Burkina Faso’s cuisine, a delightful blend of West African flavors, offers a rich tapestry of tastes and textures.

Rooted in staple crops like millet, sorghum, maize, and rice, Burkinabe dishes often feature hearty stews, flavorful sauces, and grilled meats. The culinary landscape is also influenced by neighboring countries, resulting in a diverse and exciting food scene. From savory porridges to spicy grilled delicacies and refreshing beverages, Burkina Faso presents a unique gastronomic adventure for every palate.

Here are 10 tasty dishes that are well worth seeking out and savoring. Here are ten traditional Burkinabé dishes you should try:

1. Tô

Tô is a staple in Burkinabé cuisine, made from millet, sorghum, or corn flour. The flour is cooked into a thick, smooth dough with a consistency similar to polenta. It’s typically served with various sauces or stews, such as okra sauce or peanut sauce, which add depth and flavor. Tô is consumed by hand, with pieces broken off and dipped into accompanying sauces, making it a communal and culturally significant dish. 

2. Riz Gras 

Riz Gras, translating to “fat rice,” is considered Burkina Faso‘s national dish. It’s a hearty one-pot meal consisting of white rice cooked with tomato paste and a variety of vegetables like eggplants, carrots, onions, chili peppers, and garlic. Often, meat such as beef, chicken, or goat is added to enhance its richness. The dish is known for its comforting qualities and is a common feature at communal gatherings and celebrations. 

3. Babenda

Babenda is a traditional one-pot dish that combines bitter greens like kale, spinach, or mustard greens with fermented locust beans known as soumbala. The soumbala imparts a pungent, cheese-like flavor to the dish. Smoked or dried fish is often added, and the mixture is combined with rice to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. Babenda showcases the inventive use of local ingredients in Burkinabé cooking. 

4. Mafé

Mafé, also known as tigadeguena, is a savory peanut stew that includes meat options like lamb, beef, or chicken. The stew is enriched with peanut sauce and incorporates vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions. Spices like cinnamon, paprika, and cumin are added for depth. Mafé is typically served with white rice, couscous, or fufu, making it a versatile and beloved dish across West Africa. 

5. Poulet Bicyclette

Poulet Bicyclette, translating to “bicycle chicken,” refers to free-range chickens commonly transported to markets by bicycle. The dish involves marinating the chicken in a blend of local spices, lemon juice, and mustard, then grilling or roasting it to achieve a flavorful and tender result. It’s often served with sides like fried plantains or rice, offering a taste of Burkina Faso’s street food culture. 

6. Brochettes

Brochettes are popular grilled meat skewers found throughout Burkina Faso. They typically feature marinated chunks of beef, lamb, or chicken, grilled over an open flame until charred and tender. The marinade often includes a blend of spices, vinegar, and oil, infusing the meat with a mouthwatering aroma and taste. Served with grilled onions and a side of spicy sauce, brochettes are a delicious indulgence enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. 

7. Sauce Gombo

Sauce Gombo is a traditional okra sauce used as an accompaniment to various dishes. Made from fresh or dried okra, the sauce has a characteristic sticky texture and is often flavored with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s commonly served alongside staples like Tô or rice, adding a flavorful and nutritious element to the meal. 

8. Dégué

Dégué, also known as thiakry, is a popular dessert in Burkina Faso. It’s made by combining couscous or millet grains with sweetened yogurt or milk, resulting in a creamy and slightly tangy treat. Often, additions like dried fruits, such as raisins, desiccated coconut, and spices like nutmeg, are included to enhance the flavor. Dégué is enjoyed as a snack or dessert, offering a refreshing end to a meal. 

9. Bissap

Bissap is a refreshing beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers, known for its deep red color and tart flavor. The drink is often sweetened with sugar and flavored with additions like mint or ginger. Served chilled, Bissap is a popular choice to quench thirst, especially in the warm climate of Burkina Faso. 

10. Dôlo

Dôlo is a traditional local beer brewed from fermented millet or sorghum. It’s a staple in many Burkinabé communities and is typically consumed in social settings. Dôlo has a slightly sour taste and is often served in calabash gourds. The brewing and consumption of Dôlo are integral to various cultural ceremonies and communal gatherings, reflecting its importance in Burkinabé society.