djibouti Recipes
23 delicious djibouti recipes from around the world

Bajiyos
Bajiyos are a popular Djiboutian vegetarian snack or side dish, consisting of thinly sliced vegetables coated in a spiced batter made from rice and gram flour, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are similar to Indian pakoras or Japanese tempura.

Bariis iyo Kaluun
A flavorful and aromatic dish of fish cooked in a spiced tomato sauce, served over fragrant rice. This dish highlights the coastal influence on Djiboutian cuisine, blending the bounty of the sea with warming spices.

Djibouti Fah-Fah
A hearty and flavorful soup or stew, traditionally made with goat meat, vegetables, and green chilies. It's often served with the Djiboutian flatbread, canjeero, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.

Djiboutian Beef and Vegetable Stew (Maraq Hilib)
A hearty and flavorful beef stew simmered with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Djibouti.

Djiboutian Beef Suqaar
A flavorful and comforting dish of tender beef cubes simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, often served with rice or flatbread. Suqaar is a staple in Djiboutian households, known for its rich gravy and satisfying taste.

Djiboutian Chicken and Vegetable Stew (Maraq Digaag)
A hearty and flavorful chicken stew, rich with aromatic spices and tender vegetables, representing a common home-style dish in Djibouti. It's often served with rice or flatbread.

Djiboutian Chicken and Vegetable Tagine
A flavorful and aromatic tagine featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with a medley of vegetables and fragrant spices, reflecting the diverse culinary influences in Djibouti.

Djiboutian Chicken Mishkaki
Tender pieces of marinated chicken, grilled on skewers, often served with a flavorful peanut sauce or a spicy tomato relish. Mishkaki is a popular street food and appetizer across East Africa, with distinct Djiboutian variations.

Djiboutian Fish and Okra Stew (Samak Bamya)
A flavorful and aromatic stew featuring tender pieces of fish cooked with okra, tomatoes, and a blend of East African spices.

Djiboutian Fish and Rice Pilaf (Bariis iyo Kaluun)
A flavorful and aromatic rice pilaf cooked with tender pieces of white fish, infused with fragrant spices and often enriched with vegetables. This dish is a staple in Djiboutian cuisine, showcasing the country's coastal bounty and its love for spiced rice dishes.

Djiboutian Fish Stew (Samak Masala)
A fragrant and flavorful fish stew, often made with firm white fish, simmered in a rich tomato and coconut milk base with aromatic spices. This dish highlights the coastal influence on Djiboutian cuisine.

Djiboutian Lamb and Okra Stew (Bamia)
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb and okra simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. This dish showcases the influence of Middle Eastern and North African cuisines on Djiboutian food, with aromatic spices and a comforting texture.

Djiboutian Lamb and Vegetable Skewers (Shish Tawook)
Tender cubes of lamb marinated in a flavorful yogurt-based sauce with aromatic spices, then grilled on skewers with colorful vegetables. This dish is a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings.

Djiboutian Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds
A fragrant and tender lamb tagine, slow-cooked with sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and a blend of aromatic Djiboutian spices. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage influenced by Arab and African traditions.

Djiboutian Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew from Djibouti, this dish combines protein-rich lentils with a medley of vegetables like carrots, onions, and tomatoes, simmered in a fragrant broth infused with warming spices. It's a comforting and nutritious meal, often enjoyed with flatbread or rice.

Djiboutian Lentil Soup (Misir Wat)
A hearty and flavorful lentil soup, often referred to as Misir Wat in Djibouti, drawing inspiration from Ethiopian and Eritrean influences. This comforting dish is rich in spices, tender lentils, and aromatic vegetables, making it a staple, especially during cooler weather or fasting periods.

Djiboutian Sabaayad Flatbread
Sabaayad is a popular Djiboutian and Somali flatbread known for its layered, slightly puffy texture and versatility. It can be enjoyed with stews, as a snack, or as a breakfast item.

Djiboutian Shigni Beef Stew
A rich and flavorful beef stew, Shigni is a hearty Djiboutian classic, slow-cooked with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and onions. It's often served with rice or flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Djiboutian Sweet Potato and Coconut Stew
A comforting and flavorful vegetarian stew made with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. This dish highlights the use of readily available ingredients and the influence of tropical flavors in Djiboutian cuisine.

Djiboutian Vegetable Curry
A flavorful and aromatic vegetable curry inspired by Djiboutian cuisine, featuring a blend of warming spices, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce. This dish showcases the influence of Middle Eastern and Indian culinary traditions on Djibouti's food.

Marake Kaloune
Marake Kaloune is a flavorful fish and vegetable stew originating from Djibouti, featuring a delightful blend of tender fish, hearty vegetables like potatoes, okra, and eggplant, simmered in a savory broth with tamarind for a unique tang. It's often served with rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

Sambusa
Sambusa are Djibouti's version of samosas, crispy fried pastries typically filled with spiced minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions. They are a popular snack or appetizer, especially during Ramadan.

Skoudehkaris
Skoudehkaris is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot lamb and rice dish from Djibouti, featuring tender chunks of lamb cooked in a spiced tomato-based sauce and layered with fragrant basmati rice. It's considered the national dish of Djibouti and is often prepared for special occasions.