For me, experiencing the unexpected is one of the great pleasures of travel, and finding a very good pâtisserie in the capital of Mali was definitely an appealing surprise. After all, aside from the quite obvious linguistic legacy and the occasional European style building, there is little in the city that serves as a reminder of past colonial rule. Nevertheless, there are several such eateries in the lively centre. Although the Phoenicia is by far the best known, I personally think that Les Délices de Bamako, a relatively new addition to the scene, is a better choice.
Located at the junction of Rue Famolo Coulibaly and Rue Mohammed V, not very far from the main markets, it is a convenient spot in which to take a break from the often hectic pace and frequently fierce heat outside. Full meals are served at both lunch and dinner times, although admittedly the menus consist mainly of fairly standard European dishes. Instead, the real draw is the large and constantly available selection of cakes and pastries created by the baker, who is reputedly one of the very best in the country. In fact, sitting in small shady garden enjoying one of the delights suggested by the establishment's name, which generally would not disgrace a cafe in France, alongside a decent cup of coffee, a rarity in the area, whilst watching the typically West African chaos on the crossroads outside is a wonderfully contradictory experience. Finally, the reasonable prices and excellent service also add to the charm.