Cuisine of Lesotho

A photo of men threshing sorghum (top) and Matebele dancers (bottom) by James Walton

A photo captioned "on the way to the store" (top) and stamping maize (bottom)

Basotho(people of Lesotho) cuisine features African traditions and British influence.^[1] Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa and it shares culinary practices with its neighbor. Lesotho's food culture features potato, seafood, rice and vegetables. Corn based dishes include mealie pap, a maize porridge. There are also stews made with peanuts. British desserts can be found, as well as distinctly British dishes such as Oxtail stew, which is cooked to local tastes.^[2] Basotho cuisine tends to include sauces, but is generally less spicy than other African countries. Beetroot salad is a common side dish.^[1]

Other traditional foods include:

• Oxtail stew^[1]
• Curries ^[1]
• Kebabs^[1]

Beverages

• Ginger beer^[1]
• Local brews ^[1]
• Ting (fermented porridge) ^[1]

Ceremonial Foods

Foods are an important part of many Lesotho customs and events such as weddings and funerals. In villages the ritual sacrifice of a cow is an essential part of a funeral that can often drain family funds. At other functions spit-roasted chicken and cow is mandatory in order to preserve the family's honor.^[3]

References