When Americans first arrive in Dakar, one of their first challenges adventures is stocking their kitchen. So it’s no surprise that one of the first questions is often, “What do I buy and where?” Ask five people, you’ll get five answers. But here’s a sneak peek into my kitchen and what I buy from where.

Poultry: I order chicken legs and chicken breasts from Mirna at Shady Shack. (Tip: they have the best marinated chicken on Earth.)

Beef: My husband butchered a cow recently. We’re good on beef for a long time! But before that, I bought at Hypermarché Exclusive on the VDN.

Seafood: I order filets de lotte and shrimp from Abdou, who delivers all over Dakar. Good prices, always fresh and very punctual.

Vegetables: A couple comes to our neighborhood twice a week selling from their car. They have everything I need at good prices. But before working out this arrangement, I walked to the nearest big stand and got to know the vendors there.

Fruits: same as above

Herbs: We had an herb garden from Talla, which was great – and now is the best time of year to get started! But after a long vacation… I now just buy my cilantro, mint and basil along with my veggies.

Canned goods: To stock up, Hypermarché Exclusive. But more often, City Dia.

Bakery goods: I make my own whole wheat sandwich bread, order cinnamon rolls from Aissatou’s Bakery, order English muffins from Marie (leave a comment if you want her contact info – so good!) and order pita bread from Mirna at Shady Shack.

Cheeses: I buy mozzarella (blocks, not grated!) in bulk from CDA. I bought gouda that way once, but wouldn’t do it again. Cheddar is at City Dia and Gouda I can get pretty much anywhere.

Other dairy: We buy Laitcran brand powdered whole and skim milk and prefer Ardo brand lait caillé (non-sucré). I use it to make ‘Greek yogurt’ and sour cream.

Anyone else want to share what’s in their kitchen?