The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Somalian Foods. If you manage to be in an Somalian restaurant or you are visiting Somalia, I recommend the following
1. Somali Chai Tea
Shaah, black spiced chai can be found throughout Somalia as it is an important part of Somali cuisine and culture. It differs from other teas in that it often omits the black pepper and the milk is added after cooking rather than during the cooking process as is more popular. It is served throughout the day, especially during the Somali afternoon tea break. Many locals traditionally prefer sweet shaah. You can add less sugar if you wish.
2. Sambusa
These are small triangular pasties made of dough that are fried with beef, chicken or vegetables inside. They are one of the most popular starters and allow you to combine all kinds of flavors. Cardamom is the dominant spice in this dish.
3. Malawah
It is a kind of crepes (thin flour dough), both sweet and savory, popular in Africa, which are accompanied by mile and cinnamon. We can’t say much more about this dish other than to tell you that it is as easy to make as a pancake and just as tasty.
4. Lows iyo sisin
It consists of a mixture of peanuts (lows) and sesame seeds (sissin) on a bed of caramel. The candy sticks together to form a delicious bar. It is one of the favorite sweets in the south of the country.
5. Buskud
It is a type of sweet that comprises many different types of cookies, including the very soft ones called daardaar (literally “touch-touch” due to their soft and delicate texture). It is served during Eid. To make them last longer, they are fried until they harden.
6. Baklava
An exquisite snack made of thin layers of buttered phyllo dough, filled with chopped walnuts (pistachios or hazelnuts can also be used) and covered with syrup. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Accompany this delicious delicacy with a good cup of coffee or tea, or even a hot chocolate, it will make your mouth water!
7. Bariis Ishkukaris
It is very similar to a rice dish called pilau. It is seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked in a meat broth and, generally speaking, tomatoes are added to the dish, making it a superbly tasty meal.
8. Halwa
Halwa or xalwo is a festive sweet reserved for special occasions and is an everyday wedding treat. With the main ingredients including sugar, butter and oil, this can be a treat you will only want to enjoy once in a while.
9. Sabaayad
It is a flatbread on which roasted and assorted vegetables are served. It is accompanied by a coriander aioli, which makes it an aromatic and tasty dish. It is another Somali dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. When combined with sabaayad and a dried meat delicacy to prepare a take-away breakfast but without meat it is suitable for vegetarians.
10. Anjero
Anjero is similar to Ethiopian injera. The main difference is the size and the way it is eaten. Anjero is usually a fraction of the size of injera and Somalis love to eat it drizzled with honey.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional African Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.