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Country Guide > South America > Guyana | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink The food in hotels and restaurants reflects the range of influences on Guyanese society. From India came curries - especially mutton, prawn or chicken - and Africa contributed dishes such as foo-foo (plantains made into cakes) and metamgee (dumplings made from cornflour, eddews, yams, cassava and plantains cooked in coconut milk and grated coconut). Portuguese garlic pork and Amerindian pepperpot are specialities. On the menus of most restaurants you will often find chicken, pork and steak and, most of the time, shrimp. The best Chinese food in the country can be found in Georgetown. It is best to drink bottled water in Guyana. Local rum, Demerara Rum, is well worth trying, while the local beer is Banks. Nightlife There are numerous nightclubs and bars in Georgetown. Shopping Hibiscus Plaza outside the Post Office in Georgetown has a wide variety of local arts and crafts including straw hats, baskets, clay goblets and jewellery. Other shops sell Amerindian bows and arrows, hammocks, pottery and salad bowls. Government-run shops sell magnificent jewellery, utilising local gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of the goods. It is absolutely essential to ensure that receipts and correct documentation are retained, otherwise visitors may experience difficulty when clearing customs. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1300-1630, Sat 0800-1200. Special Events The following is a selection of special events occurring in Guyana in 2005: Jan Mashramani Jamboree. Feb 23 Annual Carnival, celebrations coincide with Mashramani (Republic Day). Jun 5 Environmental Day. Jul Jamzone Pageant. Aug Bartica Summer Regatta. Oct 16 World Food Day. Nov Guyana Open Golf Tournament. Nov 17-22 Home & Garden Show, National Exhibition Centre. Dec 27 Main Big Lime, Georgetown. For more information about events in Guyana contact the Tourism & Hospitality Association of Guyana (see Contact Addresses section). Social Conventions Hospitality is important to the Guyanese and it is quite common for the visitor to be invited to their homes. Informal wear is widely acceptable, but men should avoid wearing shorts. Tipping: 10 per cent at hotels and restaurants. |