Are you dreaming of a culinary trip to Madagascar and want to taste the island’s authentic flavors? There’s nothing better than discovering the local gastronomy in a “hotely,” those small, typical restaurants where Malagasy people like to meet to enjoy traditional dishes, always accompanied by rice, at affordable prices. Before you go, it’s a good idea to know a few Malagasy terms so you can order like a true Malagasy.
Imagine yourself enjoying a heart-warming “Masikità” (zebu kebabs) or “Lasopy atody” (Chinese soup with hard-boiled egg or vegetables, often served as a side dish instead of rice). You can also venture into street food, as “BestEverFoodReviewShow” did, or enjoy local zebu kebab types, as Mark Wiens suggests in his video “Street Food in Madagascar’s Biggest City !!!! Zebu Meat Heaven !”, in which he explores the island’s culinary riches.
To help you get to grips with Malagasy vocabulary, here’s a short glossary of terms you’ll need to know to get your bearings:
“Sakofo”: Meal; “Mazotoa homana!”: Bon appétit!; “Voky”: To be full; “Omby”: Zebu, beef; “Kisoa”: Pork; “Vary”: Rice; “Mofo”: Bread; “Hena”: Meat; “Rano”: Water; “Ronona”: Milk; “Dite”: Tea; “Kafe”: Coffee; “Labiera”: Beer; “Toaka, Roma”: Rum; “Romazava”: Broth soup; “Vary amin’anana”: Rice soup with greens; “Trondro”: Fish; “Akoho”: Chicken; “Lasopy”: Soup; “Tsaramaso”: Beans.
With this mini-guide, you can order your dishes with peace of mind and enjoy the flavors to the full. There’s no harm in indulging in dishes full of character and sharing a warm moment with the locals. You just might discover a new culinary passion !
On your next adventure in Madagascar, push open the door of a “hotely,” order your dish in complete confidence, and savor the authenticity of Madagascar. “Mazotoa homana!”
