Explore Guides
Local food map
Tarrafal (Cape Verde)
Hotels in area
Snack
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
200kcal
2gProtein
45gCarbs
6gFat
3gFibre
150 gServing
* Per serving · 150 g. May vary.
Mandioca Frita
How to order / say it
Say it
Mandioca Frita — [mahn-dee-oh-kah free-tah]
Order
I'd like the Fried Cassava.
Locally
Quero a Mandioca Frita.
Say locally
Deep-fried cassava pieces.
Why try it?
A beloved snack in Tarrafal, Mandioca Frita showcases the island's use of local tubers and is enjoyed during social gatherings or as a street food, reflecting a part of the food culture that's deeply communal.
How it tastes
These fried cassava pieces are crispy on the outside and tender within, with a subtle nutty flavor heightened by a pinch of sea salt. They are comforting and addictive.
Origin & History — first documented: 1930
Cassava became a staple in Tarrafal during the early 20th century as a result of its resilience in the local climate, with frying becoming a popular method to enhance its flavors and textures.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥕 400 g cassava
- 🫒 500 ml vegetable oil
- 🧂 to taste sea salt
Method
- 1 Peel and cut cassava into sticks.
- 2 Heat oil in a deep pan.
- 3 Fry cassava pieces until golden brown.
- 4 Remove and drain on paper towels.
- 5 Sprinkle sea salt and serve warm.
More from Tarrafal
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Lagostins de Tarrafal
lah-goh-steens deh tah-rah-fahl
Grilled lobsters native to Tarrafal.
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Tuna Bifes
Bifes de Atum
too-nah bee-fehs
Pan-seared tuna steaks with spices.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Cachupa Rica
kah-shoo-pah ree-kah
A hearty stew with corn, beans, and meat.
🥩
Main course
Meat
Feijoada Cabo-verdiana
fay-zhoh-ah-dah kah-boh-ver-dee-ah-nah
Bean stew with meats and vegetables.
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Xerém com Peixe Seco
sheh-rem com peshay sech
Corn porridge served with salted dried fish.
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Açorda de Peixe
a-sor-da deh pesh
A comforting stew of fish and bread.
🐟
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Lagostada
lah-goh-sta-dah
A rich and aromatic lobster stew.
🥩
Main course
Meat
Feijoada de Sao Filipe
Feijoada de São Filipe
fay-zho-ah-da de sah-oo feh-lee-peh
A hearty stew of beans and meats.
🥩
Main course
Meat
Cachupa Refogada
ka-choo-pa reh-foh-ga-da
A fried version of the slow-cooked cachupa stew.