When it comes to African cuisine, Gambian food is often overlooked, but trust me—it’s a hidden gem you don’t want to miss.
Gambian recipes are packed with bold flavors, fragrant spices, and soul-soothing stews that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” Gambia offers a unique culinary experience that blends West African staples with coastal influences.
This list will take you on a flavorful adventure through 11 must-try Gambian dishes, from hearty stews to mouthwatering rice dishes.
These recipes are not only delicious but super easy to recreate at home. Ready to explore Gambian cuisine? Let’s dive right in!
1. Benachin (Gambian Jollof Rice)
Benachin, also known as Gambian Jollof Rice, is the ultimate one-pot meal.
It’s a hearty rice dish cooked with fresh vegetables, seasoned meat, and a rich tomato-based sauce that’s simmered to perfection.
What sets Benachin apart from other Jollof variations is its depth of flavor and the addition of Gambian spices like smoked fish and dried shrimp.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 pound of chicken or beef (cut into chunks)
- 2 large tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, and green beans)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried shrimp powder (optional)
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by sautéing the onions in oil until golden brown. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides.
Toss in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices, letting everything simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the broth and mixed vegetables, then bring it all to a boil.
Once it’s bubbling, stir in the rice, reduce the heat, and let it cook until the rice absorbs all that flavorful goodness.
Why did this make it to our list?
Benachin isn’t just a dish—it’s a whole experience. The combination of perfectly cooked rice, tender meat, and rich sauce makes it an absolute winner in Gambian cuisine.
2. Domoda (Gambian Peanut Stew)
Domoda is Gambia’s national dish, and it’s easy to see why. This peanut butter-based stew is creamy, slightly spicy, and seriously comforting.
Traditionally made with beef or chicken, it’s simmered in a thick peanut sauce and served over rice. If you’re a peanut butter lover, this dish will blow your mind.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef or chicken
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 sweet potato (diced)
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion in oil until soft. Add the meat and cook until browned. Stir in the tomatoes, peanut butter, cayenne, and broth.
Bring it to a simmer, then toss in the diced sweet potato. Let it simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat is tender.
Serve it hot over rice.
Why did we choose it?
Domoda is the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs in the best way. Its creamy peanut sauce is rich, satisfying, and totally unforgettable.
3. Yassa Chicken (Chicken Yassa)
This dish comes with a zesty punch. Yassa Chicken is marinated in lemon, mustard, and onions, then slow-cooked until the meat is juicy and tender.
The caramelized onions add a sweet touch, while the lemon keeps things tangy and fresh.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 large onions (sliced)
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 2 tablespoons of mustard
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, mustard, and onions for at least two hours (overnight is even better).
Heat oil in a pan and sear the chicken until golden. Remove the chicken, then caramelize the onions in the same pan.
Return the chicken to the pan, add the broth, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Why did this make it to our list?
Yassa Chicken is a flavor bomb. The balance of tangy and savory flavors makes it one of Gambia’s most beloved dishes.
4. Supakanja (Okra Stew)
Supakanja is a classic Gambian stew made with okra, palm oil, and fish or meat.
It’s a hearty dish with a rich, earthy flavor and a slightly slimy texture (thanks to the okra). Don’t let that scare you—it’s seriously delicious and super healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of fish or beef
- 1 cup of okra (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of palm oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the palm oil in a pot and sauté the onions until soft. Add the meat or fish and cook for 10 minutes.
Toss in the tomatoes, okra, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 20 minutes until the okra is tender and the stew thickens. Serve with rice or fufu.
Why we selected it:
Supakanja is hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. It’s a must-try for anyone curious about Gambian comfort food.
5. Ebbeh (Cassava and Seafood Stew)
Ebbeh is a tangy, spicy stew made with cassava, sweet potatoes, and fresh seafood. Think of it as the Gambian version of a hearty seafood chowder.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of cassava (peeled and diced)
- 1 pound of mixed seafood (fish, shrimp, and crab)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the cassava until tender, then mash it slightly. In a separate pot, sauté the onions and tomatoes in oil.
Add the seafood, cassava, and cayenne pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Why did we choose it?
Ebbeh is bold and packed with coastal flavors. If you love seafood, this dish will transport you straight to the shores of Gambia.
6. Plasas (Leafy Greens Stew)
Plasas is a nutrient-rich Gambian stew made with leafy greens like cassava leaves or spinach, cooked in a rich, savory sauce with smoked fish and meat.
It’s packed with flavor and makes the perfect comfort food. This dish is often served with rice or fufu, soaking up every drop of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cassava leaves or spinach (chopped)
- 1 pound of beef or chicken
- 1 cup of smoked fish (shredded)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 cup of palm oil
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the palm oil in a large pot and sauté the onions until fragrant. Add the meat and brown it on all sides.
Toss in the smoked fish, greens, cayenne, and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The stew will thicken as it cooks. Serve it over rice or fufu for a traditional Gambian meal.
Why did this make it to our list?
Plasas is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition. It’s a hearty, filling dish that shows how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
7. Cherreh (Steamed Couscous)
Cherreh is Gambian steamed couscous, often served as a side dish with rich stews like Domoda or Plasas.
While it may seem simple, the key to making perfect Cherreh lies in the steaming process, which gives it a light, fluffy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of couscous
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Fresh herbs (optional)
How to Make It:
Bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the couscous and salt, then cover and remove from heat.
Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in the butter for extra richness. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped herbs on top.
Why we selected it:
Cherreh is the perfect base for Gambian stews. Its light, fluffy texture balances out the richness of the sauces, making it a must-try.
8. Chura Gerteh (Peanut Rice Porridge)
Chura Gerteh is a deliciously creamy peanut rice porridge that’s often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
The combination of rice, peanuts, and sweetened milk makes it rich and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rice
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Cook the rice in water until tender. Stir in the peanut butter, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until creamy. Serve it warm and enjoy!
Why did we choose it?
Chura Gerteh is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s creamy, nutty, and the perfect way to start your day—or satisfy a sweet craving.
9. Mbahal (Smoked Fish and Rice)
Mbahal is a traditional Gambian dish made with smoked fish, rice, and groundnuts.
It has a deep, smoky flavor that’s balanced by the nutty richness of the groundnuts.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 cup of smoked fish (shredded)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup of groundnuts (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons of palm oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and tomatoes in palm oil until soft. Add the smoked fish and crushed groundnuts.
Stir in the rice and enough water to cook it through. Simmer until the rice is tender and absorbs all the flavors.
Why did this make it to our list?
Mbahal stands out with its bold, smoky flavor. It’s a dish that captures the heart of Gambian cuisine in every bite.
10. Thiakry (Sweet Couscous Pudding)
Thiakry is a sweet and creamy couscous pudding that’s often served as a dessert.
Made with couscous, yogurt, and sweetened milk, it’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of couscous
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
How to Make It:
Prepare the couscous by steaming it until fluffy. Mix it with the yogurt, condensed milk, vanilla, and nutmeg. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Why we selected it:
Thiakry is the perfect sweet treat to end any meal. Its creamy texture and hint of spice make it unforgettable.
11. Pepper Soup
Pepper Soup is a spicy, aromatic soup that’s a staple in many West African countries, including Gambia.
It’s known for its bold flavors and fiery kick, thanks to a generous dose of hot peppers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of goat meat or chicken
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 hot peppers (chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of ginger
- 4 cups of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in oil. Add the meat and cook until browned.
Toss in the hot peppers, water, and salt. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes until the meat is tender and the broth is packed with flavor.
Why did we choose it?
Pepper Soup is a flavor-packed experience that’ll warm you from the inside out. If you love spicy food, this one’s a must-try.
Conclusion
Gambian cuisine is a treasure trove of bold flavors, hearty stews, and comforting dishes.
Whether you’re craving something creamy like Domoda or want to spice things up with Pepper Soup, there’s a dish for everyone.
The best part? These recipes are easy to recreate at home, bringing a taste of Gambia straight to your table.