Dakar cooking workshop: ‘Thiéboudienne’ and ‘Mafe’

Dive into the heart of Senegalese flavors with an immersive cooking workshop in Dakar. Between Plateau, Médina, and the lively neighborhoods of the capital, you will learn to prepare two of the country’s most iconic dishes: thiéboudienne, a true national symbol, and mafé, a delicious peanut-based stew. Accessible to all, this workshop combines culinary techniques, cultural discovery, and convivial tasting.

The session begins with an introduction to local ingredients: fresh fish from the coast, colorful vegetables (carrots, eggplant, okra, cassava), mild spices, peanut paste, broken rice, aromatic herbs, and traditional condiments.
You will learn the origin of each dish, regional variations, and the secrets that make a Senegalese recipe truly authentic.

Next comes the preparation of thiéboudienne, Senegal’s flagship dish:
• cleaning and seasoning the fish,
• cutting and cooking the vegetables,
• preparing the nokoss (traditional herb and spice mix),
• making the sauce,
• cooking the rice in the flavored broth.

You then move on to mafé, a rich and savory dish:
• preparing the aromatic base,
• cooking the vegetables,
• adding the peanut paste,
• choosing the protein (meat or vegetarian version depending on the day),
• final seasoning.

The workshop takes place in a friendly atmosphere, often in an open or semi-open space typical of Dakar, where you may occasionally hear the sounds of the neighborhood.
The session ends with a full tasting, a moment to share and enjoy your own creations while exchanging about Senegalese culinary traditions.

Activities and discoveries around Dakar

• Kermel Market Perfect for exploring stalls of vegetables and local spices.
• Tilène Market (Médina) An authentic place to understand daily life in Dakar.
• Dakar Corniche Ideal for a stroll after a hearty meal.
• Plateau streets Cafés, galleries, shops, and urban ambiance.
• Gorée Island or Ngor Island Nearby, perfect for extending the day.