Food of São Tomé and Príncipe

Cooking on these equatorial islands uses fresh fish, breadfruit, bananas, cassava and coconut, with palm oil and Portuguese touches. Calulu, fish in palm oil and sweet cocoa-based foods characterize the table. The islands are famed for their cocoa and coffee.

National dish

Calulu

Fish or meat stew with vegetables and palm oil.

Staples

  • fish
  • breadfruit
  • banana
  • cassava
  • coconut
  • palm oil

Signature flavors

  • palm oil
  • chili
  • garlic
  • cocoa

Main dishes

Calulu

Fish or meat stew with vegetables and palm oil.

Key ingredients: fish, palm oil, okra
Peixe frito com banana

A traditional dish of São Tomé and Príncipe made with fish, banana, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: fish, banana
Banana-pao

A traditional dish of São Tomé and Príncipe made with breadfruit, fish, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: breadfruit, fish
Izaquente

A traditional dish of São Tomé and Príncipe made with corn, beans, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: corn, beans
Muzonguê

A traditional dish of São Tomé and Príncipe made with fish, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: fish

Breakfast

Bolinhos de banana

A traditional breakfast dish of São Tomé and Príncipe made with banana, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: banana

Street food

Fried fish

A traditional street snack of São Tomé and Príncipe made with fish, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: fish

Desserts and sweets

Chocolate cake

A traditional sweet treat of São Tomé and Príncipe made with cocoa, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: cocoa
Cocada

A traditional sweet treat of São Tomé and Príncipe made with coconut, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: coconut

Drinks

Coffee

A traditional drink of São Tomé and Príncipe made with coffee, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: coffee
Hot chocolate

A traditional drink of São Tomé and Príncipe made with cocoa, enjoyed at home and from local vendors.

Key ingredients: cocoa

Fruits and produce

Breadfruit
Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a well-loved fruit or crop in São Tomé and Príncipe, eaten fresh or used in juices, snacks and home cooking.

Key ingredients: breadfruitFull guide →
Cocoa
Cocoa

Cocoa is a well-loved fruit or crop in São Tomé and Príncipe, eaten fresh or used in juices, snacks and home cooking.

Key ingredients: cocoa
Banana
Banana

Banana is a well-loved fruit or crop in São Tomé and Príncipe, eaten fresh or used in juices, snacks and home cooking.

Key ingredients: bananaFull guide →

Dish guides from São Tomé and Príncipe

Banana
BananaFruits
Breadfruit
BreadfruitFruits
Explore São Tomé and Príncipe on Geographical EffectMaps, capital and cities, population, climate, landscapes and landmarks.

More cuisines of Middle Africa

About this page

Descriptions written by Intercontinental Chef. Dishes are listed as commonly eaten today; many are shared across neighbouring countries.

Photo credits
  • Artocarpus altilis (fruit): Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
  • Cocoa Pods: Photo by Medicaster., Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
  • 14-QWSTION-BANANATEX-STRIPPING-LAUSCHSICHT: BANANATEX, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)