Ivory Coast
The Ivorian Cuisine
Ivorian cuisine is much more than just rice with a small piece of meat or fish, as we often think.
In the Ivory Coast, you will see food stalls all over the streets where locals prepare and sell their most delicious dishes. It is not only a chance to enjoy authentic flavors, but also to experience the culture up close.
Emigrate and live abroad Ivorian cuisine
Of course, you can choose a Western restaurant, but it's just so much fun to eat with the locals!
In this article I take you on a journey of discovery through Ivorian cuisine, so you can discover if your new favorite dish is among them.
"Maquis: The Authentic Outdoor Restaurants of the Ivory Coast"
A Maquis restaurant is a typical and unique dining spot in the Ivory Coast!
These open-air restaurants serve delicious local dishes such as braised chicken, fish with onions and tomatoes, attiéké and kedjenou. Maquis are small in size and often crowded, which means the food is fresh and tasty. A handy tip: check where the most people gather, as that is often a sign of quality!
Eating at a Maquis is a great way to experience Ivorian culture and cuisine.
Don't let that stop you, because you are really missing out on some goodies!
Ivorian cuisine is a true exploration of flavors, focusing on fresh ingredients such as tubers, grains, pork, chicken, fish, seafood and spices.
What stands out is that practically no sugar or dairy is used. Flavors come mainly from onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, bay leaf and pepper. Sweet and creamy flavors come from ripe fruits, giving dishes a unique twist.
Grilled fish and chicken are favorites, but guinea fowl is also widely eaten.
In the Ivory Coast it is not always about vegetables as a main course, as we are used to in the Netherlands.
Here, rice, stews and meat take center stage.
The most popular dishes to try are:
- Attic: Fermented cassava, a bit like couscous.
- Alloco: Deep-fried ripe plantains, deliciously spicy.
- Poisson braisé: Whole roasted fish with a spicy pepper paste.
- Poulet braisé: Roasted chicken with a spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions.
- Kedjenou: Stews cooked in their own liquid, often with cow's leg for extra flavor.
- Maafe: Peanut sauce and meat stew.
- Foufou: Mashed plantains with palm oil.
- Gombo frais: Okra stew.
Beverages:
In addition to the food, refreshing local beverages such as Bangui, palm wine and Nyamanku, a ginger drink with pineapple and lemon.
The French influence is strongly present in the Ivorian bakeries, where you can enjoy a baguette or croissant, a typical breakfast in the region.
Emigrate and live abroad Ivorian cuisine
Summary: Ivorian cuisine is a colorful adventure of flavors, with plenty of rice, meat, fish, stews and local delicacies such as attieke, alloco and kedjenou.
French influences make for delicious baked goods.
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