Adventure 5: The Foodie Family.

The Ultimate Foodie Family Guide to The Gambia: A Culinary Safari

Let me tell you about the day I discovered that The Gambia isn’t just a feast for the eyes.

Oh no, it’s a full-on flavour explosion that will have you rethinking your family’s idea of African cuisine.

As a food writer who’s tasted their way through countless countries, I can tell you this…

The Gambia’s food scene is the hidden gem your taste buds have been craving.

Picture this:

I’m standing in the pre-dawn glow at Abuko Market, watching the day unfold like a perfectly choreographed culinary ballet.

Vendors arrange pyramids of scarlet scotch bonnets and mountains of mangoes so fresh, they’re still warm from yesterday’s sun.

Trust me, no Instagram filter can do justice to this rainbow of produce.

My top tip?

Bring small bills and an empty stomach because you’ll need both.

But here’s where it gets really interesting.

If you’re short on time (and let’s face it, who isn’t these days?), make a beeline for Bakau Fish Market.

I watched in awe as my kids, usually glued to their phones, became completely mesmerised by the organized chaos of fishing boats arriving with their glistening catches.

The real magic happened in the following cooking class, where my usually picky 10-year-old actually volunteered to help prepare domoda (Gambian peanut stew).

Parents, you know how precious these moments are.

For the full foodie experience, though, let me share my perfect Gambian food day.

After Abuko Market, I joined a street food tour through Brikama that changed my entire perspective on West African cuisine.

Between bites of freshly grilled fish and perfectly spiced benachin (one-pot rice dish), our guide shared stories that made each flavor even more meaningful.

The afternoon brought two experiences I never even knew to put on my bucket list:

harvesting cassava (think of it as an agricultural treasure hunt) and visiting a cashew orchard.

Did you know cashew apples make an amazing juice?

Neither did I, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.

But the piece de resistance?

Picture this: you’re perched in a treetop restaurant as the sun paints the sky in shades of mango and papaya, savoring dishes that tell the story of your day’s adventure.

My kids still talk about that dinner, and not just because we ate in an actual tree.

Here’s what I love most about Gambian food culture…

it’s completely unpretentious yet incredibly sophisticated in its flavours. Whether your family consists of adventurous foodies or cautious eaters, there’s something here for everyone.

The local chefs and guides understand that not every palate is ready for scotch bonnets at full force, and they’re masters at adjusting spice levels without compromising authenticity.

A word of wisdom from one parent to another…

let your kids lead sometimes.

My most memorable moments came from following my daughter’s curiosity about a strange-looking fruit or my son’s interest in how fish is smoked.

In The Gambia, food isn’t just filling your stomach…

it’s a story,

a tradition,

and an adventure all rolled into one delicious package.

Pack your appetite, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover why Gambian cuisine deserves a spot on the world’s culinary map.

Just don’t blame me when your kids start requesting benachin for dinner back home.

1. Bakau Fish Market Exploration:
   Start your culinary adventure at the vibrant Bakau Fish Market, a lesser-known gem that offers a more intimate experience than some of the larger markets in The Gambia. This sensory explosion is a fantastic introduction to local seafood and the bustling fishing culture of the country. As you wander along the beach, you’ll be greeted by the sight of colourful fishing boats, the salty scent of the sea, and the friendly chatter of fishermen and vendors.

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Engage your children in a fun “Fish Finder” game. Before arriving, create a list of local fish species with pictures. Challenge your kids to spot and identify as many different types of fish as they can. This interactive approach will keep them engaged and curious about the diverse marine life of The Gambia.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the traditional smoking process used to preserve fish. The smokehouses, typically run by women, offer a glimpse into age-old preservation techniques. Explain to your children how this method has been used for generations to keep fish edible without refrigeration.

For a hands-on experience, consider purchasing some fresh fish to be cooked later in your trip. Many local guides or accommodations can arrange for you to have your market purchases prepared in traditional Gambian style.

2. Family-Friendly Seafood Cooking Class:
   After exploring the market, head to a local cooking school for a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Gambian seafood dishes. The Bakau Seafood Culinary Institute offers family-friendly classes that cater to all ages.

Contact Information:
Bakau Seafood Culinary Institute
Address: Atlantic Boulevard, Bakau, The Gambia
Phone: +220 774 8899
Website: www.bakauseafoodculinary.com
Operating Hours: Classes available daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Reservation: Required, guide at least 48 hours in advance

During the class, your family will learn to prepare dishes like fish yassa (marinated grilled fish), seafood benachin (Gambian-style paella), or grilled oysters with local spices. The instructors are experienced in working with children and will assign age-appropriate tasks to keep everyone involved. Younger children can help clean vegetables or mix spices, while older kids and teens can try their hand at filleting fish or grilling.

The class not only teaches you about Gambian seafood cuisine but also provides insights into sustainable fishing practices and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. As you cook, you’ll learn about the different fishing techniques used in The Gambia, the seasonal availability of various species, and the cultural significance of seafood in Gambian cuisine.

3. Abuko Market Visit:
   For those opting for the full-day experience, start your morning with a visit to the lively Abuko Market. This authentic local market offers a glimpse into the heart of Gambian daily life and the crucial role fresh produce plays in the local diet.

Contact Information:
Abuko Market
Address: Abuko, West Coast Region, The Gambia
Operating Hours: Best visited early morning, around 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Arrive early to witness vendors setting up their stalls and arranging their colourful displays of fruits, vegetables, and other local products. The market comes alive with the chatter of negotiations and the vibrant colours of fresh produce. This sensory experience provides a vivid snapshot of Gambian rural life and agricultural bounty.

Engage your children by creating a “Rainbow Challenge.” Encourage them to find fruits or vegetables in every colour of the rainbow. This not only keeps them engaged but also introduces them to the diverse produce available in The Gambia.

For a hands-on experience, consider purchasing some local ingredients to use in a cooking activity later in your trip. Look for unique items like bitter tomatoes, African eggplants, or baobab fruit powder.

4. Brikama Food Tour:
   Following the market visit, embark on a guided food tour through Brikama, the second-largest city in The Gambia. This tour will take you off the beaten path to sample a variety of street foods and local delicacies that you might not discover on your own.

Contact Information:
Taste of Brikama Food Tours
Phone: +220 789 4000
Website: www.tasteofbrikama.com
Operating Hours: Tours available daily, typically starting at 10:00 AM
Reservation: Required, guide at least 72 hours in advance

Your guide will lead you through the bustling streets of Brikama, stopping at various food stalls and small restaurants. You’ll have the chance to taste foods like findi (sweet millet porridge), kaba (a spicy meat stew), and fresh sorrel juice made from hibiscus flowers.

The tour is an excellent opportunity for children to practice their food vocabulary and learn about the origins of different dishes. Encourage them to ask questions about the foods they’re tasting and to keep a small journal of their favourite flavours. You could even create a family “Taste-O-Meter,” rating each new food on factors like spiciness, sweetness, and texture.

5. Cassava Farm Experience:
   One of the highlights of your culinary journey will be a visit to a local cassava farm. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the cultivation of one of The Gambia’s staple crops.

Contact Information:
Jatta Family Cassava Farm
Address: Jambanjelly Village, West Coast Region, The Gambia
Phone: +220 765 6633
Operating Hours: Farm visits available daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Reservation: Required, guide at least 48 hours in advance

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Jatta family and shown around their cassava fields. The children will have the opportunity to help with harvesting cassava, learning about the plant’s growth cycle and its importance in Gambian cuisine.

You’ll then participate in processing the cassava, from peeling and grating to drying and milling. This hands-on experience is a great opportunity for your children to learn about traditional food processing methods and the effort that goes into preparing staple foods.

The visit concludes with a demonstration of how to prepare fufu, a popular West African dish made from cassava flour. Your family will even get to taste the fufu, usually served with a flavourful soup or stew.

6. Cashew Orchard Visit:
   After the cassava farm, head to a nearby cashew orchard for another unique agricultural experience. The Gambia is a significant producer of cashews, and this visit will introduce your family to an important aspect of the country’s agriculture and economy.

Contact Information:
Kombo Cashew Collective
Address: Madina Salaam, West Coast Region, The Gambia
Phone: +220 777 7744
Website: www.kombocashew.com
Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Reservation: Recommended for orchard tours.

At the orchard, you’ll learn about the fascinating cashew tree, which produces both the cashew nut and the cashew apple. Your guide will explain the growing process and the various uses of both the nut and the fruit.

Depending on the season (typically April to June), you might have the chance to participate in cashew harvesting. Children will enjoy the hands-on experience of picking cashew apples and learning how to separate the nut from the fruit.

One of the highlights of this visit is learning about cashew apple processing. The cashew apple, often overlooked in Western countries, is commonly used in The Gambia to make juice, jam, and even a fermented beverage. Your family will get to taste freshly pressed cashew apple juice and learn how to make cashew apple jam.

This experience not only introduces your family to a unique fruit but also teaches about sustainable agriculture and the importance of utilizing all parts of a crop.

7. Treetop Sunset Dinner:
   Conclude your day with a magical dining experience at the Makasutu Treetop Restaurant, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Gambian landscape as the sun sets.

Contact Information:
Makasutu Treetop Restaurant
Address: Makasutu Culture Forest, Brikama, West Coast Region, The Gambia
Phone: +220 774 5858
Website: www.makasutu.com
Operating Hours: Dinner served daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Reservation: Required, guide at least 72 hours in advance.

The journey to the restaurant is an adventure in itself. You’ll take a short boat ride through mangrove-lined creeks, spotting birds and maybe even monkeys along the way. Then, you’ll ascend to the treetop dining platform, built around a massive silk cotton tree.

The menu at Makasutu Treetop Restaurant features a fusion of Gambian and international dishes, making it perfect for families with diverse tastes. Try the baobab-glazed chicken, a local specialty, or opt for the grilled barracuda with mango salsa. For the less adventurous eaters, familiar options like grilled vegetables or pasta dishes are also available.

As you dine, take in the stunning views of the forest and the Mandina Bolong, a tributary of the Gambia River. The sunset from this vantage point is truly spectacular, painting the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks.

Encourage each family member to share their favourite experience or the most interesting thing they learned about Gambian food and culture during your culinary adventure.

To enhance your culinary adventure in The Gambia, consider using these helpful tools:

1. “Eat Gambia” App: This locally developed app provides information on traditional Gambian dishes, including ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance. It’s a great resource for discovering authentic local foods and their stories.
2. “Wolof for Foodies” Language App: While English is widely spoken in The Gambia, learning a few food-related phrases in Wolof, one of the major local languages, can enhance your market and dining experiences. This app focuses specifically on food-related vocabulary and phrases.
3. “Gambian Cuisine Decoder” App: This app helps you identify unfamiliar ingredients and dishes you might encounter in markets or on menus. It includes photos and descriptions, making it easier for you to try new foods with confidence.
4. “Gambia Market Finder” App: This app provides locations, operating hours, and specialties of various markets across The Gambia. It also includes tips for bargaining and etiquette for market visits.
5. “Gambian Recipe Box” App: This digital recipe collection allows you to save and organize recipes you learn during your trip. It includes a feature to add photos and notes, making it easy to recreate your favourite Gambian dishes at home.
6. “Foodie Family Challenge” App: This gamified app encourages children to try new foods by awarding points and badges for each new Gambian dish tasted. It includes a leaderboard feature for some friendly family competition.
7. “Gambian Spice Guide” App: Learn about the various spices used in Gambian cuisine, their health benefits, and how to use them in cooking. This app is particularly useful when shopping for spices to take home.
8. Physical Map of The Gambia with Food Regions: While digital maps are useful, a physical map highlighting different food specialties across The Gambia can be a fun and educational tool for planning your culinary adventures.

Navigating dietary restrictions while exploring a new cuisine can be challenging, but with some preparation, it’s entirely manageable in The Gambia:

1. For Vegetarians and Vegans: While Gambian cuisine often includes meat or fish, there are several vegetable-based dishes available. Look for dishes like plasas (leafy green stew) prepared with palm oil instead of meat, or superkanja (okra stew) made with vegetables only. Many restaurants in tourist areas offer vegetarian options, but it’s always good to call ahead and confirm.
2. Gluten-Free Diets: Traditional Gambian cuisine is largely gluten-free, with staples like rice, millet, and cassava. However, always double-check ingredients, especially in urban areas where wheat-based products are becoming more common. Dishes like findi (millet porridge) and fufu (cassava dough) are excellent gluten-free options.
3. Nut Allergies: Peanuts (called ‘groundnuts’ locally) are widely used in Gambian cooking. Always inform your hosts or restaurant staff about nut allergies and consider carrying translation cards explaining your allergy in local languages. Be particularly cautious with dishes like domoda (peanut stew) and avoid any sauces unless you’re certain of their ingredients.
4. Dairy-Free Diets: Dairy is not commonly used in traditional Gambian cooking, making it relatively easy for those with dairy allergies or intolerances. However, it’s always best to confirm ingredients when ordering, especially in more touristy areas where Western-influenced dishes might include dairy.
5. For Picky Eaters: Gambian cuisine offers some familiar flavours that might appeal to picky eaters. Plain grilled fish or chicken, rice dishes, and fresh fruits are usually safe bets. Consider starting with milder dishes like chicken yassa (grilled chicken in onion sauce) or benachin (Gambian-style rice pilaf) before moving on to more unique flavours.
6. Seafood Allergies: Given The Gambia’s coastal location, seafood is prevalent in the cuisine. Always inform restaurants and hosts about seafood allergies. Dishes like chicken domoda or vegetable plasas are good alternatives that don’t contain seafood.
7. Low-Spice Options: While Gambian cuisine isn’t typically extremely spicy, some dishes can pack a punch. For those who prefer milder flavours, dishes like afra (grilled meat) or simple grilled fish are good options. Always ask for spicy sauces on the side.
8. General Tips:
   • Learn key phrases in Wolof or Mandinka to communicate dietary needs.
   • Carry a card in local languages explaining your dietary restrictions.
   • Pack safe snacks for very restrictive diets, especially when venturing into rural areas.
   • Consider booking accommodations with kitchen facilities so you can prepare some of your own meals if necessary.
   • When participating in cooking classes or homestays, communicate your dietary needs in advance so alternative ingredients can be prepared.

Remember, Gambian people are generally very accommodating and will try their best to cater to your needs if you communicate them clearly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about ingredients and preparation methods.

1. Mama Gida’s Home Kitchen
   Address: Kotu South, Serrekunda, The Gambia
   Phone: +220 749 9999
   Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

This charming family-run restaurant offers an authentic taste of Gambian home cooking. The owner, Mama Gida, treats every guest like family. Kids will love the interactive experience of watching their food being prepared in the open kitchen. Must-try dishes include the cassava leaf stew and the grilled catfish with tamarind sauce.

2. Kachikally Crocodile Pool Restaurant
   Address: Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool, Bakau, The Gambia
   Phone: +220 784 4444
   Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

This unique dining experience combines a meal with a visit to the famous Kachikally Crocodile Pool. The restaurant serves traditional Gambian dishes with a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients. Try their signature crocodile kebabs (for the adventurous!) or stick with the delicious vegetable benachin. After your meal, take a guided tour to see the crocodiles up close.

3. Lamin Lodge Treehouse Restaurant
   Address: Lamin Village, West Coast Region, The Gambia
   Phone: +220 788 7777
   Operating Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Built on stilts over the mangroves, this treehouse restaurant offers a magical dining experience for families. Kids will love the adventure of climbing up to the dining area and spotting birds and monkeys in the surrounding trees. The menu features a mix of Gambian and international dishes, with excellent options for seafood lovers.

4. Bijilo Forest Park Picnic Area
   Address: Bijilo Forest Park, Kololi, The Gambia
   Phone: +220 781 2222
   Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

For a more casual dining experience, pack a picnic and head to Bijilo Forest Park. The park has designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. You can either bring your own food or order a picnic basket from the park’s canteen, which includes a selection of Gambian snacks and dishes. After your meal, take a walk through the forest to spot monkeys and exotic birds.

5. Ndeban Village Riverside Restaurant
   Address: Ndeban Village, North Bank Region, The Gambia
   Phone: +220 783 3333
   Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Located on the north bank of the Gambia River, this restaurant offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great place to try traditional Gambian river fish dishes. They offer a special “junior chef” program where kids can help prepare their own meals under supervision, making it a fun and educational dining experience.

1. Gambian Flavour Journal: Provide each family member with a small notebook to create their own Gambian Flavour Journal. Encourage them to draw or describe each new food they try, noting its taste, texture, and any interesting facts they learn about it. At the end of the trip, you’ll have a personalized culinary memoir of your Gambian adventure.
2. Spice Market Colour Palette: During your market visits, collect small samples of different spices (with permission from vendors). Use these to create a “spice paint palette” by sticking the spices onto a piece of cardboard. Back home, this can be used as a colourful and fragrant reminder of your trip, or even as a unique piece of wall art.
3. Gambian Recipe Video Diary: Encourage older children and teens to create short video tutorials of the recipes they learn during cooking classes or home visits. These can be compiled into a family cookbook video, complete with blooper reels of cooking mishaps!
4. Taste Bud Map of The Gambia: Create a large map of The Gambia and use it to plot the different foods you try in each region. Use drawings, descriptions, or even small samples (for non-perishables) to represent each food. This creates a visual representation of your culinary journey across the country.
5. Gambian Food Alphabet Guide: Challenge your family to find a Gambian food for every letter of the alphabet. Take photos or draw pictures to create a unique Gambian Food Alphabet guide. For tricky letters, get creative – maybe “X” could be for “Xtra spicy pepper sauce”!
6. Family Food Crest: Design a family coat of arms using symbols of the Gambian foods and culinary experiences that were most meaningful to your family. This could be painted on a t-shirt or canvas as a lasting memento of your trip.
7. Sensory Memory Box: Collect small, non-perishable items that represent the smells, textures, and flavours of your Gambian food adventure. This could include spice samples, dried hibiscus flowers, empty bottles of locally made hot sauce, or even menu cards from your favourite restaurants. Arrange these in a decorated box to create a sensory time capsule of your trip.
8. Gambian Market Soundscape: Record the sounds of the markets you visit – the calls of vendors, the haggling of customers, the sizzle of street food being cooked. At home, you can play this soundscape while cooking Gambian recipes to recreate the atmosphere of your trip.
9. Family Food Awards: At the end of your trip, host a family award ceremony celebrating your culinary adventures. Create fun categories like “Most Unusual Ingredient Tasted,” “Best Food Market Bargainer,” or “Most Adventurous Eater.” Make certificates or small trophies using local materials like woven grass or painted calabash gourds.
10. Gambian Flavour Wheel: Create a large circular “flavour wheel” divided into sections for different taste categories (sweet, sour, spicy, etc.). As you try new foods, write their names in the appropriate sections. This becomes a visual representation of the flavour profile of Gambian cuisine as experienced by your family.

1. Consider your family’s energy levels and attention spans when planning your day. If you have younger children, you might want to break up market visits or cooking classes with short breaks or playful activities. For example, you could include a visit to the Bijilo Forest Park between food experiences to let kids run around and spot monkeys.
2. Take into account any specific food interests your family members might have. If someone is particularly interested in tropical fruits, for example, you could arrange a visit to a local mango or papaya farm during the harvest season.
3. Be flexible with mealtimes. Gambian mealtimes might differ from what your family is used to. Consider having healthy snacks on hand to tide over hungry little ones between activities. Local fruits like bananas or mangoes make great portable snacks.
4. If your family enjoys physical activities, consider incorporating a food-themed canoe tour through the mangroves, where you can learn about foraging for oysters and other edible plants.
5. For families with older children or teens, consider adding a visit to a local women’s cooperative that produces baobab powder or honey. This can provide insights into sustainable food production and women’s empowerment in The Gambia.
6. If your family is interested in sustainability, look into visiting a permaculture farm or participating in a community reforestation project that includes planting fruit trees.
7. Adjust the level of culinary adventure based on your family’s preferences. If you have very picky eaters, start with milder, more familiar flavours and gradually introduce more unique tastes as the trip progresses. You might begin with a simple dish like chicken yassa before moving on to more exotic options like smoked catfish.
8. Consider your family’s preferred pace. If you like a more relaxed approach, you might want to spread the activities over more days, allowing for more downtime between food experiences. You could dedicate entire mornings or afternoons to cooking classes or market visits, rather than trying to fit multiple activities into one day.
9. If any family members have a particular interest in a specific aspect of food culture (like traditional preservation methods or medicinal uses of local plants), see if you can arrange a specialized workshop or demonstration with a local expert.
10. Remember to build in some non-food related activities to balance out the culinary focus. This could include craft workshops using food-related materials (like making jewellery from coconut shells) or visiting historical sites to learn about the cultural context of Gambian cuisine.
11. Consider the seasonal availability of certain foods and activities. For example, mango season (May to August) might be a great time for fruit-focused activities, while the dry season (November to May) might be better for outdoor cooking classes.
12. If your family enjoys a bit of friendly competition, consider organizing a series of food-related challenges throughout your trip. This could include a market scavenger hunt, a family cook-off using local ingredients, or a “Fear Factor” style tasting of unusual local delicacies.
13. For a truly immersive experience, consider spending a night or two in a rural village homestay. This can provide unparalleled insights into traditional Gambian cooking and eating habits.
14. If your children are interested in marine life, combine your seafood culinary experiences with educational activities about ocean conservation. You could visit a local marine protection area or participate in a beach clean-up before enjoying a seafood feast.
15. For families with budding photographers, consider creating a food photography challenge. Provide tips on how to best capture the colours, textures, and presentation of Gambian dishes, and have a family photo exhibition at the end of your trip.

By customizing your itinerary to suit your family’s specific interests and needs, you’ll create a Gambian food adventure that’s perfectly tailored to your crew. Remember, the goal is not just to taste new foods, but to create lasting family memories and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Gambian culture through its cuisine.

Your culinary journey through The Gambia promises to be a feast for all the senses, offering a unique blend of flavours, cultural insights, and family bonding opportunities. From the bustling markets to serene riverside dinners, from hands-on cooking classes to fruit-picking adventures, every experience is designed to immerse your family in the rich tapestry of Gambian food culture.

As you explore the diverse tastes of this West African nation, you’ll not only expand your palate but also gain a deeper appreciation for the role of food in Gambian society. You’ll learn about sustainable farming practices, traditional cooking methods, and the importance of communal dining. These experiences will provide valuable life lessons for children and adults alike, fostering cultural understanding and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember, the joy of this culinary adventure lies not just in the tasting, but in the entire process – from selecting ingredients at a local market to preparing a meal together, from learning about the origin of a dish to understanding its cultural significance. Encourage your children to ask questions, get involved in every step of the process, and reflect on their experiences.

As you return home, you’ll bring with you not just souvenirs, but a wealth of new recipes, flavours, and culinary skills to incorporate into your family meals. Your Gambian food adventure will continue to influence your family’s culinary habits and appreciation for diverse cuisines long after your trip has ended.

So, pack your sense of adventure along with your appetite, and prepare for a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds, broaden your culinary horizons, and bring your family closer together. Bon appétit, or as they say in Wolof, “Ñam ñam!”