São Tomé & Príncipe is small, but it packs a punch with its food. The remote island nation is filled with fresh, local ingredients that dominate every meal. Think fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and rich spices. The islands’ cuisine blends African, Portuguese, and Creole influences, making every meal worth the journey. Here are the best local foods you should try, along with where to find them.
1. Calulu: A National Favorite
If there’s one dish you need to try in São Tomé & Príncipe, it’s calulu. This savory stew is made with fish or chicken, eggplant, tomatoes, spinach, and other leafy greens. It’s often served with rice, beans, or cornmeal on the side. The combination of fresh fish and vegetables creates a hearty and richly flavored meal.
Where to find it:
You’ll find calulu in most local restaurants. O Pirata, located in São Tomé city, makes a fantastic version of this dish. Another great option is Almada Negro, a cozy spot with local vibes where the calulu is one of the customer favorites.
2. Grilled Fish: The Islands at Their Best
Being an island nation, São Tomé & Príncipe has some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste. Grilled fish, especially snapper and barracuda, is a common meal. The fish is usually marinated with lime and garlic, then grilled perfectly. You can enjoy it with simple sides like plantains or rice.
Where to find it:
Visit Mionga, a beachfront restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh grilled fish while watching the waves. Or try the food stalls along the bay in São Tomé where locals grill fresh catch every evening.
3. Banana Bread: Sweet Energy for the Road
This isn’t your average banana bread. São Tomé’s version is extra moist, with hints of tropical flavors like coconut and cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, the banana bread here is both a treat and a dose of local tradition.
Where to find it:

Pick up a fresh loaf at the Mercado Municipal in São Tomé. For a bakery experience, stop by Pastelaria Central, a bakery famous for making some of the best banana bread in the capital.
4. Barriga de Peixe: Street Food at Its Finest
São Tomé isn’t known for complicated meals. A lot of its food is simple but tasty, and that’s especially true of street food. Barriga de peixe (fish belly) is a grilled fish snack served hot from a grill, often accompanied by spicy sauces or lime. It’s light, fresh, and costs next to nothing.
Where to find it:
For the best barriga de peixe, head to street vendors along the edges of the city market. Look out for grills set up right along Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho. You simply point at the fish you want, and they’ll grill it for you right on the spot.
5. Matata: Fresh Seafood in Coconut Sauce
Matata is another local dish that seafood lovers won’t want to miss. It’s a simple dish, but completely delicious. The mussels are cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce with onions, garlic, and a dash of pepper. It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor.
Where to find it:
Rosema is one place you should visit for the best matata. Located right along a quiet beachside, their seafood dishes are always fresh and well-prepared. Another great option is Filomar, known for its laid-back atmosphere and fantastic local seafood.
6. Santola: Sweet Spider Crab
If you love crab, you must try santola. This large spider crab is common in the waters around São Tomé. They usually serve it simply boiled, accompanied by lemon or garlic butter. The crab meat is sweet, juicy, and just what you’d hope for from an island meal.
Where to find it:
Visit Pescador for some of the best santola. This small restaurant always has fresh seafood and great ocean views. For a more casual setting, head to Pestana Praia on Praia Lagarto beach where freshly caught santola is often on the menu.

7. Jaca: Fresh Jackfruit Directly from the Tree
The tropical climate of São Tomé & Príncipe produces some amazing fruits, with jackfruit (jaca) being one of the most popular. While you might know jackfruit as “meat substitute” in vegan kitchens around the world, locals eat it fresh: It’s another street-side snack that’s perfect for eating on the go.
Where to find it:
Jackfruit is sold fresh at most fruit stalls throughout the island. Grab some from markets or roadside vendors near the city center or along rural routes. It’s an awesome and super filling snack for any traveler exploring the island on foot or bikes.
8. Misqueque: A Taste of Local Pastries
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss misqueque. This local cake is a bit heavy and slightly sweet, made from cornmeal, sugar, and coconut. It’s perfectly paired with some local coffee after a meal or as an afternoon snack.
Where to find it:
Bake Sao Tomé is widely known for its tasty misqueque, baked fresh daily. You can also grab this pastry at any small bakery you pass by on the island; just ask for it by name!

9. Palm Wine: The Drink with a Kick
It’s not a meal, but palm wine is a huge part of the local culture, and you should try it while here. This homemade, slightly fermented drink is sometimes sweet, sometimes slightly sour, with a real kick. Just be aware: it can be strong, so don’t overdo it!
Where to find it:
Head to any local tavern, and you’re likely to find the locals sipping palm wine. Or attend a traditional gathering—locals often brew the drink in small villages in the northern regions of the island.
10. Chocolate: From the Source
São Tomé & Príncipe was once one of the world’s largest cocoa producers. Today, you can still find plenty of amazing chocolate here. Whether dark, milk, or filled with flavors like pepper or coffee, the chocolate here is handcrafted with love. It’s one of the things you won’t want to leave without trying.

Where to find it:
Claudio Corallo is a must-visit for top-quality chocolate. Their shop in São Tomé city offers tastings and a chance to learn about their production method. You can also stop by Café & Companhia to enjoy a hot chocolate while watching the world go by.
Top Restaurant Recommendations
While eating street food is a great way to go, São Tomé & Príncipe also has fantastic sit-down restaurants. Here are my top picks for where you can enjoy a more “formal” dining experience while still getting authentic local flavors.
1. Papa Figo
This restaurant is famous for blending traditional São Toméan ingredients with a modern twist. Their fish dishes are amazing, and you should also try their roasted pork. The beautiful garden setting is perfect at sunset.
2. Santola Bar e Restaurante
If you want to dine right next to the waves, this is the place to go. Their seafood is ripe with fresh flavors, and the menu changes based on the day’s catch. Pair your meal with a cold, local beer for the perfect beachside dining experience.
3. Chez Tete
Super cozy and slightly off the beaten track, this family-run spot in Neves serves fantastic local dishes. It’s definitely worth the trek, and the owners are always ready to recommend their daily specials.
4. Roca São João
This restaurant attached to an old plantation is one of the most atmospheric spots in São Tomé. Their farm-to-table menu features local ingredients grown right on site, giving you dishes that are both fresh and heavily linked to the country’s history.
5. O Laura
One of São Tomé’s local hidden gems, O Laura is a no-frills, traditional restaurant that excels in simplicity. Whether you’re after fresh grilled fish or a hearty chicken calulu, this place won’t disappoint.
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