Western food is available at most tourist hotels and restaurants, as is traditional Gambian delicacies.
National specialities:
• Benachin (also called ‘Jollof Rice’, a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables).
• Base nyebe (rich stew of chicken or beef with green beans and other vegetables).
• Chere (steamed millet flour balls).
• Domodah (meat stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice).
• Plasas (meat and smoked fish cooked in palm oil with green vegetables) served with fu-fu or mashed cassava chura-gertek (a sweet porridge consisting of pounded groundnuts, rice and milk).
• Mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, papayas and oranges.
National drinks:
• Spirits, beers and wines.
• Jul Brew is the local speciality beer.
• Fresh fruit juice.
Tipping: 10 per cent service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills. Although if the service calls for it a further tip can be given.

In general the nightlife is subdued, although there are nightclubs and bars in Bakau, Banjul, Farjara and Serrekunda. There are organised performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and dancing, and also fire-eating displays.

Souvenirs can be bought in Banjul at the craft market across from MacCarthy Square and at bengdulalu (see Top Things To See & Do). One of the most popular purchases is the Gambishirt, made of printed and embroidered cotton cloth, mostly in bright colours. Some of the souvenirs are gaudy, others exceedingly attractive. Woodcarvings, beaded belts, silver and gold jewellery and ladies’ handbags are also popular items. Other West African handicrafts made of straw, beads, leather, cloth or metal can be purchased here. Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri-Sat 0900-1300. Some shops may stay open until 2200.