The coastline of Guinea is along the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. It boasts mostly a tropical climate in its coastal regions and most of the inlands. However, people refer to the the highlands regions as The Switzerland of Africa. Often, too, Guinea is called the water tower of Africa because many water sources originate in the highlands. Guinea cuisine is fresh and simple, consisting of the fruits of native plants. Locals hunt and fish to add meat to the plant-based fare.
Local Guinean Vegetables
The majority of the population of Guinea is poor. Therefore, simple, local food is the norm. The meals of people who live in Guinea consist mainly of rice, yams and cassava root. They also grow vegetables such as dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale, okra and hot peppers such as habanero. Stewed okra with hot peppers and curry is a typical Guinean recipe. In addition, just like the rest of the western and central African regions, many variations on peanut sauce abound. A kind of porridge called gari is made from cassava flour. Millet porridge, which is a common breakfast, is also typical of Guinean meals.
Hunting and Fishing for Entrees
Because of the economic situation in Guinea, hunting and fishing are the most common ways that meat is brought to the table. Hunters and fishers either bring home their catch to the family table or sell their bounty at the local markets. Meat dishes, when they are part of Guinean meals, include whole, grilled fish, crustaceans and a diversity of small animals like rabbits. (Reference 4) Meat and fish are typically fried, stewed or grilled. The recipes are not complicated. Whole fish stuffed with onions and herbs or lightly seasoned meat grilled over an open fire are typical. These protein entrees are served alongside the rice, vegetable dishes and porridge. For special occasions, chicken and duck are prepared for feasts.
Sweet Millet Porridge for Dessert
For dessert, those with a sweet tooth can pick up a piece of fruit such as a locally grown banana. In addition, sweet millet porridge can also be served as a dessert. It is spiced with fresh ginger and made with milk for a creamy treat.
Palm Wine and Malamba
Because of the lack of development in the country and the poverty of its inhabitants, not many commercial drinks exist. However, as far as alcoholic drinks are concerned, locals drink wine made from palms and a drink called malamba made out of sugarcane.
Resources:
- US Department of State: Guinea
- Africa Travel Magazine: Guinea is the Switzerland of Africa
- Countries and Their Cultures: Equatorial Guinea
- Tulas Food
Karren Tolliver - Karren Doll Tolliver is from the Midwest USA and received a BA in English from Mississippi University for Women in 1984. Writing since she ...
Join the Conversation