If you’ve never had Somali food before, buckle up. You’re about to go on a wild ride of flavor, spice, and soul-hugging comfort.
Somali cuisine is the real deal—a rich mix of East African, Arabian, and Indian influences that hit all the right notes.
Think savory meats, warm spices, and dishes that feel like home even if you didn’t grow up in Mogadishu.
Somali recipes have a way of surprising your taste buds and keeping you coming back for more.
This list is packed with the best Somali food you need to try at least once. And who knows? One bite might have you hooked for life.
Whether you’re into hearty stews or spiced rice that’ll put restaurant biryani to shame, these Somali dishes deserve a spot on your dinner table.
1. Bariis Iskukaris (Somali Spiced Rice)
This dish is a must-try if you’re dipping your toes into Somali cooking for the first time.
Bariis Iskukaris is the country’s beloved spiced rice dish. It looks simple, but don’t let that fool you. The magic is in the flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 beef or chicken bouillon cube
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. In a pot, heat oil and sauté the onions until golden.
Toss in garlic, spices, tomatoes, and bouillon. Stir for a few minutes until everything smells amazing. Add the rice and water. Cover and cook on low until fluffy.
Why did this make it to our list
We picked Bariis Iskukaris because it’s the heartbeat of Somali cooking. It’s often served during big family meals and hits all the right comfort notes.
2. Suqaar (Somali Stir-Fried Meat)
Suqaar is your answer to quick and tasty.
It’s Somali stir-fry, but way better than anything you’ll find in a takeout box. Think tender meat cubes, soft veggies, and a light spice kick.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef or chicken, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
How to Make It
In a hot skillet, heat oil and sauté the onions and garlic. Add meat and cook until browned.
Stir in tomatoes, bell pepper, and spices. Let it cook until the veggies are soft and meat is juicy.
Why we chose it
Suqaar made our list because it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers big flavor in no time.
Great for busy weeknights when you still want a real meal.
3. Canjeero (Somali Sourdough Pancakes)
Forget what you know about pancakes. Canjeero is thinner than American flapjacks and has this tangy vibe from being fermented overnight.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine cornmeal or semolina
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups warm water
How to Make It
Mix everything and let it ferment overnight. The next day, stir the batter and pour it onto a hot non-stick skillet like you would a crepe.
Cook until bubbles form and the bottom is golden.
Why we selected it
We picked Canjeero because it’s an essential breakfast food in Somalia. Plus, it’s perfect with honey or stews, which makes it super versatile.
4. Sambusa (Somali Samosas)
These crispy little triangles are addictive. Sambusas are stuffed with spiced ground beef or chicken and fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper
- Spring roll wrappers or homemade dough
- Oil for frying
How to Make It
Cook the meat with spices and onions. Let it cool. Spoon into wrappers and fold into triangles. Seal with a bit of water and deep fry until golden.
Why we chose it
Sambusas are the go-to snack in Somali homes. Crunchy on the outside, savory inside—they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Maraq (Somali Soup)
This is comfort food at its best. Maraq is a spiced Somali soup that warms you from the inside out.
Think chicken or beef swimming in a tomato-rich broth with veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef or chicken
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups water or broth
- Salt to taste
How to Make It
Sauté the onions, then brown the meat. Add veggies, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Simmer until everything’s tender.
Why did this make it to our list
Maraq landed here because it’s the Somali version of chicken noodle soup—good for the body, better for the soul.
6. Kac Kac (Somali Fried Dough Bites)
Kac Kac is basically Somali-style doughnut holes, minus the sugar overload. They’re slightly sweet, spiced, and totally munch-worthy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Oil for frying
How to Make It
Mix everything into a dough. Roll it out, cut into small cubes, and deep fry until golden. Serve with tea.
Why we selected it
We added Kac Kac because they’re the bite-sized treat that brings everyone back for seconds (or thirds).
7. Malawah (Somali Sweet Flatbread)
Malawah is sweet, soft, and a little chewy. Kinda like a crepe but thicker and usually eaten at breakfast or with tea.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- Oil for frying
How to Make It
Whisk everything into a smooth batter. Pour a thin layer into a hot skillet and cook like a pancake until golden on both sides.
Why we chose it
Malawah made the cut because it’s comforting and easy to whip up. Great with honey or a smear of butter.
8. Baasto (Somali Spaghetti)
Yep, spaghetti—but with a Somali twist. Baasto is typically tossed with spiced ground beef and sometimes topped with bananas. Don’t knock it till you try it.
Ingredients
- 1 pack spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt to taste
- Oil for cooking
How to Make It
Cook spaghetti and set aside. In a pan, cook onions, garlic, and beef with spices and tomatoes. Toss in the spaghetti and mix well.
Why did this make it to our list
We included Baasto because it shows how Somali food blends global flavors with local twists.
9. Lahoh (Spongy Somali Pancake)
Lahoh is kinda like a spongy flatbread that’s somewhere between a pancake and injera. It’s often served with honey, sugar, or savory dips.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
How to Make It
Mix ingredients and let it rise for a few hours. Pour onto a skillet like a pancake and cook one side until bubbly.
Why we picked it
Lahoh earned its spot because it’s a breakfast staple that pairs with just about anything.
10. Hilib Ari (Somali-Style Goat Meat)
Goat meat is popular in Somalia, and this recipe nails it. It’s slow-cooked, spiced, and juicy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb goat meat, cubed
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper
- Water to cover
How to Make It
Boil goat meat with spices, onion, and garlic until tender. Skim off any foam. Let the liquid reduce and the meat caramelize slightly.
Why we selected it
We picked Hilib Ari because it captures the bold essence of Somali cooking.
11. Somali Chai (Spiced Tea)
Somali tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a whole vibe. It’s warm, milky, and spiced with cardamom and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 black tea bags
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Sugar to taste
How to Make It
Boil water with spices. Add tea bags, then stir in milk and sugar. Let it steep for a few minutes.
Why did this make it to our list
We wrapped things up with Somali Chai because no Somali meal is complete without a hot, spiced cup of tea.
Conclusion
So there you have it—11 of the best Somali recipes you seriously need to try at least once.
From sweet flatbreads to sizzling stir-fry, Somali food is bursting with bold spices and home-cooked goodness.