Maputo's Markets: Mercado Central & Xipamanine
Plunge into Maputo's vibrant market life — from the colourful central market overflowing with tropical produce to the sprawling Xipamanine flea market
- 1
Mercado Central Hall
Maputo's main covered market with mountain ranges of tropical fruits, dried seafood, fresh vegetables and capulana cloth vendors
- 2
Xipamanine Flea Market
The city's largest informal market spans a large open space — used goods, medicines, electronics and Mozambican handicrafts
- 3
Capulana fabric stalls
The colorful wraparound capulana fabric is Mozambican women's primary garment — dozens of bold prints and patterns available by the meter
- 4
Cashew Nuts and Coconut Vendors
Mozambique is Africa's largest cashew - fresh, roasted and caramelized cashews are sold in paper cones in every market corner
- 5
Dried fish section
Dried and smoked fish are the protein backbone of Mozambican cooking — the aromas are intense, the variety extraordinary, the prices very low
- 6
Street Food Corridor
Grilled corn on the cob, cassava chips, matapa (cassava leaf stew) served in rolls and sweet paw-paw juice — the cheapest meal in town