Cuisine & Nightlife

Restaurants

The delicious food in Cape Verde reflects a mix of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cultures. This unique mix will leave your taste buds tingling for hours to come! Many different ingredients are used in the preparation of dishes and the outcome is just divine. Many restaurants throughout Cape Verde also offer international dishes including tapas bars to pizzerias for those who like variety.

Seafood

If seafood is one of your favourites then you are in for a treat in Cape Verde. The seafood is mouth-wateringly delicious and extremely reasonably priced. Enjoy lobster, prawns, octopus and many fresh fish catches of the day all cooked in a variety of ways that will leave a lasting impression. Of course there is salmon and tuna and various other fish delights to choose between.

Cape Verde offers a huge variety of fresh fish including delicious tuna. Being surrounded by the ocean there is an abundance of lobster, squid and other different types of shell fish available.

Traditional food

One of the national dishes of Cape Verde is called Cachupa. Caphupa is made from a selection of meats, a variety of beans, a mix of vegetables like sweet potatoes, cabbage, squash and to add to this delicious mix is a mix of different types of sausages. Cachupa can also be made with fresh tuna.

Tea

In Cape Verde there is a lot of tea drinking to be enjoyed and you will usually enjoy your cup of tea pastries made from locally made fruit jams - most common are papaya, red current and coconut.

Alcoholic Drink

For an alcoholic drink try the locally produced Grog which is a strong alcoholic drink which is made from sugar cane. There are also many fruit liquors which are all locally produced.

Nightlife

Music is an integral part of daily life in the islands so no matter where you go you will be able to enjoy various types of traditional music. You will be able to witness the unique mix of music which combines influences from the Africans and Portuguese.

At night there is a lively atmosphere that fills the bars and streets. The Cape Verdean’s ‘more the merrier’ philosophy encourages everyone to join in on the festivities and appreciate the excellent mix of music that is played in the abundance of local bars.

The Cape Verde people are jovial and lively and their love for life is contagious. Whether you’re walking the streets of Cape Verde or enjoying a drink to the sounds of the captivating traditional music, it’s impossible not to have a grin from ear to ear in this fascinating country. And for those who love to dance to the grooves, Cape Verde doesn’t disappoint. The sounds of upbeat Latin rhythms will take your toes to the dance floor and have you dancing until the sun comes up!

For those who prefer a quieter evenings sitting on the beach hearing the waves breaking with the music from the bars in the background is a sure way to delight.