The Richness of Ivorian Cooking
A stay in Côte d'Ivoire would not be complete without a proper immersion in its food. Like the country itself, Ivorian cuisine is a crossroads of flavours, where local tradition meets regional influence.
1. Attiéké with Fish
A national institution, attiéké is a cassava semolina that pairs perfectly with grilled fish. In Assinie you have the privilege of eating it with fish landed that same morning. Served with onions, tomatoes and chilli, it is a simple dish you do not forget.
2. Garba
This popular dish of attiéké and fried tuna is Côte d'Ivoire's street food par excellence. Inexpensive and full of flavour, it is traditionally eaten with the fingers, wrapped in newspaper. An authentic experience not to be missed.
3. Alloco
These golden, crisp fried plantains are an essential side. Served with a spiced tomato sauce or as an appetiser, they win over every palate. The chefs in The Ivory Collection villas prepare them beautifully.
4. Kedjenou Chicken
This chicken stew, slowly simmered in a vegetable sauce, is a traditional dish of the Baoulé people. Cooked in a sealed canari — a terracotta pot — the chicken takes on the full depth of the spices and aromatics. Genuinely comforting.
5. Placali with Graine Sauce
Placali, a cassava-based dough served with graine sauce (made from palm nuts), is emblematic of southern Côte d'Ivoire. The sauce is rich and fragrant, served with meat or smoked fish for a generous, memorable meal.
Where to Eat These Dishes in Assinie
The maquis — local restaurants — of Assinie and Abidjan offer excellent options. For something more exclusive, our villas come with talented cooks who can prepare these specialities for you, using fresh produce from the market.
The Ivory Collection Culinary Experience
In our villas, the household staff includes a cook able to prepare both local dishes and international cuisine. Do ask for an Ivorian tasting menu when you book.