat. As well as pastries, it has a range of quiches and sandwiches for a light
lunch.
Blanche Neige
CAFE €
(15 Ave de l'Indépendance; cakes from Ar800;
7am-6pm Tue-Sun) With its Disney murals and good cakes, 'Snow White' is
popular for its breakfasts (Ar3000 to Ar5000) and lovely ice creams and sorbets,
including local flavours such as
corossol
(soursop).
EATING
Tana excels at eating: you'll find some of the country's best restaurants in the capital, and
although they're slightly more expensive than in the rest of the country, they're often great
value for the quality.
