Vibrant, incredibly musical, and steeped in a profound, heavy history, Senegal stands as a crucial culinary cornerstone of the African continent and the global diaspora. When Parts Unknown arrived in Dakar in 2016, the objective was to showcase the immense beauty, hospitality, and complex flavors of a nation that has quietly influenced cuisines around the world. The food scene here is an intoxicating, deeply comforting blend of fresh Atlantic seafood, heavy peanut stews, and perfectly spiced, slow-roasted meats. Guided by local legends, the exploration dove into the bustling, colorful reality of Senegalese life, entirely avoiding westernized luxury. From cracking open freshly grilled sea urchins on a vibrant local beach to diving into the rich, deeply satisfying depths of a traditional beef mafé and sharing paper-wrapped, spice-crusted lamb dibi in a late-night eatery, the journey is a celebration of communal joy. It is a visually stunning, rhythm-driven exploration of a society defined by its warmth and resilience. To truly experience the magic of West Africa, you must share these meals. Here are the essential locales that defined this incredible trip.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective country. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain Senegal for his show, Parts Unknown Season 7 Episode 7 (originally aired May 29, 2016):
DISH – Thiof Yassa, Grilled Mussels and Grilled Sea Urchin
WHAT IS IT?
Thiof Yassa – thiof (grouper) cooked on the bone while wrapped in foil paper, served with a Mignonette-type sauce of onions; Grilled Mussels – half shell mussels grilled over an open fire; Grilled Sea Urchin – sea urchin cut in half and grilled over an open fire.
WHERE IS IT?
Cour de Cassation Beach
Route de la Corniche O
Dakar, Senegal
ANTHONY BOURDAIN SENEGAL NOTES
In Parts Unknown Senegal, Pierre Thiam takes Anthony Bourdain to an informal food park in Cour de Cassation Beach where they enjoyed the catch of the day.
READ MORE: SOUTH AFRICA: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
DISH – Beef Mafé
WHAT IS IT?
Seared beef cooked with onion, garlic, pepper and carrots, deglazed with ground peanuts and broth, and simmered until tender.
WHERE IS IT?
Restaurant le BAZOFF
Grand Dakar
Dakar, Senegal
ANTHONY BOURDAIN SENEGAL NOTES
Anthony Bourdain describes this as a small restaurant in Senegal, where he had a chance to watch Youssou perform live.
READ MORE: CAPE TOWN: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANDREW ZIMMERN ON DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS
DISH – Dibi
WHAT IS IT?
Grilled spiced lamb, hacked into pieces, and served on a piece of paper, served with grilled onions and mustard on the side.
WHERE IS IT?
Dibiterie Le Mbotté I
Rue 11
Dakar, Senegal
ANTHONY BOURDAIN SENEGAL NOTES
A dibiterie is an eatery that specializes in Dibi, such as this one that Anthony Bourdain visited in Dakar.
READ MORE: LAGOS: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
This visually and musically stunning journey into Senegal is historically significant for brilliantly tracing the deep, often unacknowledged roots of many global culinary traditions back to the shores of West Africa. In his broader body of work, the episode perfectly highlighted his dedication to showcasing the immense dignity, creativity, and profound hospitality of African nations, aggressively dismantling outdated, poverty-focused stereotypes. The sheer joy experienced while sharing a communal plate of perfectly grilled dibi or a rich peanut stew demonstrated that the greatest meals are inherently tied to the warmth of the people serving them. It remains a deeply memorable, beautiful hour of television that celebrates the vibrant rhythm of the region. Let the music guide you, embrace the intense, comforting flavors, and experience the unparalleled generosity of the Senegalese culture.
