As one of two Americans living in Sao Tome, I was able to shop at local grocery stores that had many of the meats, vegetables, fruit, and other items I am accustomed to and prepare them. You can find chicken, beef, pork, fish, assorted sodas, bottled water, ice cream, beers, wine, bread, cookies, crackers, cooking oil, flour, rice, beans and just about anything you want. SuperCkdo is the best place to shop for food items. Purchases can only be made by Dobra. USD, Euro, credit cards not accepted. You can covert those currencies at most hotels or a local bank. There is a black market for currency exchange if you know where to look.
As far as local foods, I would eat out at one of the many restaurants. The local food is very good and cheap.
It consists mainly of grilled fish (many types), grilled chicken, pork, beef, fried banana, french fries, plantains (boiled or fried), salad, and rice. Very good food. I miss it.
I never prepared local dishes at home other than deep frying banana or plantain.
It was actually cheaper to eat out than eat in.
The Omali Lodge has a nice restaurant with a nice view of the ocean. Just ask around for the locations of the good restaurants. There are many.
