Cuisine in Sierra Leone

Cassava Leaf Stew

National dish made from pounded cassava leaves simmered with palm oil, fish, and spices.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Cassava leaves, Palm oil, Fish, Okra

Jollof Rice (Sierra Leonean style)

West African rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices.

• Region: Urban areas
• Main ingredients: Rice, Tomato paste, Onions, Chicken

Groundnut Soup

Rich soup based on peanut butter, eaten with rice balls.

• Region: North
• Main ingredients: Peanuts, Chicken, Tomatoes, Chili

Krain-Krain

Slimy soup with chopped okra. Served with fufu or rice.

• Region: South
• Main ingredients: Okra, Palm oil, Dried fish

Akara

Fried black-eyed pea paste snack. Popular for breakfast and at street stalls.

• Region: Freetown
• Main ingredients: Black-eyed peas, Oil, Chili peppers

Fufu

Cassava or plantain pounded into a dough-like staple. Eaten with various soups.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Cassava, Plantains

Pepper Soup

Clear seafood soup spiced with chili. Also enjoyed as a fever remedy.

• Region: Coastal areas
• Main ingredients: Fish, Chili peppers, Herbs

Benachin (Coconut Rice)

Sweet rice cooked in coconut milk. Celebratory dish.

• Region: South
• Main ingredients: Rice, Coconut milk, Salt

Fried Plantains

Ripe plantains fried in oil as a snack.

• Region: Nationwide
• Main ingredients: Plantains, Oil, Salt

Benne Cake

Sweet confection made from hardened sesame seeds and sugar.

• Region: North
• Main ingredients: Sesame seeds, Sugar