Bon Appetit

Notes on Food in Benin:

• Food is always served hot (I think this is a preference thing, but also it makes it safer to eat). It's also often served with piment, a spicy pepper the Beninese use in almost everything.
• Food is always served covered, usually using a plate to cover the top. 
• It is culturally unacceptable to walk around eating (only kids do that).
• The diet is very high carb, but I'm getting better at finding fruits & vegs. 
• Did I expect to eat as much mayonnaise as I do? No. Do I mind? Also no.
• Moringa is a rly cool super food found in Benin (more on this later).
• Ask any Beninese person what their favorite food is and they will say pâte--a thick, almost jello like substance made from cornmeal and water, usually served with a spicy sauce. However, you will notice there are no pictures of it here. Why? I have avoided eating it since moving out of my host fam.
• The norm is to eat most foods with your hands, specifically your right hand only. This is especially true when eating with your neighbors, but I've found that most cafeterias will give you a fork if you ask for one.
• However, if you are going to eat with your hands, you are expected to rinse them first using a bowl of water.
• I've noticed that Beninese like to eat then drink. Restaurants serve you your food then ask what you want to drink. If you're eating at someone's house, they will eat then get water.

"So happy I found vegetables I threw them all together in a pan and ate them at once"

Speciality in my village: chicken, goat cheese, peanut sauce, and mashed yams

Beninese shandy with fries and mayo poolside

Hummus platter at a Lebanese restaurant in the city

Homemade shrimp tacos turned shrimp taco bowl

"Look Mom, I have vegetables sometimes"

Always found at my market: rice, beans, grains, tomatoes

Coconut rice, veggie mix, and pineapple

A balanced meal of rice, chick peas, and moringa

Homemade gari tortillas with spicy salsa

Beninese Salad

A fine meal cooked chez moi (chick peas, moringa, cashew fruit)

   

Papaya and Coconuts

   

Cashew fruit and Mangos

Final meal at the host fam's-- it's rare to eat together

      

American food

Coconut & honey oat balls served at a family funeral

Thanksgiving at the training center: mashed potatoes, turkey, plantains, bread, quail egg salad

Popular dish found in cafeterias throughout Benin: spaghetti & omelet

A volunteer favorite: Mohammed's egg sandwiches with café au lait

Maman preparing fish for dinner

First meal with my host family: a whole box of spaghetti, an omelet, some veggies, and an orange