Douala International Airport

Douala International Airport is not going to win any awards for its dining scene, but if you know where to look, you can eat remarkably well before your flight. The main terminal's upper level hosts a handful of sit-down spots and snack counters where the food is fresher and more interesting than you might expect. Arrive a little early and you'll have time to settle in properly rather than grabbing something in a hurry.

The standout experience for most travellers is finding ndolé on the menu — Cameroon's beloved national dish of bitter leaves, groundnuts, and your choice of fish or meat, served with plantains or bobolo. A few of the casual restaurants airside prepare it with genuine care, and eating it here, with the hum of the airport around you, feels like a proper send-off from the country. Grilled fish with piment sauce and puff-puff for a sweet finish are also worth seeking out if you have the appetite.

For lighter bites or a quick caffeine fix, the coffee counters scattered through the departure hall serve decent espresso alongside mandazi-style pastries and fresh fruit cups. Prices are higher than in the city — as everywhere in airports — but not outrageously so. French-influenced baked goods reflect Douala's colonial culinary history and pair nicely with a long wait. Stock up on bottled water here too; the terminal gets warm and hydration matters before a long-haul journey.