The Most Popular Food in Togo, Ranked

Choose the food you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:37
In Togo, the daily gathering around the table is an integral part of culture and socializing. Ranking the most cherished dishes not only helps visitors understand what is likely to delight their palates but also preserves the heritage of Togolese cuisine. This dynamic ranking gives both locals and tourists an opportunity to share their culinary preferences, enriching everyone's dining experience. By voting for your preferred dishes, you contribute to a real-time snapshot of what's best on plates across the country. This list is constantly updated based on popular votes, offering an up-to-date guide to what's trending in Togo's culinary scene. Your participation directly influences what newcomers might try first, steering them towards truly authentic and beloved meals.

What Is the Most Popular Food in Togo?

  1. 1
    37
    votes
    Fufu is a popular staple food in Togo made from cassava, yam, or plantain. It is usually served with soup or stew and is a favorite among the locals.
    Fufu is a traditional African dish that is widely popular in West and Central Africa. It is a starchy paste made from boiled starchy vegetables like yam, plantains, or cassava, which are then pounded into a smooth consistency. Fufu is often served as a staple accompaniment to various soups, stews, or sauces, providing a neutral and filling base for these flavorful dishes.
    • Ingredients: Fufu is primarily made from starchy vegetables such as yam, plantains, or cassava.
    • Preparation method: The starchy vegetables are boiled until soft, then pounded with a mortar and pestle until a smooth consistency is achieved.
    • Texture: Fufu has a smooth and dough-like texture, similar to a firm dumpling or mashed potato.
    • Taste: Fufu itself has a mild, subtly sweet taste, allowing it to complement and absorb the flavors of the accompanying soups or sauces.
    • Serving style: Fufu is typically served in rounded balls or portions, accompanied by a variety of soups, stews, or sauces.
  2. 2
    23
    votes
    Pâte is a type of porridge made from cornmeal, millet, or sorghum flour. It is often served with soup or stew and is a common breakfast food in Togo.
    Pâte is a staple food in Togo, commonly known as 'fufu' or 'foo foo'. It is a dough-like dish made from different starchy ingredients, such as cassava, yam, plantains, or corn flour, which are boiled and then pounded or kneaded into a smooth paste. Pâte is usually served alongside various sauces and stews.
    • Starchy ingredients: Cassava, yam, plantains, or corn flour
    • Preparation method: Boiled and pounded or kneaded into a smooth paste
    • Common names: 'Fufu' or 'Foo Foo'
    • Serving style: Usually served with sauces and stews
    • Texture: Dough-like and smooth
  3. 3
    20
    votes
    Akume is a type of cornmeal dish that is similar to pâte. It is often eaten with soup or stew and is a popular breakfast food in Togo.
    Akume, also known as cornmeal porridge, is a popular food in Togo. It is a traditional dish made from ground corn (maize) and water. The mixture is cooked to a smooth, thick consistency, similar to polenta or grits.
    • Ingredients: Ground corn, water
    • Consistency: Smooth and thick
    • Texture: Soft and creamy
    • Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet
    • Serving Temperature: Hot
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Riz gras
    Aboukam · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Riz gras is a popular rice dish in Togo that is usually served with tomato sauce, vegetables, and meat. It is a flavorful and filling meal that is enjoyed by many.
    Riz gras is a popular dish in Togo that translates to 'greasy rice' in English. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal typically made with fragrant long grain rice, meat, vegetables, and an assortment of spices. The dish has a rich and creamy consistency, resulting from the combination of ingredients and careful cooking techniques.
    • Main Ingredients: Rice, meat (commonly chicken or beef), vegetables (such as tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers), and spices.
    • Cooking Method: The rice is typically cooked separately and then combined with the sautéed meat and vegetables. This is followed by the addition of spices, broth or stock, and sometimes tomato paste.
    • Flavor Profile: Riz gras is known for its robust and well-balanced flavors. It is often mildly spicy, with a combination of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
    • Common Spices: Spices commonly used in riz gras include thyme, bay leaves, garlic, ginger, cumin, cloves, and sometimes chili powder or paprika.
    • Accompaniments: Riz gras is often served with fried plantains, fried or grilled meat/fish, and a side of fresh salad or vegetables.
  5. 5
    19
    votes
    Tchakpallo is a traditional Togolese dish made from cornmeal, vegetables, and spices. It is a delicious and healthy meal that is often enjoyed with family and friends.
    Tchakpallo is a popular traditional dish from Togo, West Africa. It is a flavorful and savory stew made with palm nut oil, vegetables, and meat or fish. The dish is typically served with a side of fufu, a dough-like staple made from cassava, yam, or plantains.
    • Primary Ingredients: Palm nut oil, vegetables, meat or fish
    • Accompaniment: Fufu
    • Flavor Profile: Rich, tangy, and spicy
    • Common Vegetables Used: Okra, eggplant, pumpkin, and spinach
    • Meat Varieties Used: Chicken, beef, goat, or fish
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    Gari is a type of cassava flour that is used to make various dishes in Togo. It can be used to make fufu, porridge, or as a side dish with soup or stew.
    Gari is a staple food in Togo, commonly consumed in various forms. It is made from cassava, a root vegetable that is shredded, fermented, and then roasted to produce a coarse, granular texture. Gari is widely used in Togolese cuisine as a main ingredient in dishes or as a side dish.
    • Ingredients: Cassava root
    • Preparation: Shredding, fermentation, and roasting
    • Texture: Coarse and granular
    • Color: Off-white to light yellow
    • Taste: Mildly sour and nutty
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Agouti is a type of rodent that is hunted and eaten in Togo. It is usually stewed or grilled and is considered a delicacy by many.
    Agouti is a popular food in Togo, West Africa, known for its unique and delicious taste. It is a traditional dish made from the meat of the agouti, a rodent native to the region.
    • Meat: Agouti meat is lean and tender, with a slightly gamey flavor.
    • Preparation: Agouti is typically marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, and then either grilled, roasted, or stewed.
    • Flavor: It has a rich and distinctive taste, with a combination of savory and aromatic flavors.
    • Texture: The agouti meat is tender and moist, offering a satisfying mouthfeel.
    • Serving: Agouti is often served with traditional side dishes like yam, plantains, or cornmeal.
  8. 8
    13
    votes
    Attiéké is a type of couscous made from cassava that is popular in Togo and other West African countries. It is usually served with fish or meat and is a favorite among locals and tourists.
    Attiéké is a traditional Ivorian food made from fermented cassava. The cassava is grated, soaked, and then left to ferment for a few days, resulting in a fluffy and slightly tangy couscous-like texture. It is typically served as a side dish or a base for various stews and sauces.
    • Origin: Ivory Coast
    • Main Ingredients: Cassava
    • Texture: Fluffy and slightly tangy
    • Preparation Method: Grating, soaking, and fermenting
    • Serving Style: Side dish or base for stews/sauces
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    Koki is a type of steamed bean cake that is popular in Togo and Cameroon. It is made from black-eyed peas and spices and is often served as a side dish with meat or fish.
    Koki is a traditional dish from Togo, West Africa. It is a popular steamed bean pudding made from black-eyed peas, palm oil, and various seasonings. The mixture is traditionally wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed to perfection. Koki has a rich and savory taste, with a slightly dense texture similar to a dense cake or pudding.
    • Main Ingredients: Black-eyed peas, palm oil
    • Cooking Method: Steaming
    • Seasonings: Onions, garlic, ginger, hot peppers
    • Wrapper: Banana leaves or foil
    • Cuisine: Traditional Togolese
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Poulet Yassa is a popular Togolese dish that is made from marinated chicken, onions, and lemon juice. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is often served with rice or couscous.
    Poulet Yassa is a popular dish from Togo, known for its flavorful and tangy taste. It is traditionally made with marinated chicken cooked in a rich onion and citrus-based sauce.
    • Main Ingredient: Chicken
    • Sauce: Onion and citrus-based
    • Flavor Profile: Tangy and savory
    • Preparation Method: Marinated and grilled or roasted
    • Spiciness: Mild to moderate

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Ranking factors for popular food

  1. Traditional dishes
    Foods that are rooted in Togolese culture and have been passed down through generations are likely to be popular and enjoy a loyal following.
  2. Taste and appeal
    The food should be generally liked and enjoyed by the majority of Togolese people, regardless of their individual taste preferences.
  3. Influence from neighboring countries
    Foods that have been influenced or adapted from the cuisine of neighboring countries, such as Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso, can be considered as popular Togolese food, as long as they integrate local ingredients and flavors.
  4. Nutrition and health value
    Foods that offer essential nutrients and promote a healthy diet can become popular among health-conscious Togolese individuals.
  5. Frequency of consumption
    Foods that are consumed more frequently by the population, either as everyday meals or during special occasions, can be considered more popular.
  6. Street food and local eateries
    Food items that are in high demand at street food stalls and local eateries often indicate their popularity among locals.
  7. Regional variations
    Keep in mind that culinary preferences may vary across different regions of Togo, so a popular food in one area may not necessarily be as popular in another.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in Togo. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1917 views
  • 161 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular food in togo

Togo, located in West Africa, boasts a rich culinary tradition influenced by its diverse ethnic groups and neighboring countries. The most popular food in Togo is undoubtedly Fufu, a starchy dish made from cassava, yams, or plantains, which is often paired with a flavorful soup or stew. Another popular Togolese dish is Akoume, a fermented cornmeal dish that is often served with grilled fish or meat. Other popular Togolese dishes include Kuli-Kuli, a tasty snack made from ground peanuts, and Pâte, a dough-like dish made from cornmeal or cassava flour. With its bold flavors and unique ingredients, Togolese cuisine is definitely worth exploring for any food lover.

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