The cuisine is mainly Portuguese with Far Eastern influences. Specialities are piri-piri chicken, Zambesi chicken, shellfish, including Delagoa Bay prawns (which are grilled and served with piri-piri sauce), matapa (sauce of ground peanuts and cassava leaves) with rice or wusa (stiff maize porridge). Restaurants are to be found in main towns, as well as hotel dining rooms.
Tipping: Not generally expected outside Maputo. In Maputo and other tourist-exposed areas, around 5 per cent of the bill is normal (depending on standards of service and the place itself).

Maputo has a lively nightlife, particularly on weekends. Feira Popular is the main forum of evening activity with various bars and discos, some with live music. The style of music in clubs varies from typical Mozambican rhythms to Western pop music. The National Company of Song & Dance has rehearsals which are open to the public. Most major towns have cinemas.

Special purchases include basketwork, reed mats, woodcarvings, masks, printed cloth and leather articles. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1400-1730, Sat 0800-1800.