One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying new foods. Not only are you getting a chance at discovering a new favorite dish, but you are also actively experiencing a part of another culture. This is especially true in The Gambia, as food and mealtimes are a significant part of daily life and the culture.
Most dishes in The Gambia are hearty, served hot and centered around a grain, such as rice or millet. My host family and I usually eat three meals a day: breakfast (ndékki), lunch (añ) and dinner (reer). Compared to American mealtimes, Gambian mealtimes generally begin a little later with breakfast starting around 9:00 a.m., lunch around 2:00 p.m. and dinner at 8:00 p.m.
We always eat our meals from one shared bowl. Often, the bowl is placed on the ground or floor and people sit around the bowl on small wooden stools. Sometimes, men and women will eat from separate bowls; other times, they will eat together. It often depends on the family’s preferences and how much food is available.
Most people eat with their hands, but I have noticed that some will choose to use a spoon. I still prefer eating my meals with a spoon, but plenty of other Peace Corps Volunteers enjoy eating with their hands. It is very important to remember: if you do eat with your hand, you should only use your right hand!
