Strangely enough, meals here often remind me of food from the southern states of the U.S. as they both are cooked in oil and leave you feeling full. Personally, I really love the food and I would happily eat it every day if I did not care to consider my cholesterol levels. The standard of food safety in Lesotho is also quite good compared to other countries in Africa. There are very few instances of serious foodborne illnesses, and I have never had food poisoning from the street food or from restaurants or hotels. This makes me feel very comfortable eating out, as I don't have to worry about getting sick.
Food is generally prepared outside in giant cast iron pots over a wood fire. Wealthier families often cook with a stove top connected to a propane tank, but propane is too expensive for most families to purchase. Vegetables and meats are cooked in heavy amounts of cooking oil (vegetable oil) and are often quite salty.
Basotho food is very much connected to the environment. Maize meal is essentially cornmeal, which is grown and sold in Lesotho. It is a staple food and can only be bought in 20 kilogram bags. Most homes grow cabbage, so there is no need to buy vegetables from the store. There are chickens in every village and families regularly buy chickens from their neighbors to slaughter for special meals.
