country Essentials · 10 foods
Togo Essentials
A considered first route through Togo: the foods that carry its everyday habits, celebrations, ingredients, and memory.
Explore all Togo foods →THE
ESSENTIALS
The complete shortlist
10 foods to know.
Each selection includes the reason it belongs here—so this is a guide, not just a pile of names.
Togo
Akoumé
Akoumé is the most revered Togolese staple: a smooth, elastic corn-and-cassava porridge eaten daily.
Togo
Ayimolou
Ayimolou is the classic Togolese rice-and-beans breakfast, sold wrapped in leaves on morning streets.
Togo
Koklo Mémé
Koklo Mémé is Togo's signature charcoal-grilled chicken, marinated in ginger, garlic, lime, and chilli.
Togo
Sauce Feuille
Gboma Déssi
Gboma Déssi is the hearty leaf ishtu often called Togo's closest national dish, served with akoumé.
Togo
Sauce Arachide
Miyan Geda
Azin Déssi is the rich peanut sauce that defines many Togolese meals.
Togo
Palm Nut Soup
Déku Déssi
Déku Déssi is the thick palm nut soup, a beloved Togolese sauce for starchy staples.
Togo
Alloco
Alloco (fried ripe plantain) is the most common Togolese street food, often eaten with koklo.
Togo
Brochettes
Tsire
Brochettes / tchintchinga are charcoal-grilled meat skewers, a staple street food.
Togo
Baobab Juice
Alangban
Alangban is the creamy, tangy baobab juice sold at juice stands across Togo.
South (Cotonou / Porto-Novo / Fon-Yoruba), Benin
Sodabi
Sodabi is the potent distilled palm wine spirit at the heart of Togolese ceremonies and social life.