Sierra Leonean cuisine is experiencing a revival of sorts, thanks to the interest of world-famous chefs and great ambassadors like Maria Bradford, who recently published the book of recipes Sweet Salone.We already mentioned Maria’s book in one of our recent newsletters – make sure you sign up to find out what’s new in the world of tourism in Sierra Leone before anyone else! Meanwhile, let’s have a look at 5 amazing seafood dishes to try in Sierra Leone. As a coastal country, it comes as no surprise you’ll be eating lots of seafood when you visit!
5 Seafood Dishes to Try in Sierra Leone
1. Fishballs
This is one of the most delicious ways to have fish! Fishballs are made with boneless fish, mixed with seasonings like onions, chili, garlic, potatoes and coriander, all pounded together in neat little balls.Fishballs can be enjoyed fried as a street food snack, or as part of a tomato-based stew with a variety of spices and other vegetables, served alongside Snacks or rice. Yum!
2. Huntu
Huntu is a variation on the basic fishball recipe, with the addition of spices and a sesame crust that makes these fried treats even more appetizing.This specialty is usually sold by Fula women, one of Sierra Leone’s many ethnic groups. To make huntu, white fish is combined with ginger, garlic, onion,cornmeal, scotch bonnet and semolina, before being rolled into sesame, powdered ginger and chili flakes.
3. Krain Krain
This is one of Sierra Leone’s favorite dishes and one you’re definitely likely to try during your trip. Krain krain is a sauce made of tiny green leaves,pepper,onions,ogiri,meat or fish and palmoil. served over rice.
4. Pepe Fish
Grilled fish with peanuts, what’s not to like? Pepe is made with whole fish, marinated in spices and herbs before being grilled with a scrumptious peanut butter-based seasoning.Snapper is a good choice, but pepe is traditionally made with the day’s catch so anything will do really!
5. Lafidi
Lafidi is not really a dish per se, but more of an accompaniment to other dishes. This thick sauce is made with pounded vegetables (usually eggplant, pepper and okra) benni and dried powdered fish, usually served over rice.It’s common also in nearby West African countries, such as our neighbor Guinea where it’s known as fouti. Whatever you call it, it’s delicious!
