Cooking Classes Gambia offers you cooking classes, in such a way that you will get to know the real Gambia. Be part of our local life and get to know our culinary culture in one day.
Let us tell you who we are and what you can expect on the day you take the class. If you have any questions, call us or send us a message: + 220 5366085.
Expect an experience that will stay with you far beyond your holidays. We look forward to meeting you.
What we offer
We have an exiting program waiting for you on the day you will take the class.
You will be picked up from your hotel around 9 o’clock in the morning. Around 4 o’clock in the afternoon you will be accompanied back to your hotel.
First things first, let’s go food shopping! At the local foodmarket we will buy the ingredients we will use that day. You will learn all about the different produce that is on offer. A local woman working at the market will tell you about her business or anything else you would like to know.
Back from food shopping, it’s time to get our hands dirty. We have aprons for you, to protect your clothes and to get into the spirit of cooking. We’ll prep the ingredients together. Our hands-on mentality means you get to try and do everyting yourself. Once the food is ready, it’s time to enjoy it!
During the day we offer you a variety of local non-alcoholic beverages. We’d love to share with you the ins and outs of our culture. We’d also like to hear from yours.
“My mum and I are so glad that we got to know Jainaba and her friends. What started with cooking, resulted in a beautiful friendship. We already returned to The Gambia once more, because we wanted to see them again!”
Roos (19) – Groningen, The Netherlands
Who we are
Our team consists of 6 people, with 3 women at it’s core. Let us introduce ourselves.
Fatoumata does the reservations and bookkeeping. She also helps with teaching the classes. We make sure there is always a teacher around who speaks fluent English. Fatoumata is one these people, who also happens to be an amazing cook.
Pabue assists in keeping the place tidy and clean. He will also brew your attaya (local tea) and make sure you enjoy Gambian music while cooking. Next to the cooking classes, Pabue started attending school to learn how to read and write.
Binta helps during the classes with the little things that make all the difference at the end of the day (think dishes!). Binta does not speak English very well, but she would love to practise with you.
Jainaba
“I am the proud founder of Cooking Classes Gambia. Together with family, friends and my community, I love to share Gambian traditions and customs with you. Next to the cooking classes I go to school to improve my English.”
Mariama
“I do the marketing for Cooking Classes Gambia and I help teaching whenever I can. I’m a jack of all trades. But most of all, I like looking after people and making sure they have a good time.”
Nyima
“We might have seen eachother in Senegamia, where I work in a restaurant called Baobab. In this place I learned about the catering industry. With this experience, I want to make sure you have a great time in our Cooking Classes Gambia.”
What we cook
The dish you will learn to cook depends on the day you join Cooking Classes Gambia. Down below you find which dish we cook on what day. We offer vegetarian dishes and dishes with either chicken or fish.
Mon
Benachin (the veg version)
Tue
Domoda (with chicken)
Wed
Benachin (with fish)
Thu
Yassa (with chicken)
Fri
Benachin (with chicken)
Sat
Domoda (with fish)
Sun
Benachin (veg version)
Benachin is a tasty rice dish, that is popular in many West African countries. There are several regional variations in names and ingredients.
Domoda is the national rice dish of The Gambia. It is a delicious “groundnut stew” (peanuts).
Yassa is a (semi) spicy rice dish prepared with onion, lemon and mustard. Originally from Senegal, this dish has become popular throughout West Africa.
Do you have any dietary requirements?
If you have special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. We can then determine if it possible for you to join the classes. We don’t have a lot of experience cooking with special dietary requirements. With your help we will acommodate for your needs, so you don’t have to miss out on the classes.
“Together with my two teenage sons I spent a day with Jainaba and her friends and family. We enjoyed amazing food and had such a good time. This day turned out to be the highlight of our holiday in The Gambia.”
Sanne (43) – IJmuiden, The Netherlands
How much does it cost and what’s included?
The Cooking Classes Gambia experience is GMD 1600 per person per day (roughly € 28) and includes:
- Tranfer from and back to your hotel
- A local welcome drink
- Trip to the local food market
- Use of an apron while cooking
- A freshly made local dish
- A beverage of choice (soda)
- A big sealed bottle of water
- An attaya (local tea)
- Gambian music
- A warm welcome and a great time
Any questions or want to make a reservation?
Please call or message: + 220 5366085
Cooking Classes Gambia 