Food in The Gambia

The Gambia, a sliver of land embraced by the curves of the Gambia River and the Atlantic Ocean, offers visitors an authentic taste of West African cuisine. The country's culinary scene is a flavorful tapestry woven with fresh local ingredients, savory stews, and hearty grains, reflecting both its vibrant culture and historical influences. For tourists eager to indulge in traditional Gambian fare, a culinary adventure awaits, featuring dishes that are both enriching and steeped in tradition. Discover the must-try foods that embody the spirit and flavors of The Gambia.

Gambian Dishes

Domoda

Domoda is a beloved Gambian peanut stew, rich and hearty, often made with chicken, beef, or lamb. It's characterized by its groundnut (peanut) paste base, which lends a creamy texture and nutty flavor. The dish also includes a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and sweet potatoes, and is typically served over rice.

Benechin

Benechin, known as "Jollof Rice" throughout West Africa, is a one-pot rice dish cooked with tomato paste and a blend of spices, including garlic, onions, and chili. It often features fish or meat, and a mix of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers. Each country has its own version, and The Gambia's take on Jollof Rice is particularly savored for its smoky flavor.

Superkanja

Superkanja is a hearty okra stew that showcases the vegetable's unique texture and flavor. It's a nutritious mix of okra, leafy greens like spinach or bitter leaves, fish or meat, and palm oil. This soup is known for its health benefits and is often eaten with fufu or rice.

Chereh

Chereh is a traditional porridge made from pounded and parboiled millet or rice. This dish is typically seasoned with sour milk or yogurt and sugar, making it a simple yet satisfying meal. It's often enjoyed for breakfast and is a good source of energy to start the day.

Yassa

Yassa is a spicy marinated fish or chicken dish that's popular in The Gambia. It's prepared with lots of onions, lemon juice, vinegar, and mustard, creating a tangy and flavorful sauce. Yassa is usually served with white rice and can be as mild or as hot as preferred, depending on the amount of chili used.

Ebbeh

Ebbeh is a classic Gambian soup made with cassava, fish, and tamarind juice. It's a thick, hearty soup with a unique sour flavor from the tamarind. Other ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and green chilies are also added, and it's commonly eaten with rice or bread.

Afra

Afra is essentially The Gambia's version of barbecue. It consists of grilled meats, often marinated with spices and served with onions, bread, and mustard. It's a popular street food and a staple at social gatherings and celebrations.

Tapalapa Bread

Tapalapa is a type of Gambian bread that is somewhat similar to a baguette but with a softer texture. It's a staple in the Gambian diet and is often eaten with breakfast or used as a utensil for scooping up stews and sauces.

Gambian Desserts

Chakery

Chakery is a sweet dessert made from couscous or millet, mixed with yogurt, vanilla, and sometimes pineapple or other fruits. It's often flavored with nutmeg and sweetened with sugar, resulting in a refreshing and creamy treat that's especially popular during festive occasions.

Thiakry

Similar to Chakery, Thiakry (also spelled as "Thiacry") is a dessert prepared with millet grains that have been steamed and fermented. It's combined with sweetened condensed milk or yogurt, flavored with vanilla and nutmeg, and often garnished with raisins or grated coconut. Thiakry is a comforting and satisfying dessert, commonly enjoyed as a snack or at the end of a meal.

Baobab Fruit Dessert

The baobab tree, known as the "Tree of Life," produces a fruit that is used in a refreshing dessert. The pulp is mixed with milk or water and sweetened to create a creamy, citrus-flavored treat. It's high in vitamin C and is believed to have numerous health benefits.

Wonjo Juice

Wonjo juice is made from the dried calyces of the hibiscus flower, known locally as "wonjo." It's a popular drink in The Gambia, served both hot and cold, and is often sweetened with sugar and flavored with mint or ginger. It's not only delicious but also has a reputation for being beneficial to health.

Groundnut Cakes

Groundnut cakes, also known as "kuli-kuli," are a common snack in The Gambia. These crunchy cakes are made by grinding roasted peanuts into a paste, shaping them into various forms, and then frying them until crisp. They are often enjoyed on their own or used as an ingredient in other dishes.