Madagascar Antananarivo Travel – A Relaxing Day at La Varangue

Julie

2025-03-10

Madagascar Antananarivo Travel – A Relaxing Day at La Varangue

A final dining experience in La Varangue, local market finds, and reflections before leaving Madagascar.

1. Main Journey

Preparing to Leave Madagascar

With our time in Madagascar coming to an end, we spent the day resting and preparing for our departure. After days of adventure, it felt good to slow down and reflect on our journey.

Hotel Breakfast – Losing Its Appeal

At first, the hotel breakfast was amazing. But after eating the same thing for several days, we started to get tired of it. Since we had plans for a special lunch, we didn’t feel bad about leaving some food on our plates.

A More Lively Antananarivo

When we stepped outside in the afternoon, the city felt different from the previous day. The streets were filled with cars, and there was an undeniable energy in the air. It was as if both the sky and the people had regained their vibrancy.

Lunch at La Varangue

La Varangue is one of Antananarivo’s most well-known restaurants. As we arrived, we noticed that the main gate was fully open today, welcoming us inside.

Coco quickly chose her dish, while I took my time, asking the staff for recommendations before making my decision.

The restaurant had an interesting atmosphere—many of the guests were businessmen in formal suits, but there were also couples enjoying a more relaxed meal.

2. Events

Starters – Foie Gras and Shrimp

While waiting for our food, we snacked on some freshly baked bread. Soon, the starters arrived.

Coco ordered shrimp with marinated vegetables, beautifully plated with small, round garnishes.

I went with the foie gras, a dish I had never tried before. Like many regional delicacies, it wasn’t something I found immediately delicious. The strong liver flavor took some getting used to, but when spread on bread, it had a rich, nutty taste.

Main Course – Expectations vs. Reality

Before the main course, the staff came to our table to prepare us for the next dish.

Coco’s choice was duck steak, cooked to perfection and bursting with aroma.

I opted for a dish called Ocean Food, which sounded even grander than seafood. When the plate arrived, it was wrapped in a large foil package, making it seem like something spectacular was inside.

With high anticipation, the staff carefully sliced open the foil. But instead of an impressive seafood feast, the dish contained fish, shrimp, and scallops stir-fried with lemongrass.

It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything extraordinary either—just average seafood with a fancy name.

Dessert – A Sweet Finish

For dessert, Coco had a berry cake, while I chose vanilla ice cream served with hot chocolate.

The contrast in textures and temperatures—hot and cold, soft and crunchy—was fun to experience. But at the end of the day, it was just vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce.

The Cost of Our Best (and Last) Meal in Madagascar

Our two-person lunch course, including tax, totaled 165,000 Ariary (around $58). While it was the most expensive meal we had in Madagascar, it was also our last, making it a fitting farewell to the country’s dining scene.

Despite the great ambiance and interesting decorations, the food itself wasn’t quite as good as some of the French meals we’d had in Korea.

3. Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Choose Restaurants with a Comfortable Atmosphere

La Varangue was a nice restaurant, but it catered mostly to business professionals. While it wasn’t unfriendly toward families, a more casual setting might have been better for a baby-friendly meal.

Bring Snacks in Case of Unexpected Delays

If trying a multi-course meal, expect longer wait times between dishes. Having some snacks for your baby can be helpful.

Be Mindful of High Chairs

Some upscale restaurants in Madagascar may not have baby chairs, so check in advance or be prepared to hold your baby while eating.

4. Local Travel Tips

Negotiating Prices at Street Markets

On the way back, we bought a basket of strawberries for 7,000 Ariary (around $2.50). Initially, the seller asked for 15,000 Ariary, but the price quickly dropped as we hesitated.

Street vendors may start with higher prices for foreigners, so negotiating is part of the process.

Familiar Market Tricks

At first glance, the strawberries looked fresh, but when we washed them at home, we realized that smaller, less desirable ones were hidden underneath—a common trick used in markets worldwide.

Madagascar’s Breathtaking Sunsets

As we packed for our departure, Coco noticed a beautiful sunset outside our window. The sun setting over the mountains was a mesmerizing sight, making for a perfect final evening in Madagascar.

5. Travel Reflections

The Challenge of Wrapping Up a Long Journey

We initially thought that two days would be enough to sort through our belongings and prepare for our next destination. But as we planned for future trips, we found ourselves running out of time.