John Myers
Introduction: Burkina Faso and its culinary landscape
Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage with influences from the Mossi, Fulani, and Tuareg communities. As a result, Burkina Faso’s culinary landscape is diverse, with a variety of traditional dishes that reflect the country’s cultural diversity. However, with globalization, there has been an increasing demand for international cuisines in Burkina Faso. In this article, we will explore the availability of international cuisines in Burkina Faso.
Traditional Burkina Faso cuisine: what to expect
Burkina Faso’s traditional cuisine is mainly based on grains, vegetables, and meat. Millet, sorghum, and rice are the primary grains used in dishes such as tô, a thick porridge-like dish made from fermented millet or sorghum flour. Vegetables such as okra, eggplant, and tomatoes are commonly used in Burkina Faso’s cuisine. Meat dishes are also prevalent, with beef, goat, and chicken being the most commonly used. Grilled meat skewers known as brochettes are a popular street food in Burkina Faso.
International cuisines in Burkina Faso: a rarity?
International cuisines are not widespread in Burkina Faso, and finding a restaurant that serves international cuisines can be a challenge. This is mainly due to the fact that Burkina Faso’s food culture is deeply rooted in its traditional cuisine. However, in recent years, there has been an emergence of international restaurants in Burkina Faso’s cities, catering to the expat community and tourists.
Finding international restaurants in Burkina Faso
International restaurants in Burkina Faso are mainly concentrated in the capital, Ouagadougou. The city’s affluent neighborhoods, such as Zone du Bois and Zone du Lac, have a few international restaurants serving cuisines such as Italian, Chinese, and Lebanese. These restaurants are generally expensive, catering to the expat community and tourists.
Examples of international cuisines in Burkina Faso
Some of the international restaurants in Burkina Faso include La Piazza, an Italian restaurant located in Zone du Bois, serving pizzas and pasta dishes. Yangtze, a Chinese restaurant located in the same area, serves traditional Chinese dishes such as chow mein and dumplings. Lebanese restaurant, Al Boustane, located in downtown Ouagadougou, serves traditional Lebanese dishes such as hummus and falafel.
Conclusion: the future of international cuisine in Burkina Faso
Although international restaurants are still relatively rare in Burkina Faso, there is a growing demand for international cuisines, driven by the expat community and tourists. This demand could lead to an increase in the number of international restaurants in Burkina Faso’s cities. However, Burkina Faso’s traditional cuisine is deeply ingrained in the country’s cultural heritage and will continue to be the mainstay of the country’s culinary landscape.
