Here in Senegal, most dishes either have a fish component or a rice component, so it only makes sense that the national dish of Senegal brings together two of the most integral ingredients in Senegalese cuisine overall. In this post, I'll tell you all about Ceebu Jeen, how it's prepared, how it's served, and how it represents the Senegalese value of sharing.
I tried the Senegal national dish, Ceebu Jeen. Ceebu Jeen just means "fish and rice" in Wolof, but there are actually quite a few ingredients that go into making this delicious meal. The dish includes fish and rice (of course), as well as a special tomato sauce and various vegetables and herbs to give it a unique flavor.
Trying Ceebu Jeen for the first time made me feel a bit nostalgic, as the herbs, flavors, and even look of the dish reminded me a little of jambalaya, a popular American soul food. I was also quite happy, as it was actually one of the best meals I'd ever eaten.
To be honest, I also felt a bit silly eating the Ceebu Jeen. This dish, as well as most other household meals in Senegal, are served around a communal dish (as shown in the photos) and most people eat with their hands.
