10+ Best Guinean Recipes You Need to Try Once

Guinea’s rich culinary traditions are a beautiful blend of West African flavors, fresh ingredients, and mouthwatering spices.

It’s a country where food isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience.

Guinean recipes are soulful and packed with bold flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Whether it’s a hearty stew, perfectly seasoned rice, or a fried snack that hits all the right spots, these dishes deserve a spot in your kitchen.

Curious about how to bring authentic Guinean flavors to your dinner table? We’ve got you covered! From smoky sauces to fluffy rice dishes, these recipes will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Guinea.

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into these 11 delicious Guinean recipes you must try at least once.

1. Poulet Yassa (Chicken Yassa)

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, Poulet Yassa is calling your name.

This beloved Guinean dish is made with marinated chicken smothered in a rich, tangy onion sauce.

It’s got just the right balance of citrus and spice, and it’s usually served with a side of fluffy white rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 4 large onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Marinate the chicken with lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
2. Heat oil in a pan and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onions to the same pan and cook until they’re caramelized and golden brown.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the marinade. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
5. Serve hot with rice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Why we chose it

Poulet Yassa made our list because it’s a true Guinean classic. The flavors are bold, and that tangy onion sauce is unforgettable.

If you’re new to West African cuisine, this dish is a perfect place to start.

2. Riz Gras (Fat Rice)

Riz Gras is West Africa’s answer to a one-pot meal.

Packed with veggies and protein, this dish is a hearty, flavorful rice dish cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.

Think of it as the ultimate comfort food—Guinean-style.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 pound beef or chicken, cut into pieces
• 3 large tomatoes, blended
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 1 cup cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the meat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and blended tomatoes, and let it cook for 10 minutes.
3. Add the meat back to the pot with carrots, cabbage, and enough water to cover everything. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the rice, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

Why we selected it

We couldn’t leave Riz Gras off this list! It’s filling, flavorful, and a perfect way to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or protein.

3. Fufu (Cassava Dough)

Fufu is a staple across West Africa, and in Guinea, it’s often paired with rich stews and soups.

Made from cassava, it’s smooth, stretchy, and incredibly satisfying. If you’ve never had fufu, think of it as the ultimate scoop for saucy dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cassava (peeled and cut into chunks)
• Water, as needed

How to Make It:

1. Boil the cassava in salted water until it’s soft. Drain and mash it until smooth.
2. Add a little water at a time and continue pounding until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency.
3. Shape it into small balls and serve with your favorite stew.

Why did this make it to our list?

Fufu is more than just a side dish—it’s part of the experience. Its neutral flavor makes it perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce in your bowl.

4. Sauce Feuille (Leafy Greens Sauce)

Sauce Feuille is a rich and hearty Guinean stew made with leafy greens like cassava leaves or spinach.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish combines fresh greens, tender meat, and a flavorful broth to create something truly unforgettable.

It’s typically served with rice or fufu.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds cassava leaves (or spinach), finely chopped
• 1 pound beef or chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional)
• 1 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the greens and enough water to cover them. Simmer for 30-40 minutes.
4. Stir in peanut butter for extra richness (optional) and cook for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot with rice or fufu.

Why we chose it

Sauce Feuille made it to our list because it’s the ultimate comfort food in Guinea.

The slow-cooked greens and tender meat make every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients.

5. Thiakry (Sweet Millet Pudding)

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Thiakry is a must-try! This creamy dessert made with millet couscous is sweetened with condensed milk and spiced with a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon.

It’s a dessert you’ll crave long after the first bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup millet couscous (or regular couscous)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

How to Make It:

1. Cook the millet couscous according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, condensed milk, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Fold in the cooled millet couscous until well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Why did this make it to our list?

Thiakry is the perfect balance of creamy and sweet. It’s light, refreshing, and just what you need after a flavorful Guinean meal.

6. Konkoé (Smoked Fish Stew)

Konkoé is a smoky, spicy fish stew that’s loaded with flavor.

This dish uses smoked fish as its star ingredient, simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce with spices and vegetables. It’s perfect with a side of boiled plantains or rice.

Ingredients:

• 2 smoked fish (deboned and flaked)
• 3 large tomatoes, blended
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.
2. Add the blended tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add the smoked fish and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld together.
4. Serve hot with rice or boiled plantains.

Why we selected it

This smoky fish stew stands out for its bold flavors and comforting warmth. It’s a dish that brings the taste of coastal Guinea right to your plate.

7. Peanut Butter Soup (Mafé)

Mafé is a rich and creamy peanut butter-based soup that’s a staple in Guinean households.

It’s savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced. Often served with rice, this soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef or chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 large tomatoes, blended
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot and brown the meat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the onions until soft, then add the blended tomatoes and chili powder. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the peanut butter and mix well. Return the meat to the pot and add enough water to reach your desired soup consistency.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes until the meat is tender and the soup thickens.
5. Serve with rice or bread.

Why we chose it

We couldn’t skip Mafé—it’s a game-changer! The creamy peanut flavor mixed with savory spices makes this dish an absolute must-try.

8. Patates (Fried Sweet Potatoes)

Simple, crispy, and downright delicious—Patates is Guinea’s version of fried sweet potatoes.

It’s a popular street food snack and a side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.

Served hot and crispy, these golden bites are addictive.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into wedges
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chili powder or cinnamon for seasoning

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes into thick wedges and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Fry the wedges in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 5-7 minutes per batch).
4. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with salt while still hot.
5. Serve as a snack or side dish.

Why we selected it

Patates is the kind of snack that never disappoints. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s a perfect treat for any time of day.

9. Soupe de Poisson (Fish Soup)

Guinean Fish Soup, or Soupe de Poisson, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that highlights fresh fish simmered with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

The broth is light yet packed with bold flavors, making it a favorite for seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh fish (snapper or tilapia works well)
• 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the tomatoes, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down.
3. Add the fish and enough water to cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

Why did this make it to our list?

Soupe de Poisson is a perfect mix of freshness and spice. It’s light yet comforting, making it a great dish for any occasion.

10. Fouti (Mashed Plantains)

Fouti is Guinea’s take on mashed plantains—a simple but incredibly satisfying dish.

Think of it as mashed potatoes but with sweet, starchy plantains instead. It pairs wonderfully with spicy stews or grilled meat.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt to taste
• Optional: a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor

How to Make It:

1. Boil the plantains in salted water until soft (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain and mash the plantains with butter until smooth.
3. Season with salt and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
4. Serve hot with stews or grilled meat.

Why we chose it

Fouti is a comfort food classic! Its creamy texture and slightly sweet taste make it a great side dish for almost anything.

11. Gâteau de Riz (Rice Cake)

Rounding off our list is Gâteau de Riz, a traditional Guinean dessert made from rice, milk, and sugar.

This rice cake is sweet, soft, and often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make It:

1. Cook the rice in milk over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
2. Once the rice is soft and creamy, add sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until it sets.
4. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Why did this make it to our list?

Gâteau de Riz is the sweet ending you didn’t know you needed. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Conclusion

Guinea’s culinary treasures offer something for everyone, from savory stews to sweet desserts.

These dishes reflect the country’s rich history and diverse flavors.

So, why not bring a taste of Guinea into your own kitchen? Start with one of these recipes, and you’ll be hooked!