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Local food map
Gaborone (Botswana)
Hotels in area
Main course
Meat
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
580kcal
38gProtein
5gCarbs
44gFat
1gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Seswaa
How to order / say it
Say it
Seswaa — [sess-wah]
Order
I would like to order Seswaa, please.
Locally
Ke kopa Seswaa, tsweetswee.
Say locally
A savory slow-cooked beef stew, pounded to tenderness.
Why try it?
Seswaa represents the heart of Gaborone's communal and celebratory meals, traditionally served at gatherings. Its preparation unites families for hours of social interaction.
How it tastes
Rich and hearty, Seswaa has a savory, umami flavor with a velvety texture, often accompanied by a mild maize meal called 'bogobe'.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Seswaa originated in the mid-19th century in Gaborone, evolving as families gathered around fires for communal cooking. It became iconic as a celebration dish in cultural events.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥩 500 g beef
- 🧄 1 onion
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🧂 1/2 tsp pepper
- 🌿 2 bay leaves
- 1 L water
Method
- 1 Boil beef with bay leaves, salt, and water until tender.
- 2 Remove from pot, discard bay leaves, and pound the beef.
- 3 Return to pot, add onions, simmer until onions are soft.
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