Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is considered the Paris of West Africa but I think it stands on its own. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Dakar’s rich cuisine. Senegalese food is rich in diversity due to its history, culture, and oceanfront location. Here are some of the best foods to try in Dakar.
Thieboudienne
Considered Senegal’s national dish, thieboudienne is a flavorful fish and rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, cabbage, carrots, and various spices. It often features fresh fish such as red snapper or grouper. It was created by chef Penda Mbaye in the capital of Senegal over a hundred years ago.
Yassa Poulet
Yassa poulet is a popular Senegalese dish of marinated chicken cooked with onions, mustard, lemon juice, and spices. It’s typically served with rice and is known for its tangy and aromatic flavor. It’s one of the easiest Senegalese dishes to recreate.
Mafe
Mafe is a hearty Senegalese stew made with meat (usually beef or lamb), vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce. It’s often served with rice and has a creamy texture and savory taste. Add a squeeze of lemon to take the flavor up a bit. My favorite is Mafe GInaar, or Mafe Chicken. People from Tambacounda make the best Mafe Ginaar!
Dibi
Dibi, grilled meat, is a beloved street food in Senegal. It typically consists of marinated lamb or beef skewers grilled over an open flame and served with spicy mustard sauce and grilled onions. Dibiterie Le Mboté is a popular place to enjoy dibi, but you can find it in most neighborhoods. You’ll smell it before you see it 🙂
Accara
Accara, or black-eyed pea fritters, are a popular snack in Senegal. Made from ground black-eyed peas seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices, accara are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It comes with a tasty tomato sauce. Very addictive!
C‘est Bon
The Jola people of Dakar are known for making the best “C’est Bon”. Yes, that’s the actual name of the dish. It includes fried fish and white rice and is served with palm oil, onion sauce, and hibiscus greens.
Bissap
Bissap is a refreshing Senegalese drink made from hibiscus flowers, sugar, orange essence, and water. It has a tart and slightly sweet flavor and is often served chilled with ice.
Fataya
Fataya are Senegalese turnovers filled with seasoned meat (usually beef or fish), onions, and sometimes vegetables. They’re deep-fried until golden brown and are a popular snack or street food option in Dakar.
Nems
Nems is a popular street food inspired by Vietnam. Lots of Senegalese men served in Vietnam during World War II. Many of them brought back Vietnamese recipes and sometimes, Vietnamese wives. This cultural exchange created a new slew of Vietnamese-inspired recipes.
Diakhane
People either love or hate diakhane. It is very similar to risotto. It’s hard to find on menus but eaten frequently at home. It’s made out of rice, meat, and other spices.
These are just a few of the delicious foods to try in Dakar, showcasing the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Senegal. Which are you excited to try?
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