Blantyre

Aub's Steakhouse

Operated by new arrivals from south africa, rivals 21 grill for the best steak in the city. this is the only place where the servings are so large, you might actually have to leave some food on the plate! a good assortment of steak, seafood, and other fare. half of the restaurant is a sports bar with bigscreen t.v. while the other half hosts a children's play area with t.v. and a western theme. open for lunch and dinner every day. phone 09960628/09966507.

Chez Maky

A delightful out-of-the-way respite from the city, is a great place to get together with business associates or a few friends space is available for conferences. situated on a multi-level wooden deck protected from rain, the proprietor is a delightful host originally from cameroon who makes everyone feel right at home. grilled meat is particularly well-done here some of the best in the country and real coffee with desserts are a nice addition to any meal. located on kabula hill road past seventh day adventist hospital (just go past the hospital, which will be on your right, go on the road straight till you see a sign on your left, go straight on that road, third house on your left. open every day from 8 to 10pm. phone: 09203029, 01833764

Greens

Rumored to be among the best in town for grilled meat, braii style. warning to families: the restaurant opens late and will not allow children.

Portugalia

Formerly known as nandos but now no longer a part of that chain. a popular destination for anyone traveling by minibus but a headache to those driving their own vehicle. this restaurant is famous for the blends of lemon herb or peri-peri chicken. the setting is very busy, but now that the vendors have been removed much quieter than formerly. once inside the store you can forget the crowd of minibuses right outside and enjoy pita wraps, chicken and chips, pine nut burgers, and more. an adult meal children's also available will cost about about 700 kwacha $5-7.

Baba Delhi Darbar

Heavenly tasty indian food with a wide variety of vegetarian meals. situated in the city of blantyre at victoria avenue close to mt. soche hotel.

Blue Savannah

Fast foods and takeaway, located at the site of eclipse lodge close to mt. soche and air malawi. great pizza, chips and burgers. in the same complex, opening soon, is a homemade ice cream shop, bakery, expat grocery store, sit-down fancy restaurant and coffee shop by mid to late 2007. phone 08827613.

Scoops & Shakes

For homemade ice cream in exotic flavours also milk shakes, thick shakes, juices, coffee's waffles and crepes. try our ice cream made with 100% natural ingredients. is situated at the site of malawi sun hotel & conference centre close to mt. soche and air malawi. phone: 08827613.

Curry Corner

Located at chichiri shopping center in blantyre. authentic indian cuisine also serves non curries. fully stocked bar. next to shoprite and game stores. serves lunches, dinners and take outs. open seven days a week. call : 0888843291 / 0995422224 / 01919310. alternatively drop a line at [email protected]. here every meal is a unique experience, with a wide selection of dishes to suite every taste and budget.

China Sunrise

Opened in 2006, offers mainland style chinese food available in the city. a converted residential home offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with plenty of male waiters eager to serve. phone: 08 352 746. to find china sunrise, proceed to mwaiwathu hospital and head toward the direction of chileka airport. perhaps a kilometer or two past mwaiwathu on the left there is a sign directing you to the place, which will wind you a bit into a housing area.

Salvatores

Situated in the premises of villa 33 salvatores is an italian influenced restaurant onsite with a large outdoor eating area that overlooks the gardens it is favoured as a meeting place for both locals and visitors and lends itself perfectly to elegantly informal entertaining, be it a relaxed lunch with friends or a sumptuous romantic dinner. email: view the menu online by visiting the website (http://www.thevilla.mw)

Hungry Lion

Found in the shoprite complex opposite chichiri stadium, is a favorite with malawians because of the simple chicken and chips menu it offers. a franchise, this location is often so pitiful unless you only want an ice cream cone that some visitors who don't like the long wait or poor operation in general have stopped giving it a go altogether.

China Da Restaurant and Lodge

Is a newly opened restaurant, the largest chinese restaurant in town with an expansive menu. the roast duck is a must try. they are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and meals can be had for less than 1000 mwk. there are 5 private dining rooms for parties, complete with television and karaoke. a full liquor bar serves western spirits as well as chinese varieties. for a truly luxurious experience, go for a chinese massage in the attached massage parlor before you enjoy dinner. the location is very convenient, centrally located between blantyre and limbe, directly across the street from queen elizabeth central hospital. the address is ginnery corner johnstone road behind people's trading center. phone 0888953333 01880882 email [email protected]

'The Spicy Flavors Restaurant formerly known as Royal Taj', offers pure vegetarian Indian cuisine. Highly recommended. Plot no BC 48 Livingstone Avenue. Cell 08 201 768 / 04 108 821.

Alem Ethiopian Restaurant

In the heart of the busy city alem offers malawian favorites like nsima with rice, chicken and chips, etc. as well as authentic ethiopian dishes served in bowls straight from ethiopia. ethiopian coffee, served with cloves and salt, is a must-have for any coffee lover. the owners, friendly ethiopians themselves, have been running the restaurant for over ten years.

Aub's Steakhouse

Opened 2007 the former the pizza palace, serves lunch and dinner everyday, has childrens playroom. phone: 09960628/09966507

L'Hostaria

In a new location as of 2004, is the place to go if authentic italian is your thing. with plenty of space for hosting special parties, the food is very good with service to match. phone: 01 636 025.

Vendors

Are all over the streets in blantyre. they sell a range of food items from fried chips, chicken, etc. to hard boiled eggs, bread mostly milkscone variety and yellow buns, biscuits locally made from universal industries, and so on. plenty of ripe fruit and vegetables are also readily available for a good price. on the whole, however, street food is nowhere near as tasty as many other african countries tend to offer.