Dibi (food) facts for kids

Dibi is a super tasty dish from Senegal, a country in West Africa. It's made from grilled meat, usually lamb, that's been seasoned with yummy spices and cut into bite-sized pieces. Think of it like a delicious barbecue!

Dibi is often served with grilled onions, a bit of mustard, and fresh bread. It's a popular street food, meaning you can find it sold by vendors right on the streets of Senegal. Places that specialize in making and selling dibi are called "dibiteries."

What is Dibi?

Dibi is a popular meal in Senegal, known for its smoky, grilled flavor. The word "dibi" itself comes from the Wolof language, which is widely spoken in Senegal. It simply means "barbecue."

The Meat and How It's Cooked

Most of the time, dibi is made with tender lamb. The meat is carefully seasoned and then grilled until it's perfectly cooked and a little crispy on the outside. It's usually cut into small, easy-to-eat pieces.

Where to Find Dibi

You'll often see dibi being sold by street vendors, especially in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Many of the people who run these dibiteries in Dakar come from other places, like the Hausa people from Nigeria. They bring their own cooking traditions, making dibi even more special.

Dibi vs. Dibi Hausa

It's easy to get dibi mixed up with another dish called "dibi Hausa." While both are grilled meats, they are actually different!

Understanding the Differences

• Dibi: This is the dish we're talking about, with its seasoned, grilled lamb pieces.
• Dibi Hausa: This is the Senegalese name for a Nigerian dish called suya. Suya is also grilled meat, but it's usually sliced very thinly and marinated in a special spicy peanut powder called kankankan.

Both dibi and dibi Hausa are cooked over a grill or a wood-burning stove. But remember, dibi isn't sliced thin like suya, and it doesn't use the same spicy marinade.

Special Dibi Meals

Sometimes, dibiteries offer a very special treat: a whole grilled lamb! This is considered a fancy and delicious meal.

Méchoui Style Cooking

Cooking a whole lamb this way is called méchoui. This style of cooking actually comes from the Maghreb region of North Africa, like Mauritania, and was brought to Senegal. It's a traditional way to prepare a whole animal, making it super tender and flavorful.

What to Eat with Dibi

Dibi is delicious on its own, but it's often served with yummy side dishes.

Popular Side Dishes

You might find dibi served with:

• Fried plantains (a sweet fruit, like a banana)
• Crispy French fries
• A fresh salad made with tomatoes and lettuce

These sides add extra flavor and make the meal even more satisfying.