21+ Most Famous Senegalese Foods You Have To Try In 2022
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Loading... - Nathaniel Jepchumba
- 02 Mar 2022
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When coming to Senegal, you might be surprised by how rich this country’s rich gastronomy and culture are. Many distinctive aspects of their cultures and luscious foods await you to discover. Move on to the next section now!
Fish And Other Seafood Treats To Opt For In Senegal
Senegal lies on the westernmost coast of Africa; therefore, there are various seafood dishes that stand for this whole big cuisine. Let’s see what they are right now!
1. Firire (Senegalese Fried Fish With Sauce)
There’s no reason not to start a seafood category with a fried fish dish. Don’t underestimate this seemingly simple fried fish! To offer rich flavors, the existence of the signature Senegalese sauce is indispensable. Almost all Senegalese I met love eating it for dinners.
Thanks to the river system and long coastline, the types of fish used for this dish are relatively diverse.
All the Senegalese people will do next is fry them until crispy and serve as a whole with bread, a signature onion sauce/compote (to balance the flavors), and a fresh green salad.
2. Thiebou Diola / Senegalese C’est Bon (Seafood Platter With Rice)
One notable thing about the Casamance’s Diola people (South Senegal) lies in the delicate touch of all the ingredients they use for foods. From there, the natural products, specifically seafood, are accentuated prominently in this special treat.
This food also has a French name since Senegal used to be a French colony; that name is “C’est Bon,” which means “It’s good”. This name also shows you a significant influence from French gastronomy inside this luscious dish.
This food contains no fish (only dried shrimp/mussels/shellfish) and is also low in fat, so it will be an ideal treat for many people who are on a diet or don’t like fish.
Cooked rice and Moyo sauce (including various kinds of peppers, chili, and mixed condiments) are the best pair for Thiebou Diola.
3. Soupou Kandia / Soupe Kandja (Okra And Palm Oil Soup)
As you have already known, Wolof is the language of Senegal, and “Kandia” (in Soup Kandia) means “okra”. In this dish, they will combine this vegetable with some palm oil (a specialty of West Africa), stew the whole thing for a few hours, and serve it with white rice.
The most important component for Soup Kandia is the fish part. You shouldn’t expect some fancy fish. The fish used inside this treat might not be expensive, but it will definitely be good and full of succulent white flesh.
4. Thiéboudienne / Thiébou Jen (The Rice Of Fish)
Thiéboudienne is the soul of Senegal cuisine, and it is seen as the national dish of this country. The delicacy also originates from Senegal and is prevalent in other countries, where its name is “Diolof Rice”.
The first plate of Thiéboudienne was created by Penda Mbaye, a 19th-century chef in St. Louis. Later on, with the appealing taste of fish-cooked tomato sauces, Thiéboudieune is loved by many people and a staple in many Senegalese meals.
One special note, when the Senegalese make this dish, they will include no other veggies in the ingredient list apart from carrot, okra, cabbage, turnip, cassava, and eggplant.
The best taste test of Thiéboudienne that can make your mouth water.
5. Selim Crusted Salmon With Fonio
The remarkable thing about this Senegalese recipe is the unique use of “grains of paradise” (or Selim pepper) and Fonio (ancient West African grain). These two types of grains offer both aromatic spice and the nutrient in the delicacy.
Fonio is a versatile grain that offers various uses, such as a bland base as the side of other proteins. Salmon is the best partner for this combination (Selim and fonio) to enhance the nutrients and flavors of this dish. Don’t hesitate, try it immediately!
Special Poultry And Meats Dishes You Should Notice
Now, come back to some other kinds of protein from animals (poultry, meats)! In Senegalese cuisine, many noteworthy dishes are made of poultry and meats, and all of them are good enough to blow your taste buds away. Here are some suggestions!
6. Dibi (Grilled Lamb)
Dibi or Senegalese Grilled/Roasted Lamb is Senegal’s fast-food specialty, cut into small pieces and served with some mustard, pepper, onion, and bread. The meat needs to be well-marinated and processed in a particular way to offer an exquisite aroma.
A special onion sauce, Diaga (includes onions, diced carrots, tomato paste, and other things), is the most frequently used sauce to pair with Dibi. Dibi is often made and sold by street vendors or small eateries (which are usually called “dibiterie”) of Dakar.
Don’t miss this Senegalese Dibi and know more about the delicacy. Read More…
