If you’re a foodie with a taste for adventure, you’re in for a treat.
Burkina Faso, a West African gem, is home to some of the most flavorful, hearty, and downright delicious dishes you’ve probably never heard of.
But trust me, once you try these Burkinabe recipes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
From savory stews to mouthwatering snacks, this list is packed with dishes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Ouagadougou.
Ready to spice up your kitchen game? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the 10+ best Burkinabe recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life.
These dishes aren’t just food—they’re an experience. Let’s get cooking!
1. Riz Gras (Fat Rice)
Riz Gras, or “Fat Rice,” is the ultimate comfort food in Burkina Faso. Think of it as the West African cousin of jollof rice, but with its own unique twist.
This dish is a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 lb chicken or beef, cut into chunks
- 2 tomatoes, blended into a puree
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the meat and brown it on all sides.
Stir in the tomato puree, tomato paste, and spices, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Toss in the carrots and bell pepper, followed by the rice. Pour in the broth, cover, and let it cook on low heat until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the flavors.
Why We Chose It:
Riz Gras is a staple in Burkinabe households for a reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints.
2. Poulet Bicyclette (Grilled Chicken)
Poulet Bicyclette, or “Bicycle Chicken,” is a street food favorite in Burkina Faso.
The name comes from the free-range chickens that are often transported by bicycle. This dish is all about smoky, charred perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate the chicken with onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and spices for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F. Grill the chicken until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, basting with the marinade as it cooks.
Why We Chose It:
Poulet Bicyclette is smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you licking your fingers and going back for seconds.
3. Tô (Millet or Sorghum Porridge)
Tô is a traditional Burkinabe staple made from millet or sorghum flour. It’s a thick, dough-like porridge that’s often served with savory sauces or stews.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups millet or sorghum flour
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Gradually add the flour while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, stretchy dough. Serve with your favorite sauce or stew.
Why We Chose It:
Tô is a true taste of Burkina Faso. It’s simple, filling, and the perfect base for a variety of flavorful sauces.
4. Sauce Gombo (Okra Sauce)
Sauce Gombo is a slimy, savory okra sauce that’s a favorite in Burkinabe cuisine. Don’t let the texture scare you—this dish is packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh okra, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 lb chicken or beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp palm oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in palm oil until fragrant. Add the meat and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomatoes, okra, and pepper, then let it simmer until the okra is tender and the sauce thickens. Serve with Tô or rice.
Why We Chose It:
Sauce Gombo is a unique dish that showcases the bold flavors of Burkinabe cuisine.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore West African food.
5. Banfora Peanut Sauce
This creamy, nutty sauce is a Burkinabe classic. Made with ground peanuts, it’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for dipping or pouring over rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts, ground
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 lb chicken or beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until soft. Add the meat and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomatoes and ground peanuts, then let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with Tô or rice.
Why We Chose It:
Banfora Peanut Sauce is comfort food at its finest. It’s creamy, nutty, and downright delicious.
6. Fufu (Cassava Dough)
Fufu is a staple in many West African countries, including Burkina Faso. Made from cassava, it’s a soft, stretchy dough that’s perfect for scooping up sauces.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Gradually add the cassava flour while stirring constantly.
Keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth dough. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Why We Chose It:
Fufu is a versatile dish that’s a must-try for anyone exploring West African cuisine.
7. Brochettes (Grilled Skewers)
Brochettes are a popular street food in Burkina Faso. These grilled skewers are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate the meat with onions, garlic, soy sauce, and spices for at least 2 hours. Thread the meat onto skewers and grill until cooked through.
Why We Chose It:
Brochettes are smoky, juicy, and perfect for any occasion.
8. Alloco (Fried Plantains)
Alloco is a sweet and savory snack made from fried plantains. It’s a popular street food in Burkina Faso and beyond.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe plantains, sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the plantains until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
Alloco is simple, delicious, and the perfect snack for any time of day.
9. Ragout d’Igname (Yam Stew)
This hearty yam stew is a Burkinabe favorite. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 yams, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb chicken or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in oil until soft. Add the meat and cook until browned.
Stir in the tomatoes and yams, then let it simmer until the yams are tender.
Why We Chose It:
Ragout d’Igname is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
10. Bissap (Hibiscus Drink)
Bissap is a refreshing hibiscus drink that’s popular in Burkina Faso. It’s sweet, tangy, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make It:
Boil the hibiscus flowers in water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and stir in the sugar and vanilla. Chill before serving.
Why We Chose It:
Bissap is a refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion.
11. Pâte d’Arachide (Peanut Butter Bread)
This sweet, nutty bread is a Burkinabe treat. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
How to Make It:
Mix all the ingredients until smooth. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Pâte d’Arachide is a sweet, nutty treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Conclusion
There you have it—10+ Burkinabe recipes that’ll take your taste buds on a trip to West Africa.
From hearty stews to sweet treats, these dishes are packed with flavor and tradition.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and start cooking. Trust me, your kitchen (and your stomach) will thank you.
Ready to dive in? Pick a recipe, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Don’t forget to share your creations with us—we’d love to hear how your Burkinabe culinary adventure turns out.