The food in Burkina Faso is highly spiced. The national dish, called
to, is a millet or corn paste served with okra or baobab-leaf sauce. It's eaten by people in all parts of the country; however, for visitors, it's an acquired taste, which many prefer not to acquire. If you get the chance, try the millet version made in the north—it has more taste and texture than the corn variety preferred in the south. More appetizing local dishes include
zame (fried rice with vegetables and fish) and anything with peanut sauce.
You can sample grilled chicken or fish from one of the bustling restaurants that have become the main hangouts in the capital. In the Bobo area, the adventurous can try fried caterpillars, a very popular local dish. You can also try fufu, a dish made of yams ground into a paste and served with sauce.
You'll find lots of street vendors cooking up the dish of the day, which is either to or rice or pasta with a choice of meat or fish sauces. Take it easy on the piments (spices) until you test how hot the sauce is. There are bakeries in Bobo and Ouaga making French baguettes. Omelette sandwiches are a safe, high-protein alternative to the food you'll see sitting around under swarms of flies. Peanuts and tropical fruits make great snacks.
French is the primary international cuisine, though others (such as Lebanese and Chinese) are also available in Ouaga and Bobo.
