Cuisine of Lesotho facts for kids

Men working with sorghum (a type of grain) and dancers in Lesotho.

A photo showing people on their way to a store and preparing maize (corn).

The Basotho people live in Lesotho, a country surrounded by South Africa. Their food, known as Basotho cuisine, mixes traditional African styles with some influences from British cooking. Because Lesotho is so close to South Africa, they share many similar food traditions.

Lesotho's food culture includes dishes like likhobe, which is a hearty stew made with beans, berries, and a grain called sorghum. Meat and fresh vegetables are also important parts of their meals. Many dishes use corn, such as papa (a thick corn porridge) and motoho (a fermented sorghum porridge).

Popular Basotho Dishes

Basotho cooking often uses sauces, but they are usually less spicy than foods found in other African countries. Common side dishes include salads made from beetroot and carrots.

Some traditional foods you might find in Lesotho are:

• Oxtail stew: A rich stew made from the tail of a cow.
• Curries: Dishes with spices, often served with meat or vegetables.
• Kebabs: Pieces of meat, sometimes with vegetables, cooked on a skewer.

British-style desserts can also be found in Lesotho, showing the mix of cultures in their food.

Basotho Beverages

People in Lesotho enjoy a variety of drinks. Some popular choices include:

• Ginger beer: A sweet and fizzy drink made from ginger.
• Local brews: Traditional alcoholic drinks made in the community.
• Motoho: This is the same fermented sorghum porridge mentioned earlier, but it can also be enjoyed as a drink.