Availability
Location
Duration
Where it happens
Who for
2 activities
- Dakar, Plateau, Medina1 h to a full day
Starting at:
6 600 CFA6 270 CFA -5%
Resident :  
- Lac Rose2 h
Starting at:
16 500 CFA14 190 CFA -14%
Resident :  
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.
Sénégal travel news
Latest news
Discover the latest trends and tips for traveling in Senegal. From cultural tourism to outdoor activities, stay informed about events and news that will make your stay unforgettable.
The Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art): Showcase of Contemporary African Art
The Saint-Louis International Jazz Festival: A Must-Attend Musical Event
The African Renaissance Monument: Pride and Symbol of Dakar
Gorée Island: Memory and World Heritage off the Coast of Dakar
Lake Rose (Lake Retba): a natural wonder at the gates of Dakar
The Sine-Saloum Delta: between mangroves, islands, and Serer traditions
The Madeleine Islands: National Park Off the Coast of Dakar
Fathala Reserve: a full-scale safari in Senegal
Bandia Park: safari in the heart of the Petite Côte
The Mosque of Divinity: Spirituality and Architecture Facing the Ocean
The Mamelles Lighthouse: Panorama and History of Dakar
Dakar’s Iconic Markets: Immersion into the Soul of the Capital
The House of Slaves on Gorée Island: A Universal Memory in Senegal
The Great Mosque of Dakar: Spirituality and Cultural Heritage
The Museum of Black Civilizations: Heritage and Modernity in Dakar
The Théodore Monod Museum of African Art: Heritage Treasure of Dakar
Ideal Itinerary : 3 Days in Dakar
The Dakar region, the beating heart of Senegal
