USEFUL INFO - FOOD-ClOTHING
Food
Staples such as flour, sugar, salt and oil are available locally, though shortages do occur at times. Imported supplies of these items are normally available, but expensive. Meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and fruits are usually available and of excellent quality but subject to seasonal fluctuations. Good quality fish from Lake Malawi, including Chambo (tilapia) is available except during October-March when fishing restrictions apply. Prices vary from reasonable to expensive.
Fresh milk is available and good quality in the main towns. Other dairy products including butter, fresh cream, cheese and yoghurt are available. Imported varieties of these products are also available. Varieties of canned foods, including fruit juices, baby products and convenience foods (cake mixes, prepared foods etc.) are also readily available.
Locally grown vegetables and fruits are available and generally good quality and inexpensive. The following fruits are grown locally: citrus fruit, paw-paws, mangoes, berries, bananas, avocado pears, pineapples, guavas, granadillas, passion fruit, and strawberries. Pears, grapes, apples and peaches, imported from South Africa and Zimbabwe are also available in supermarkets. A selection of vegetables can be obtained from the local markets, depending on the season. Most expatriates find it necessary to have a freezer for stocking supplies of vegetables, meat and fish.
All cities, towns and some major villages are served by branches of one indigenous supermarket chains (People’s Supermarket, wholesalers, and the Kwik Save), which stock varieties of locally manufactured canned food and leading brands of bottled soft drinks, as well as staples. Outlets of Shoprite, a South African giant supermarket chain offers a great range of imported and local stock in all the major cities. Recently various shops have opened in Lilongwe, which sell a variety of imported food and goods from Zimbabwe and South Africa, including meat, dairy products, washing powder, etc. Imported wines, though available, are relatively expensive. Locally produced gin, brandy and vodka are cheaper than imported brands and are good. Carlsberg has a brewery in Blantyre, which produces four types of lager. Cigarettes are manufactured locally.
Dining Out
Clothing
There is a variety of clothes available at diverse costs. Locally made clothes are available at reasonable prices, and the quality is good. There is also a wide variety of footwear however prices vary considerably. Choice of dress fabric and materials is also widely available. There are many good tailors, widely available and prices may be negotiated.
Cotton dresses and skirts and light trousers for women are suitable for most occasions, including work. In summer, washable cotton dresses and skirts and T-shirts are practical for the daytime. Synthetics can be worn comfortably except on the few hottest summer days. Sweaters and warmer dresses or suits are required during the cooler months.
Light clothes for the summer and warm clothing with pullovers in winter are required for children. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are preferable in evenings to minimize exposure to mosquito bites.
Laundry is usually done at home by domestic help or washing machines can be purchased from major retailers such as Game and Comet. Dry-cleaning facilities exist in Lilongwe and Blantyre. Tailors, shoe repairers, hairdressers and beauty parlours of varying standards exist in the main towns.
