UNESCO has settled a long-standing jollof rice dispute involving Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon, after declaring Senegal king of the famous West African delicacy in January this year.
The Senegalese Jollof, stood out from that of the three other countries, cementing the country’s position as the true originator of the dish.
The UN cultural organisation listed the dish in its representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, indicating how Senegalese may have influenced every other variant of jollof rice.
Many believe this move should have ended the jollof debate years ago.
Jollof is believed to have originated from the fishing communities of Saint-Louis island in Senegal and it is prepared by mixing rice with fish, tomatoes and vegetables and other ingredients.
“The dish is typically made with fish steak, broken rice, dried fish, mollusc and seasonal vegetables such as onions, parsley, garlic, chilli pepper, tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, white cabbage, cassava, sweet potato, okra and bay leaf,” UNESCO said.
Jollof rice, a staple in many West African countries, has been the subject of social media debates between Nigerians and Ghanaians as well as Nigerians and Cameroonians, each of them claiming expertise in the dish.
UNESCO however pronounced Senegal’s Ceebu Jen as the best, adding that the dish is part of their cultural heritage and settling several years of debate.
Jollof rice has become part of the people’s way of life. In Cameroon, it is commonly called fried rice and it is prepared with carrots and green beans and is usually accompanied by chicken or fish.
According to research by Conversation Africa, the origins of Jollof rice can be traced back to the entrenchment of colonial rule in West Africa between 1860 and 1940.
During this period, French colonizers replaced food crops with broken rice imported from Indochina.
Over time, broken rice became more prized by the Senegalese than a whole rice grain, and the dish known as Ceebu jën was born.
FAQs
UNESCO settles jollof war between Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria
Did Unesco name Senegal as the true home of jollof rice over Ghana and Nigeria? ›
UNESCO has officially recognised Senegal as the origin of Jollof rice, also known as Ceebu jën in Senegal, settling a long-standing debate between West African nations Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal.
Who made jollof rice first, Ghana or Nigeria? ›
The dish's origins are traced to Senegal. Regional variations are a source of competition between the countries of West Africa, and in particular Nigeria and Ghana, over whose version is the best; in the 2010s this developed into a friendly rivalry known as the "Jollof Wars".
Which country has the best jollof in the world? ›
Gambia won against Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and 12 other West African countries with its unique jollof recipe, which contains mustard, fish and unlike other jollof recipe, does not contain tomatoes. Officially the feud is now finally over, but who wins it for you?
Which jollof is better, Ghana or Nigeria? ›
Popular chef, Hilda Baci has weighed in on the Ghanaian jollof vs Nigerian jollof debate. According to Baci, Nigerian jollof is the better version, alluding to the flavour building it comes with. The former Guinness World Record holder made this known when speaking in the latest episode of the 90s Baby Show.
Who are the real owners of Jollof Rice? ›
Jollof Rice, originally belonging to the Wolof tribe found in Senegal, Gambia and Mauritius, has spread throughout Africa, priding itself as one of Africa's most tasty and most consumed meals. It is a delicate meal, highly treasured for its aesthetic, sensory and nutritional qualities.
Which Unesco World Heritage Site is in Senegal? ›
World Heritage Sites
| Site | Location (region) | UNESCO data |
|---|
| Island of Saint-Louis | Saint-Louis | 956bis; ii, iv (cultural) |
| Stone Circles of Senegambia* | Kaolack | 1226; i, iii (cultural) |
| Saloum Delta | Fatick | 1359; iii, iv, v (cultural) |
| Bassari Country: Bassari, Fula and Bedik Cultural Landscapes | Kédougou | 1407; iii, v, vi (cultural) |
3 more rowsFufu is often dipped into sauces or eaten with stews of meat, fish, or vegetables. The dish reportedly originated in Ghana, where it is a staple. It is prepared in various ways. In Sierra Leone, for example, fufu is often made with fermented cassava.
Who created fufu? ›
It is believed to originate in what is now modern-day Ghana, by the Asante, the Akuapem, the Akyem, the Bono, and the Fante people of the Akan ethnic group of Ghana and now generally accepted across the country.
Who won the best jollof rice? ›
We are honoured to present our international award-winning culinary hero, Chef Saikou Bojang, who led his team to victory in the West African Food Festival & Competition 2023.
Rice dishes are very common in most West-African cultures and the Nigerian jollof rice is one of many great variations.
Which African country has the best food? ›
Nigeria is often at the top of the list when it comes to African food. Nigerian food takes you on a culinary tour of West Africa with its strong flavours and bright spices. A tasty rice dish made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and different spices is called jollof rice.
What is Nigeria's national dish? ›
Jollof rice is Nigeria's national dish. In order to prepare it, rice is cooked in a rich tomato sauce so that it soaks in all the flavors. The most common ingredients found in jollof rice include rice, tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, salt, and pepper.
Does Senegal have the best jollof rice? ›
Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and The Gambia all claim to have the best jollof rice recipes. So do Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Mali. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised Senegal as the origin of this culinary delight.
What is the secret ingredient in jollof rice in Nigeria? ›
Jollof Rice Secret Ingredients
1000ml of Ground Fresh red tomatoes. fresh red pepper to taste. salt to taste.
What is the difference between Nigerian and Senegalese jollof rice? ›
More often than not, Ghanaian and Nigerian jollof are made with a mixture of curry spices and meat with optional additions of hot peppers like habanero or scotch bonnet. Senegal on the other hand prefers to use ingredients like fish, vegetables, and fermented conch.
Was Senegal part of Ghana? ›
8th Century - Present-day Senegal is part of the Kingdom of Ghana. 11th Century - Islam comes to the region through contact with the Morocco-based Almoravid dynasty. 12th-14rth Centuries - Rise of the Jolof empire.
What is the Jollof Kingdom of Senegal? ›
The Kingdom of Jolof (Arabic: جولوف), also known as Wolof and Wollof, was a West African rump state located in what is today the nation of Senegal. For nearly two hundred years, the Wolof rulers of the Jolof Empire collected tribute from vassal kings' states who voluntarily agreed to the confederacy.
Which West African countries make jollof rice? ›
Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and The Gambia all claim to have the best jollof rice recipes. So do Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Togo, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, and Mali. In 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognised Senegal as the origin of this culinary delight.
Did Gambia create Jollof Rice? ›
The meal is, however, believed to have originated among the Wolof people in Senegal and The Gambia. They are the largest ethnic group in Senegal, and are concentrated in the country's northern region near the Senegal River and the Gambia River.
