Jollof rice
West Africa's red tomato pilaf
Think of it as: Like Spanish rice that started an international rivalry
The rice that launched a thousand online feuds.
What does it taste like?
A pilaf soaked in sweet-tart tomato and spices. The toasty scorched bits are the best part.
SweetSpicySourSaltyFunkSmellTextureMoist yet fluffy
What is it?
Rice cooked in a tomato and chili sauce, like a red pilaf. Ghana and Nigeria famously argue online over whose is best. The slightly scorched layer at the bottom is the prize.Source: Wikipedia
How locals eat it
A must at weddings and parties, served with chicken or fried plantains.
Watch it
JapaneseTap to play (YouTube)This video is not in English. YouTube auto-translated captions can help.
More videos on YouTubeWhere is it from?
🇸🇳Senegal
CapitalDakar
Populationabout 19.4 millionUN estimate for 2026
IndustriesFishing, Peanut farming, Phosphate, Tourism
Common surnamesNdiaye (most common)From national statistics and surname surveys; rankings vary by source
Jollof rice is eaten all over West Africa. Its name is said to come from the Jolof Empire, which was in what is now Senegal.
Famous peopleSadio ManéOne of Africa's top soccer players
HelloNanga def (Wolof)
CurrencyCFA franc
Fun factThe capital, Dakar, was the finish line of the Paris-Dakar Rally. There's also a pink lake
The flag🇸🇳 Green, yellow and red are the Pan-African colors used by many African countries; the green star in the center stands for hope.
From Tokyoabout 13,920 kmstraight line, Tokyo to Dakar
Getting thereabout 20 hours from Tokyo (with transfers)rough guide
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeNovember to May, when it's dry and cooler, is best. Also tryThieboudienneYassaMafé
✈ Check cheap flights Best timeNovember to May, when it's dry and cooler, is best. Also tryThieboudienneYassaMafé
🇸🇳 Sounds & life in Senegal
BonjourHello（Nanga def (Wolof)）
Latin alphabet
Latin alphabet
Right now…
Anthem"The Red Lion" (Le Lion rouge)
MusicMbalax Dance music driven by sabar drums
SportSoccer (traditional wrestling, laamb, is hugely popular too)
Sadio Mané (soccer; the star who led Senegal to the African title) World HeritageIsland of Gorée and more National animalLion FestivalMagal (the great pilgrimage to Touba; the date changes each year)
MusicMbalax Dance music driven by sabar drums
SportSoccer (traditional wrestling, laamb, is hugely popular too)
Sadio Mané (soccer; the star who led Senegal to the African title) World HeritageIsland of Gorée and more National animalLion FestivalMagal (the great pilgrimage to Touba; the date changes each year)
Ingredients
- Rice 360 ml (2 Japanese rice cups)
- Canned tomatoes 1 can
- Red bell pepper 1
- Onion 1
- Tomato paste 2 tbsp
- Curry powder, thyme and bay leaf, a little
- Chicken stock 400 ml
- Oil 3 tbsp
How to make it (one way)
- Blend the canned tomatoes, bell pepper and half the onion
- Heat the oil in a pot and fry the rest of the onion with the tomato paste
- Add the blended sauce and cook it down for 15 minutes until the liquid evaporates
- Add the washed rice, stock and spices, cover, and cook on low heat
- Turn the heat up a little at the end to get a light crust on the bottom
Get the ingredients (ad)
tomato pasteAmazon