Cultural discovery through Fufu

Fufu opened a door into a cuisine I'd previously known almost nothing about. The smoky and warming flavours are unlike anything in my usual rotation and I mean that positively. fufu and soup eating requires communal sharing and is eaten with the hands. Understanding that context made the dish taste different — richer with meaning.

I learned that fermented dawadawa is central to this cuisine's character, not just a seasoning. The a market jollof rice stall setting was authentic and helpful for understanding what I was eating. Malt Guinness completed the picture. A genuinely educational meal.