Cooking classes in Senegal
Senegalese cuisine, celebrated throughout West Africa, offers a rich and immersive experience where every dish has its own story, techniques, and secrets. Taking a cooking class in Dakar or along the Petite Côte means joining a family or small group, taking part in ingredient shopping at the local market, learning plating techniques, and sharing the meal around a glass of bissap or attaya — traditional Senegalese tea. In Joal-Fadiouth or Saly, workshops often begin with a walk through the village market alongside the “lady of the house,” who shares her tips on choosing fish or cooking rice before revealing the secrets of the famous thiéboudienne, Senegal’s national dish, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Fun fact: in Senegal, guests are often invited to share a communal meal served in a large bowl. There are, however, a few etiquette rules to follow. Each guest eats only from the section of the bowl directly in front of them, while the hostess distributes the Ndawal (meat or fish) by placing it before each participant. At the end of the class, an introduction to the art of tea serving (ataya) extends the moment of conviviality — and the more curious guests may even discover the traditional cowrie shell divination ritual, often practiced during family gatherings.
Each class offers a true immersion into daily life: beyond thiéboudienne, you’ll learn to prepare other iconic dishes such as yassa chicken, mafé (peanut stew), or soupou kandja (okra sauce). It’s a moment of sharing and cultural transmission where the cook or chef passes on authentic know-how.
Workshops are open to everyone — adults and children alike — and can be easily booked online with a 20% deposit and the balance paid on site.
Available options
- Discovery Class: Introduction with a simple recipe (2–3 hours) and tasting session.
- Full Workshop: Market visit, preparation of a full dish, learning traditional techniques, and group meal.
- Cooking Courses: Multi-recipe learning over several days for a deeper culinary immersion.
- Family or Group Classes: Hands-on, interactive workshops — a fun activity for both kids and adults.
Main locations
- Dakar: Home-based workshops, cooking schools, and cultural centers.
- Petite Côte: Saly, Somone, Joal-Fadiouth — village homes and local markets.
Local anecdotes
- In Dakar, some workshops include a guided visit to the market to buy the ingredients used during the class.
- Classes almost always end with a shared tasting session — lively discussions around the prepared dish are part of the experience.
FAQ
Are beginners welcome? Yes, classes are designed for all levels with step-by-step explanations.
Are ingredients provided? Yes, fresh ingredients and utensils are included.
Duration? 2–3 hours for a standard workshop, half-day with market visit, or several days for advanced courses.
Prices? €20–30 for a classic workshop; €40–60 for a complete course including market visit and meal.
