10 Most Popular Foods in Somalia

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Food comes out an integral part of everybody’s life as it not only fills our bellies and provides us energy but also makes us happy! Cuisines differ vastly from place to place, and the authentic flavors of the country make them unique. So, we have listed a few dishes from Somalia for you, which will blow your mind! Somali cuisine primarily consists of consuming meat, vegetables, cereals, and many flavourful spices, making anybody who tries them fall in love with Somali cuisine.

1. Surbiyaan Hilib Adhi

Surbiyaan Hilib Adhi is a wholesome and flavourful dish made primarily from rice and meat. It is a rice preparation consisting of large chunks of meat (usually goat or lamb) enhanced with different spices, saffron water, caramelized onions, etc. Its unique flavors are sure to give your tummy a treat.

Recipe for Surbiyaan Hilib Adhi

2. Maraq Digaag

Maraq Digaag is a soup/stew which primarily consists of chicken and some vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, etc. It requires cooking the ingredients in a variety of spices for quite some time. It is consumed warm alongside some bread which will get you mesmerized.

Recipe for Maraq Digaag

3. Isku-dheh karis

Isku-dheh karis is a traditional Somali dish that translates to “cooked mixed together.” It is a rice preparation which also consists of meat and vegetables. The spice mixture, also called “xawaash”, consists of some spices like cumin, coriander, nutmeg, cardamom, etc., which makes the dish fantastic!

Recipe for Isku-dheh karis

4. Nafaqo

Nafaqo is a snack item from Somalia: deep-fried potato balls stuffed with eggs. Sometimes people use ground beef instead of potatoes which taste amazing as well. These balls have a crunchy outer layer, and you can have them without anything else.

Recipe for Nafaqo

5. Xalwo

Xalwo is a sweet dish from Somalia prepared from corn starch, cardamom, sugar, and butter. It is prevalent in Somalia, especially at weddings, and a delight to every sweet tooth. It takes significantly less preparation time and comes out as a delight!

Recipe for Xalwo

6. Kaluun Iyo Bariis

This dish is a fish preparation that is popular to consume with some rice. It requires cooking the fish in oil and spices with some vegetables. Not only is this dish tasty, but it also comes out as a wholesome meal.

Recipe for Kaluun Iyo Bariis

7. Soor

Soor is a semi-sweet dish from Somalia and a popular dessert. It is a porridge prepared with milk, sugar, butter, etc., and has a thick consistency. It is mainly consumed on auspicious occasions and is a must-try!

Recipe for Soor

8. Suugo Suqaar

Suugo Suqaar is a delicious pasta dish consisting of beef cooked in “Xawaash.” This dish has an enhanced taste due to the spices and gives the pasta a unique flavor. This version of pasta will make you relish every bit of it.

Recipe for Suugo Suqaar

9. Gashaato

Also called “Kashaato,” this sweet-dish is bound to fulfill your sweet-tooth cravings at all costs. The main ingredients are Coconut and sugar and also consist of cardamom and sugar sometimes. The locals eat it with a cup of strong ginger tea as it comes out as a mind-blowing combination!

Recipe for Gashaato

10. Ful Medames

Ful Medames is a popular bean stew in Somalia. It consists of the “Xawaash” blend, which enhances the taste of the beans to a large extent. Make this dish at your home quickly and eat it with some bread for enjoying a healthy yet tasty recipe!

Recipe for Ful Medames

Sources:

FLAVORVERSE

Medmunch

The Spruce Eats