Burkina Faso may not always be on travel food lovers’ radars, but the country has an exciting and varied local cuisine worth exploring. The dishes here are hearty, flavorful, and filling. You’ll find a mix of influences from West African and French flavors combined with plenty of local ingredients. Here’s a guide to the foods you should try and where you should eat in Burkina Faso.
Local Dishes to Try
Riz Gras
This is Burkina Faso’s national dish. It’s a rich, oily rice dish made with tomatoes and onions. Sometimes, it includes vegetables like carrots and cabbage. You’ll often find it served with beef, chicken, goat, or fish. It’s simple and comforting, perfect for a hearty lunch.
Tô
This staple food is a thick porridge made from millet, maize, or sorghum. Locals eat it with a variety of sauces, especially sauce gombo, which is an okra-based sauce. It may take time for outsiders to get used to its texture, but it’s the most typically served and loved dish in the country.
Sauce Feuille
Made from local leafy greens such as spinach or wild leaves, sauce feuille can be rich and flavorful. It’s often paired with Tô or rice and may contain peanuts, which add a nutty flavor. If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly cuisine, this is a great option.
Babenda
Babenda is a very traditional dish made from fermented beans or fish, mixed with bitter greens and peanut sauce. It has a strong flavor, but once you try it, the combination of savory and earthy notes might win you over quickly.
Popular Street Foods
Brochettes
These grilled meat skewers are a staple in Burkina Faso’s street food scene. Typically, you can find chicken, beef, goat, or sometimes even fish brochettes sold in local markets and roadside stalls. The meats are marinated in a spiced mix, giving them a smoky, charred flavor.
Fufu
Fufu is a dough-like food made from boiled and mashed yams or cassava. Though more common in other West African countries, you’ll find it in Burkina Faso too. It’s usually dipped in soups or stews, making it a messy yet delicious comfort food.
Grilled Fish
Street vendors often sell grilled freshwater fish, freshly caught and seasoned. It’s a popular snack along the rivers and lakes in the country. Served with a side of spicy sauce made from tomatoes and onions, the smoky flavor is refreshing.
Gateaux
Despite their name, these are not cakes but rather fried dough balls. A crunchy, crispy treat sold on streets, these sweet or savory pastries are filling and great for snacking on while you wander the markets or travel through town.
Regional Specialties
Poulet Bicyclette
This is a popular chicken dish named because the live chickens are carried around on bicycles. It’s basically grilled chicken that’s marinated with plenty of spices. You’ll find it served in both the north and the south of the country, usually with fried plantains or rice. Make sure to try it for a true flavor of Burkina Faso.
Dolo
Dolo is a traditional fermented millet beer. It’s very common in rural areas and is often served during celebrations or local gatherings. It’s naturally fizzy, slightly sour, and a must-try if you’re curious about local drinks.
Pâté
This dish is made from crushed peanuts, sometimes served as a sauce. Pâté is widely enjoyed across many parts of Western Africa, and in Burkina Faso, you’ll frequently find it paired with various breads or starchy sides like yam or plantains.
Where to Eat
Local Markets
The best way to experience Burkinabé cuisine is by visiting local markets. The markets are packed with street vendors selling everything from grilled meats to fresh produce. ‘Grand Marché’ in Ouagadougou, the capital city, is worth exploring. Try various snacks, buy some fresh fruit, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Maquis
Maquis are small, informal restaurants that serve home-cooked food. They’re spread all over Burkina Faso’s cities and towns. It’s where many locals eat regularly, and the food is affordable and authentic. Don’t expect luxury, but expect to enjoy meals like rice and sauce or grilled meats.
Fine Dining Options
If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, the capital Ouagadougou has several restaurants offering European-African fusion dishes. Le Verdoyant is one such spot. It’s popular among locals and expats alike, combining French cuisine with tropical Burkinabé ingredients.
Food Festivals
If you happen to be visiting during a food festival, take the chance to try even more local specialties. These events tend to offer traditional food and drinks that you might not always find in restaurants. It’s a feast for your taste buds.
Enjoying the Food Scene
The food in Burkina Faso reflects its culture: simple, hearty, and made for sharing. Whether you’re sampling street food from vendors or sitting down for a full meal in a restaurant, you’ll find the flavors bold and enjoyable. From the smoky brochettes in the streets to a homemade babenda dish in a small maquis, every bite is a reflection of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
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