East Africa · Street food
Sambusa (Crispy Spiced Meat and Onion Pastry)
Crisp, golden triangular pastries packed with finely spiced minced beef, spring onions, and vibrant green chilies.
The story
Eaten across every coastal port and inland market in Somalia, sambusa is the crown jewel of the Iftar sunset table during Ramadan and an indispensable afternoon teatime snack. It reflects centuries of maritime trade across the Indian Ocean, adapted by Somali cooks who favor dry-cooked minced meat seasoned with xawaash spice blend over potato fillings. The hallmark of a masterful Somali sambusa is its gossamer-thin, griddle-toasted pastry wrapper that blisters into delicate, shatteringly crisp layers upon deep-frying.
Cook this next
Bajiye (Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)
Crispy golden Somali black-eyed pea fritters loaded with fresh herbs, garlic, and hot green chilies.
Somali Sabaayad Flatbread
Flaky, layered Somali flatbreads paired perfectly with sweet spiced Somali tea or savory stews.
Baasto Faasoliya (Spiced Spaghetti with White Bean Stew)
An iconic Somali pasta tossed in a rich, xawaash-spiced tomato stew loaded with tender cannellini beans, sweet peppers, and cilantro.
Basbaas Cagaar (Spicy Green Chili and Coriander Relish)
An electric green, zesty Somali condiment bursting with fresh chilies, cilantro, garlic, and bright lime juice.