Staple Foods and Classic Dishes

• Fufu: A soft dough made from pounded cassava, yams, or plantains, served with peanut or palm oil soup. Tear off a piece with your hand and dip it into the broth—this is everyday comfort food.
• Pâte (cornmeal porridge): A thick porridge made from cornmeal, typically paired with okra, peanut, or fish soup. Common in central and northern regions.
• Palm oil dishes: Togo is rich in oil palms, and palm oil stews—whether with beans, meat, or fish—are found nationwide. Bold in aroma and color, these are the soul of local meals.
• Peanut soup (sauce arachide): A rich, spicy soup made with peanut paste and chili, served with rice or fufu. A taste of southern home cooking.
• Grilled fish and chicken: Coastal grilled fish (poisson braisé), often served with chili sauce and fried plantains, is perfect for a sunset meal.

Street Food and Drinks

• Yovo doko: Fried dough balls, a sweet snack often enjoyed for breakfast or afternoon tea.
• Akpan: Fermented corn yogurt, served with rice or sweetened with sugar. Refreshing and light.
• Kilichi: Spicy dried beef strips, great as a snack or with drinks.
• Sodabi: A traditional distilled palm wine, with high alcohol content—best enjoyed in moderation.
• Bissap: A hibiscus-based drink, tangy and refreshing, ideal for hot days.

Dining Customs

Locals typically eat with their right hand, and sharing a single plate among several people is common. Being invited to share a meal is a sign of hospitality. It’s customary to wash your hands with water before eating and to express gratitude afterward with water or a drink. Tipping isn’t expected, but leaving small change at restaurants is appreciated. Service can be slow, so be patient after ordering—don’t rush the staff.

Where to Eat and Price Range

In Lomé, the area around major markets, the seaside promenade, and main streets are packed with grilled fish stalls and food vendors. A simple street meal costs around 500 to 1,500 West African CFA francs; a casual restaurant meal runs about 2,000 to 5,000 CFA; mid- to high-end restaurants charge over 8,000 CFA per person. In smaller cities like Palimé and Sokodé, local markets offer more authentic and affordable options. Lomé’s business district also has Chinese and Lebanese restaurants for a change, along with French bakeries and supermarkets selling bread, cheese, and bottled water—convenient for breakfast or on-the-go snacks. Stick to freshly cooked hot meals, drink bottled water, and avoid raw salads, cold dishes, or ice from street vendors.