For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dakar is around $34 (CFA20700) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $89. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dakar are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $24
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Throughout Senegal, the cuisine reflects North African, French, and Portuguese influence as well as that of the nation's many ethnic groups. The country's location on the Atlantic coast makes fish in particular very important to Senegalese cooking, especially with Dakar as a port city. Chicken, lamb, and beef are also used, but pork is not due to the nation's largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop of Senegal, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas, and various vegetables are also incorporated into many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous, or eaten with bread. One of the most popular meals, known as the national dish of Senegal, is Thieboudienne, which consists of fish that has been marinated with parsley, lemon, garlic, onions (and other herbs), and then later cooked with tomato paste and a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, and carrots, to be served with rice. It resembles Spanish paella. Other common ingredients include bissap, ginger, buy (fruit of the baobab tree), and mango.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Dakar, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Senegalese Street Food Tour in Dakar for $115 details
Food and meal prices in Dakar, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.