Eating Etiquette

When a typical Gambian family sits down to eat, they gather around a communal bowl that contains a mound of rice with a sauce on top or mixed rice with vegetables in the center, such as Benachin. It is then laid out on a mat. Depending on the circumstances, you may be given your own bowl or plate of food to eat as an honored guest. Don't be surprised if you visit a family and see them eating and are invited to join them for a meal. This is standard dining etiquette in Gambia.

The first rule about eating food around a communal bowl is to first wash both hands and then take off your shoes before sitting down on the mat. Indeed shoe removal should be done when entering any family room or hallway. You may be offered a short stool to sit on. In strict religious families, particularly up-country and with the Mandinka tribe, women and men eat separately while the kids go to either bowl.

Do not begin eating until you see your hosts begin eating, and they will usually say the Arabic word "Bismillah," which is an idiom that means "In the Name of Allah." Only use your right hand to eat. If you choose to eat with your family in this manner, shape the rice into an almost egg-shape before eating it. You may be given a spoon, but the above procedure should still be followed. To be on the safe side, it is considered impolite in Gambian society to smell food in front of others before eating it. Furthermore, even if you are not hungry, declining a meal is considered impolite, so try to take a couple of mouthfuls and chew slowly.

Keep conversation to a minimum while eating, but do mention how delicious the meal is. Any food that falls into your mouth or leaves the bowl should be left on the food mat. While eating, you can request a glass of water. Though it may appear strange to Westerners, a quiet but audible belch after a meal is considered polite because it shows you enjoyed the food and ate to your satisfaction.