Santomean cuisine comprises the cuisine, dishes and foods of São Tomé and Príncipe, a Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. The country consists of two archipelagos around the two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe, located about 140 kilometres (87 mi) apart and about 250 and 225 kilometres (155 and 140 mi), respectively, off the northwestern coast of Gabon.
Domestic food-crop production is inadequate to meet local consumption, so the country imports much of its food.[1] In 1997, it was estimated that 90 percent of the country's food needs were met through imports[1] including meat and food grains.[1] In 2003, it was estimated that 8.33% of the country's total land is arable.[2]
Primary food crops include bananas, breadfruit, taro, maize, beans, papaya, palm oil, and primary agricultural production crops for export include cocoa, copra and coffee.[1][3] Fish and seafood is prominent in São Tomése and Príncipe cuisine, and the fishing industry contributes approximately 25 percent to the country's gross domestic product.[1][4] Poultry is also raised in São Tomé and Príncipe.[1]
The nation's cuisine has been influenced and shaped by African and Portuguese settlers.[5]
Staple foods include fish, seafood, beans, maize and cooked banana.[4][6] Tropical fruits such as pineapple, avocado and bananas are a significant component of the cuisine.[4] The use of hot spices is prominent in São Tomése cuisine.[4] Coffee is utilized in various dishes as a spiceorseasoning.[4] Breakfast dishes are often reheated leftovers from the previous evening's meal.[6]
Street foods include stews, safú (a fruit) and corn on the cob.[6]
Estufa de morcego is a bat stew delicacy that is served on saints days and during fiestas.[6]
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