Buy some nems and eat them!

It seems rather surprising that there would be any Vietnamese in a place like Mali (they certainly couldn’t have got here by boat all those years ago). But for whatever reason they are here and we’re very grateful, because their nems are both delicious and cheap! Four large nems for 1,000cfa – that works out at about 35p each. You also get light soy sauce, chili and lettuce leaves (we eat them and have never knowingly got sick from them).

We find four each is plenty (maybe 2 or 3 for the kids), so the whole family can eat for around six quid – bargain! According to this article (in French), the first nem stall started up only in 2007. By early 2009, there were twelve in the city (see this article) and I wouldn’t be surprised if there were even more by now.

So, you are never far from a nem stall, wherever you are in town. Add to this that the nems are delicious and that you get friendly service, then it’s an all round win-win situation! Also, if you order enough, most places stick in an extra nem or two as a cadeau. Fantastic!

Here’s another French article about nems and how much the Bamakois love them.
Not just those from Bamako though, eh?

Finally, here are a selection of nem stalls in different parts of Bamako, courtesy of Tim’s Bamako Map. This should help you get some tasty snacks more quickly! The centre of each picture is the approximate location of the nem place (NB you can zoom out from here to see the location more easily):

(i) Nems in Torokorobougou (pictured above)

View Tim’s Bamako map in a larger map

(ii) Nems in Sogoniko:

View Tim’s Bamako map in a larger map

(iii) Nems over the New Bridge, not far from Clinique Pasteur

View Tim’s Bamako map in a larger map

(iv) Nems in Niarela, not far from the Hotel Rabelais

View Tim’s Bamako map in a larger map

(v) Nems in the Quartier du Fleuve, not far from the Bamako Coura Church

View Tim’s Bamako map in a larger map