Cuisine of São Tomé and Príncipe

Culinary traditions of São Tomé and Príncipe From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cuisine of São Tomé and Príncipe

Santomean cuisine comprises the cuisine, dishes and foods of São Tomé and Príncipe, a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. The country consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 140 kilometres (87 mi) apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres (155 and 140 mi), respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon.

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Location of São Tomé and Príncipe
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A marketplace in São Tomé, the country's capital, serves as a venue for local fishermen and farmers.
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A close-up map of São Tomé and Príncipe

Overview

Domestic food-crop production is inadequate to meet local consumption, so the country imports much of its food.[1] In 1997, it was estimated that 90 percent of the country's food needs were met through imports[1] including meat and food grains.[1] In 2003, it was estimated that 8.33% of the country's total land is arable.[2]

Primary food crops include bananas, breadfruit, taro, maize, beans, papaya, palm oil, and primary agricultural production crops for export include cocoa, copra and coffee.[1][3] Fish and seafood is prominent in São Tomése and Príncipe cuisine, and the fishing industry contributes approximately 25 percent to the country's gross domestic product.[1][4] Poultry is also raised in São Tomé and Príncipe.[1]

The nation's cuisine has been influenced and shaped by African and Portuguese settlers.[5]

Common foods

Summarize
Perspective

Staple foods include fish, seafood, beans, maize and cooked banana.[4][6] Tropical fruits such as pineapple, avocado and bananas are a significant component of the cuisine.[4] The use of hot spices is prominent in São Tomése cuisine.[4] Coffee is utilized in various dishes as a spice or seasoning.[4] Breakfast dishes are often reheated leftovers from the previous evening's meal.[6]

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Calulu
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Safous
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Grilled safous and bananas

Beverages

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Coconut water

Alcoholic beverages

Street foods

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Cooked corn on the cob. Street vendors in São Tomé and Príncipe sometimes offer grilled corn on the cob.[6]

Street foods include stews, safú (a fruit) and corn on the cob.[6]

Delicacies

Estufa de morcego is a bat stew delicacy that is served on saints days and during fiestas.[6]

Desserts and sweets


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Canjica

Snack foods

Condiments

See also

References

Further reading

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