West African culinary festivals celebrate local gastronomy in Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso

Regional culinary and cultural celebrations took place in West Africa during early August 2026. In Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, the 5th edition of the Festival des Grillades concluded at the municipal stadium. The event featured various local dishes, including braised fish and spiced chicken, alongside musical performances by artists such as Team Paiya and DRE-A. Organizers used the festival to recognize excellence in the culinary sector by presenting awards to three restaurateurs, aiming to professionalize the local industry and boost tourism.

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the GooDrink restaurant hosted the ‘21 du Nando’ event at the Zôgôna market. This sociocultural initiative focused on promoting the traditional dishes and music of the former Centre-Ouest region. The menu highlighted local specialties such as roasted pork, quail, and various traditional grains and sauces. Sponsored by former deputy Ludovic Bakyono, the gathering served as a community reunion to celebrate regional heritage and local gastronomy.