Jollof rice is a popular dish in Benin and across West Africa, made with rice cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices. It's often served with grilled or fried fish, chicken, or beef. ¹⁾

Aloco, also known as fried plantains, is a beloved Beninese side dish or snack made from ripe plantains sliced and fried until golden brown and crispy. It's often served with spicy pepper sauce or as an accompaniment to grilled meat or fish. ²⁾

Gbegiri is a traditional Beninese soup made from peeled and cooked black-eyed peas, blended into a smooth puree with onions, peppers, and spices. It's often served as a starter or side dish with rice or millet couscous. ³⁾

Akassa, also known as maize pudding, is a popular dish in Benin made from fermented maize or cornmeal cooked into a thick porridge-like consistency. It's often served with a spicy sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers. ⁴⁾

Grilled fish is a common dish in Benin, especially along the coast where fresh seafood is abundant. Fish such as tilapia, mackerel, or barracuda are seasoned with spices, grilled over an open flame, and served with a side of spicy sauce or vegetables. ⁵⁾

Peanut sauce is a versatile condiment used in many Beninese dishes, made from ground peanuts, tomatoes, onions, and spices such as ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. It's often served with rice, couscous, or grilled meat. ⁶⁾

Yam pottage, or “yam porridge,” is a hearty and comforting dish made from boiled yams cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices. It's often served as a main course or side dish with grilled fish or meat. ⁷⁾

Fufu is a staple food in Benin, made from boiled and mashed starchy vegetables such as cassava, yams, or plantains. It's typically served as an accompaniment to soups, stews, or sauces, and eaten by tearing off small pieces and dipping them into the sauce. ⁸⁾

Kuli kuli is a popular snack in Benin made from ground peanuts mixed with spices and formed into small balls or sticks, then deep-fried until crispy. It's often enjoyed as a crunchy and flavorful snack or appetizer. ⁹⁾

Gboma dessi is a traditional Beninese dish made from leafy greens such as spinach or amaranth cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, then simmered in palm oil. It's a nutritious and flavorful side dish often served with fufu or rice. ¹⁰⁾

Atassi is a savory Beninese dish made from boiled and mashed cassava, mixed with palm oil, onions, and spices, then simmered until thickened. It's often served as a side dish or snack, accompanied by grilled fish or meat. ¹¹⁾

Gari foto is a popular street food in Benin made from roasted or fried cassava granules (gari) mixed with vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat or fish. It's seasoned with spices and often served with a side of spicy sauce. ¹²⁾

Moyo is a traditional Beninese dish made from pounded yams or cassava, cooked into a smooth paste and flavored with palm oil, onions, and spices. It's often served as a side dish or accompaniment to grilled fish or meat. ¹³⁾

Klouikloui is a sweet Beninese snack made from fried dough balls coated in a syrup made from honey or sugar, flavored with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. It's a popular treat enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. ¹⁴⁾

Papillon, meaning “butterfly” in French, is a festive Beninese dish made from pounded yams shaped into small balls, then boiled and served with a spicy tomato and peanut sauce. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish often enjoyed during special occasions. ¹⁵⁾