Djiboutian cuisine might not be on your everyday foodie radar, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem you’ve been missing out on.
This East African country’s dishes are a flavorful fusion of African, Middle Eastern, and French influences—so every bite takes you on a world tour.
Think bold spices, fresh ingredients, and comforting dishes that warm your soul.
From savory stews to crispy fried treats, Djiboutian food is packed with flavor and character.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the tastiest Djiboutian recipes you’ll want to recreate at home. Your taste buds are in for a serious adventure!
1. Skoudehkaris (Djiboutian Lamb Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 3 cups water or broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
Start by browning the lamb in a large pot until it’s golden on all sides. Set it aside.
In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices—this is where the magic happens.
Let that simmer for a few minutes, then return the lamb to the pot. Pour in the water or broth and bring it to a boil.
Once it’s bubbling, add the basmati rice, reduce the heat, and let it cook until the rice absorbs all the liquid and turns tender.
This dish is rich, hearty, and perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.
Why did this make it to our list?
Skoudehkaris is the ultimate comfort food. It’s filling, full of flavor, and gives you a true taste of Djibouti’s culinary heritage.
2. Lahoh (Djiboutian Flatbread)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring to form a smooth batter.
Cover the bowl and let it rest for about an hour until it’s bubbly and has risen.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour a ladleful of the batter, spreading it into a circle.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges lift easily—don’t flip it!
Lahoh is like a cross between a pancake and flatbread. It’s soft, spongy, and perfect for soaking up stews or eating with honey for breakfast.
Why we chose it
Lahoh is a versatile staple in Djiboutian cuisine. Its light, airy texture makes it a great accompaniment for almost any meal.
3. Fah-Fah (Spicy Meat Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or goat meat, cubed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 5 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
How to Make It:
In a pot, brown the meat with onions and garlic. Add the tomatoes, green chilies, and spices, stirring everything together.
Pour in the water and let it simmer for about an hour until the meat is tender. Serve it hot with a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra kick.
Why we selected it
Fah-Fah is spicy, satisfying, and a go-to dish for anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day.
4. Sambuusa (Djiboutian Samosas)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp coriander
- 1 package of samosa wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Make It:
Cook the ground meat with onions, garlic, and spices until it’s fully browned.
Let it cool before spooning the filling into samosa wrappers. Fold them into triangles and seal the edges with water.
Fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Why did this make it to our list?
Sambuusa is crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and totally snack-worthy. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
5. Djiboutian Banana Fritters (Mouffo)
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix the mashed bananas, egg, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually add the flour until it forms a thick batter.
Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
Why we chose it
These fritters are sweet, fluffy, and dangerously addictive. They’re the perfect treat when you’re craving something simple yet satisfying.
6. Yasa Djibouti (Chicken Yassa)
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp mustard
- 1 cup lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by marinating the chicken with mustard, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least an hour—overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
Heat olive oil in a large pan and brown the chicken pieces.
Set them aside and sauté the onions and chilies in the same pan until they soften.
Add the marinated chicken back into the pan, sprinkle with thyme, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until tender.
This dish is tangy, spicy, and super aromatic—every bite bursts with flavor.
Serve it over steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Why we chose it
Yasa Djibouti is a dish that brings together zesty citrus and tender chicken in the best way possible. It’s bold, comforting, and unforgettable.
7. Bariis (Djiboutian Rice)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, cumin, and turmeric, letting it cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and reduce the heat to low.
Cover and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
Toss in the raisins for a touch of sweetness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why did this make it to our list?
Bariis is a flavorful twist on classic rice dishes. It’s easy to make, versatile, and the perfect side for just about anything.
8. Djiboutian Fish Stew (Marake Kalouun)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (tilapia or cod)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 green chilies, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in a pot until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, curry powder, and paprika, cooking until the tomatoes break down.
Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer. Add the fish fillets and cook for about 10 minutes until they’re tender and flaky. Serve with rice or crusty bread.
Why we selected it
Marake Kalouun is rich, comforting, and packed with spice. The coconut milk adds a creamy twist that makes it irresistible.
9. Sabaya (Layered Flatbread)
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Mix the flour and salt in a bowl, then slowly add warm water to form a soft dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Divide the dough into balls and let them rest for 20 minutes. Roll each ball into a thin circle, brush with oil, and fold it into layers.
Cook on a hot pan until golden and flaky on both sides.
Sabaya is buttery, crispy, and can be eaten plain or with honey.
Why did this make it to our list?
This flatbread is the perfect balance of crispy and chewy. You’ll want it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
10. Djiboutian Lentil Soup (Shurbah Adas)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
In a pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft. Add the carrots, lentils, cumin, and coriander, stirring well.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender. Serve it hot with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
Why we chose it
Shurbah Adas is hearty, healthy, and full of earthy flavors. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
11. Mukbasa (Djiboutian Spiced Fish and Rice)
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (snapper or tilapia), cleaned
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 4 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Season the fish with salt, pepper, and cumin. Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot until golden, then add the tomatoes and turmeric.
Add the water and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and place the fish on top.
Cover and cook on low heat for about 20–25 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the fish is cooked through.
Why did this make it to our list?
Mukbasa is a one-pot wonder—perfectly spiced, fragrant, and hearty enough to feed a crowd.
Conclusion
Djiboutian cuisine is a true blend of flavors and cultures, offering something for everyone.
Whether it’s the comforting stews, crispy sambuusa, or tender chicken yassa, there’s always a dish to fall in love with.
So, grab your ingredients and give these recipes a try—you won’t regret it!