A FOOD TRADITION

Mandinka Cuisine

Mandinka cuisine reflects the foodways of one of the major Mande-speaking peoples in The Gambia and neighboring parts of Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Staples include rice, millet, fonio, cassava, peanuts, okra, greens, smoked or fresh fish, and meat. Grain foods are commonly steamed or boiled, while peanuts, leaves, and vegetables are pounded or cooked into thick sauces served over starches. Associated dishes include domoda or maafe-style peanut stews, fonio preparations, and rice with leafy or okra sauces. These foods are shared across communities and borders, and their preparation varies by household, locality, season, and available ingredients.

Catalogue preview Cuisine connections may be unreviewed. Regional comparisons include their food references and do not establish the ingredients of a particular meal.