Guinean Food and Cuisine
A way of coming together around authentic flavors and warm hospitality
Food, A Moment of Sharing
In Guinea, food is a way of coming together, a shared moment around the table where rice, sauces, fish and community connect. Whether you're in the bustling markets of Conakry or in a village in the highlands of the Fouta Djallon, you'll discover a cuisine rich in flavors and traditions.
When you share food here, it's not just nourishment—it's hospitality: you'll often eat from a common bowl, maybe with your right hand, and you'll be warmly invited to stay, talk, laugh.
Signature Dishes
Riz Gras - The National Dish
One of the signature dishes is Riz Gras — a richly-seasoned rice often cooked with meat or fish and vegetables. It is frequently enjoyed at celebrations and family gatherings.
This dish represents the essence of Guinean cuisine: generous, flavorful, and perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table.
Sauce Feuille - Green Tradition
Another common preparation is sauce made from leaves (cassava leaves, sweet potato leaves) often served over rice or tubers—referred to broadly as "sauce feuille" in many local areas.
This nutritious and flavorful sauce is a pillar of Guinean cuisine, rich in vitamins and prepared with love in every household.
Grilled Fish - Coastal Treasure
Grilled fish (fresh from the coast or smoked inland) is also key: on the Atlantic coast, you'll find market-fished sea-bass, snapper or tilapia grilled over charcoal, then wrapped in banana-leaf or served with spicy tomato sauce.
The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides an abundance of fresh fish that forms the foundation of many coastal meals.
Staple Ingredients
Rice and Grains
Foundation of most Guinean meals
Leafy Vegetables
Cassava, sweet potato, spinach
Root Vegetables
Cassava, plantain, yam
Sauces
Peanut, okra, tomato
Culinary Traditions
Daily Meals
Breakfast: Often light with bread, tea or coffee, sometimes accompanied by local fruits.
Lunch: The main meal with rice, sauces and meat or fish, shared with family.
Dinner: Similar to lunch but often simpler, a time for family gathering.
Dining Etiquette
Right hand: Used for eating and greeting, a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Sharing: Meals are often shared from a common bowl, strengthening community bonds.
Hospitality: Guests are always welcome at the table, refusing a meal can be considered impolite.
Taste Guinean Cuisine
Discover our authentic flavors and legendary hospitality