In peacetime, restaurants in the major cities serve Chinese, European, Italian and Somali food.

National specialities:
• Lobster, prawn, squid, crab, fresh tuna.
• Somali bananas, mangoes and papaya.
• Roast kid and spiced rice.

Tipping: 10 to 15% is normal in hotels and restaurants.

Local bands playing African and European music perform at nightclubs. There are frequent traditional feasts with ritualistic and recreational dance, music and folk songs.

Traditional crafts include gold, silver jewellery, woven cloth and baskets from the Benadir region, meerschaum and woodcarvings.

Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0800-1230 and 1630-1900.