Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice is an iconic dish in Nigerian and West African cuisine. It consists of rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Originally from Senegal, Jollof Rice is widely prepared in Nigeria and Ghana, with specific variations in each country. In Côte d'Ivoire, it is known as "riz gras." The basic recipe includes rice, chicken thighs, onions, tomato paste, and tomatoes. Each country adds its own touch to this recipe, but the base remains the same with a tomato-based preparation. Jollof Rice is appreciated for its unique flavor and ease of preparation, making it a popular and beloved dish in the region. Interestingly, there is rivalry between several countries (mainly Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia, and Ghana) over Jollof, with even competitions. In 2023, Gambia won a Jollof Rice culinary competition organized by the Ghana Tourism Authority, beating out Nigeria and Ghana. This victory was achieved at the West Africa Food Festival (Waffest) where Gambia surprised Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal to win the title of the best Jollof in West Africa. Meanwhile, our Senegalese brothers still claim the superiority of Thieb over Jollof, especially since Thieboudienne was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.