A Foodie’s Guide to Gambian Cuisine

Gambian cuisine is a comforting and flavourful blend of West African traditions with Portuguese and British influences. Meals are hearty, affordable, and often shared — whether you’re eating at a beachside restaurant or grabbing street food in a bustling market.

If you’re wondering what to eat in The Gambia, this guide covers the must-try dishes, snacks, drinks, and where to find them.

🥜 National Dishes of The Gambia

1. Domoda (Groundnut Stew)

The undisputed national dish of The Gambia.

Domoda is a rich, creamy stew made with groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, and your choice of meat — usually chicken, beef, or fish. It’s served over rice and loved by locals and visitors alike.

• Where to try: Local chop shops & restaurants

• Price: 100–200 Dalasi (£1.50–£3)

• Best for: Lunch or dinner

• Tip: Order domoda chicken for the classic version

2. Benachin (Jollof Rice / “One Pot”)

Benachin is The Gambia’s version of jollof rice, cooked in one pot with tomatoes, red palm oil, spices, and fish or chicken.

• Where to try: Local restaurants, especially on Sundays

• Price: 75–150 Dalasi

• Local secret: The crispy bottom rice (sokho) is the best part

3. Supakanja (Okra Stew)

A traditional okra-based stew cooked with palm oil, dried fish, and leafy greens. It’s nutritious, filling, and an acquired taste for some visitors.

🐟 Gambian Seafood Specialities

4. Yassa Poisson (Fish Yassa)

A popular dish influenced by Senegalese cuisine. Grilled fish is marinated with lemon and mustard, then simmered with sweet caramelised onions.

5. Caldou

A comforting fish soup made with fresh catch, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Often eaten in the evening or when feeling under the weather.

6. Fresh Grilled Fish

Thanks to the Atlantic coast, seafood in The Gambia is incredibly fresh. Common fish include barracuda, butterfish, sole, and ladyfish.

• Best spots: Kotu Beach, Tanji Fish Market, Sanyang Beach

• Price: 200–400 Dalasi (whole fish with sides)

🍖 Traditional Gambian Meat Dishes

7. Afra (Street-Grilled Meat)

The king of Gambian street food. Meat is grilled over charcoal and served with spicy onion sauce and bread.

• Where to find: Night markets & street corners

• Best areas: Serrekunda Market, Bakau

• Price: 25–75 Dalasi

8. Chicken Yassa

Grilled chicken marinated in lemon and mustard, then topped with caramelised onions. Familiar, flavourful, and always satisfying.

9. Chere

Steamed millet couscous served with a spicy sauce. A traditional dish that’s becoming harder to find — but worth seeking out.

🥖 Gambian Snacks & Street Food

10. Akara

Deep-fried bean cakes are crispy on the outside and soft inside. A popular breakfast snack, often eaten with bread and hot sauce.

11. Tapalapa

Gambian-style baguette made with wheat and millet flour. Crusty outside, soft inside — perfect with stews.

• Price: Around 10 Dalasi from local bakeries

12. Gambian Meat Pie

A legacy of British influence, these pastries are filled with seasoned minced meat and make an ideal snack on the go.

🍨 Gambian Desserts & Sweet Treats

13. Chakery

A creamy dessert made from millet couscous, yoghurt, and sweetened condensed milk. Often flavoured with vanilla or fruit.

14. Fresh Tropical Fruit

The Gambia is rich in seasonal fruit:

• Mangoes (May–August)

• Papaya (year-round)

• Watermelon

• Baobab fruit

🍺 Drinks in The Gambia

15. Attaya (Green Tea Ceremony)

Attaya is more than a drink — it’s a social tradition. Green tea is brewed in three rounds, each with a different strength and meaning.

Other Popular Drinks

• Julbrew: Local beer (4.7%)

• Wonjo: Hibiscus juice

• Baobab juice: High in vitamin C

• Fresh coconut water

• Ginger juice

🍽️ Where to Eat in The Gambia

For Local Food

• Chop shops: Small restaurants serving daily dishes

• Markets: Serrekunda, Bakau, Banjul

• Beach bars: Especially Sanyang for fresh fish

For Tourist-Friendly Restaurants

• Kotu Strip

• Senegambia area

• Cape Point

💡 Tips for Eating in The Gambia

• Wash hands before eating (right hand only)

• Lunch is often the main meal

• Ask locals for food recommendations

• Vegetarian options exist, but are limited

• Street food is safe when freshly cooked

• Carry small notes for payment

💰 Food Budget in The Gambia

• Local meal: 75–200 Dalasi (£1–£3)

• Mid-range restaurant: 300–600 Dalasi (£4–£8)

• Tourist restaurant: 500–1,500 Dalasi (£7–£20)

• Street food snack: 20–75 Dalasi (£0.30–£1)

❓ FAQ: Gambian Cuisine (Rich Snippet Ready)

What is the national dish of The Gambia?

The national dish of The Gambia is domoda, a groundnut (peanut) stew served with rice.

Is Gambian food spicy?

Gambian food is generally mild, but spicy sauces and peppers are often served on the side.

Is street food safe to eat in The Gambia?

Yes, street food is generally safe if it is freshly cooked and popular with locals.

What is a typical Gambian breakfast?

Common breakfasts include akara, bread with tea, porridge, or leftovers from the previous night.

Are there vegetarian options in Gambian cuisine?

Yes, vegetarian dishes like vegetable benachin and vegetable domoda are available, though options can be limited.

Ready to explore more? Check out our complete guide to Food & Drink in The Gambia and discover the best day trips that include authentic food experiences.