Discover the best of Antsirabe! Explore local bakeries, churches, and the top-rated Zandina pizzeria on this family-friendly trip.
Table of Contents
Main Journey
Arriving in Antsirabe
After leaving Morondava at 7 AM, we finally reached Antsirabe at around 4 PM. Sweetie, who had been cooped up in the car all day, was thrilled to be outside again.
“Mom, is this our house?” she asked while exploring the guesthouse. She seemed eager to settle in, asking the same question multiple times.
Originally, we hadn’t planned to stop in Antsirabe. We had hoped to drive straight to Andasibe, but the distance was too great. Since we had limited internet access in Morondava, we hadn’t done much research about Antsirabe either.
Grandpa Didi, our guide and driver, took us to a reasonably priced hotel called Hotel Hasina.
Hotel Hasina
- Twin Room: 40,000 Ariary per night
- Private Shower, Shared Toilet
- Wi-Fi: Better than Morondava’s!
A private bathroom would have cost 69,000 Ariary, but we didn’t feel the need to spend extra. The room was clean and spacious, though Antsirabe’s chilly air hit us as soon as we arrived.
Unlike Morondava, where a light long-sleeve shirt was enough, Antsirabe (1,300m above sea level) required a warm jacket. I even had to pull out my lightweight down jacket just to walk around comfortably.
Luckily, Hotel Hasina was conveniently located near a popular bakery, Croustipain, and an ATM.
Since we had only two hours before sunset, we hurried outside to explore the town.
Events
A Quick Stroll Through Antsirabe
As we walked through the streets, we noticed many old vintage cars, adding to the town’s charming atmosphere. Soon, we came across a beautiful church and decided to step inside.
A Visit to the Church
Sweetie had been obsessed with sand play since Morondava, and she refused to stand up for a photo inside the church.
The church was decorated in Madagascar’s national colors in preparation for Independence Day celebrations.
I sprinkled a bit of holy water on Sweetie’s head.
“This is Jesus’ house, a friend of Buddha,” I explained to her.
She immediately stopped playing with the sand and looked at the statue for a long time, as if processing what I had just told her.
A Stop at Croustipain Bakery
Since it was getting dark and walking around at night in Madagascar can be risky, we decided to skip the market and return to our guesthouse.
On the way back, we stopped by Croustipain to buy bread for breakfast.
The bakery displayed an array of delicious-looking bread. Prices ranged from 2,500 to 3,000 Ariary per piece—cheap by Korean standards but relatively expensive for Madagascar.
We bought:
- 3 pieces for our family
- 2 extra for Grandpa Didi
Total: 15,000 Ariary
Dinner at Zandina – Antsirabe’s Best Pizza
For dinner, we were unsure where to go until a fellow traveler, Chu Yeonman, recommended Zandina, the top-rated pizzeria on TripAdvisor.
At 6:30 PM, we drove to Zandina.
First Impressions of Zandina
The warm lighting and cozy interior immediately gave a welcoming feeling.
At one of the tables, a local family was celebrating a child’s birthday. The restaurant staff lit candles on a pizza and sang for the child. Watching the family’s joy made us smile, and even the kitchen staff seemed to be enjoying the celebration.
Since we had spent all day on the road, we treated Sweetie to a passion fruit juice and made a toast as a family.
What We Ordered
Zandina Soup – 9,500 Ariary
A variation of the famous Tamatave Soup—a comforting broth with noodles, sausage, and egg. I had read about Tamatave Soup before coming to Madagascar, and I was excited to finally try it here.
Four-Cheese Pizza – 14,000 Ariary
We asked the waiter for a recommendation, and he suggested this. It turned out to be absolutely delicious! The accompanying chili oil added an extra kick to the flavors.
Sweetie devoured nearly an entire bowl of soup by herself. She must be going through a growth spurt—her appetite lately has been astonishing.
Although Julie and I aren’t big eaters, we loved the pizza so much that we finished it in minutes. We ended up ordering one more pizza!
Zandina Pizza – 14,000 Ariary
This pizza had vegetables and pineapple. It was tasty, but we both agreed that the four-cheese pizza was better.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
What to Pack for Madagascar’s Climate
- Morondava (Coastal): Light clothing, short sleeves
- Antsirabe (Highlands): Warm jacket, long sleeves
If you’re traveling between different regions, be prepared for major temperature changes.
Eating Out with a Baby
- Malagasy soups are great for babies—mild, nutritious, and easy to eat.
- Passion fruit juice is a delicious, natural treat that kids love.
- Pizza places like Zandina offer a good mix of flavors for the whole family.
Local Travel Tips
Best Places to Eat in Antsirabe
- Croustipain Bakery: Great selection of bread and pastries
- Zandina: Best wood-fired pizza in town
Safety Tip for Walking at Night
- Avoid wandering after dark, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Use taxis if you need to go somewhere after sunset.
Travel Reflections
Sweetie’s Growing Memory
Lately, Sweetie’s memory has been amazing. In Morondava, she recognized our hotel entrance right away despite all the doors looking the same.
Tonight, she surprised us again.
At Hotel Hasina, she wanted to open the door by herself. We handed her the key, and although she couldn’t unlock it, she mimicked our movements perfectly.
Watching her grow and learn through travel has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
The Coldest Night So Far
When we finally entered our room, we were greeted by a cold, chilly air.
Tonight would be the coldest night we’ve experienced on this trip.
I pulled my jacket tighter and thought about how Madagascar kept surprising us—with its landscapes, food, and even its unpredictable weather.
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