Introduction to Lesotho’s Cuisine

Lesotho's food does not attract much international coverage, which means most visitors arrive without knowing what to expect. Here is how you can embark on a culinary journey in Lesotho through traditional dishes and local ingredients.

Mealiepap

Guests staying at hotels like Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino can get the first taste of transitional dishes through the hotel's locally inspired menu before exploring the city's more traditional options. The traditional options include staples such as mealiepap, which is a thick maize porridge slow-cooked until it holds firm on the plate, served with slow-braised beef stew.

Highland Trout

Dining in Lesotho is incomplete without trying some of the finest freshwater trout served at restaurants around the city. The trout comes from clean, cold rivers and is usually served with accompaniments such as lemon and the starch of the day. 

Borotho

Another dish to try is borotho, which is a dense bread cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open fire. This can be found almost anywhere, especially near bus stations and central markets. 

Joala

For someone who wants to try a traditional alcoholic drink, try joala, which is a brewed sorghum beer that is served at most social gatherings in Lesotho. Strength and quality of the beer vary depending on who made it and when, which is part of the experience.