Ndole, a traditional dish from Cameroon, was officially recognized as a global culinary treasure on May 7.
The announcement, made by the Minister of Leisure and Tourism, Bello Bouba Maigari, marked the culmination of a three-year project aimed at promoting Cameroon’s gastronomic heritage on the world stage.
The project, titled “Intellectual Property and Gastronomic Tourism in Peru and Other Countries Through Intellectual Property,” entered its second phase with the successful completion of Phase I.
In the first phase, 14 Cameroonian local dishes were selected for consideration, including Ndole, Mbokko bè Ngniiri, Kilichi, and Ndomba de Chair, among others.
After a 2021 meeting with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), 10 traditional dishes were chosen for further evaluation, namely Ndole, Mbokko bè Ngniiri, Kilichi, Ndomba de Chair, Mbongo’o Tchobi, Bitoso Ri Kipen Ki Bazi, Nnam Ngön, Kondrè, Ekoki, and Eru.
Four additional culinary traditions—Achu, Sanga, Neé Gouo Iié, and Okok—were selected as reserves. But only Ndole has been evaluated and certified.
Now, Ndole proudly joins the register of the WIPO, solidifying its status as a globally recognized culinary delight.
“The enhancement of Ndolé is, so to speak, the start of a long process that will see the country’s best dishes included,” the Ministry of Tourism said.
“The choice of Ndolé was made after several meetings to discuss and agree on the definitive menu of the culinary tradition to be protected. This plebiscite took place in the context of a convocation of several criteria formulated by the WIPO and an interministerial team extended to all stakeholders and beneficiaries led by the Secretary General of MINTOUL,” the Ministry added.
Ndole is a traditional dish originally from the Sawa people of Cameroon’s Littoral Region. It consists of stewed nuts (groundnuts or egusi) mixed with bitter leaves and beef or fish. It is usually eaten with plantains, yam,s or cocoyams.
While addressing the Sawa people among other guests, Minister Bello Bouba Maigari recalled the historic nature of the event and urged the various stakeholders to seize this major opportunity.
“With this label, the Ndole has emerged from anonymity and now represents a menu with strong economic and tourism potential,” he said.
“To consolidate this momentum, the Ministry of Tourism has stamped 2024 as the year of Ndole. The Festival of Flavors to be held in November 2024 will feature the renowned sawa dish as its mascot dish.”
The ceremony, attended by an array of dignitaries and stakeholders, underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Cameroon’s rich culinary heritage.
Ndole’s newfound global status not only celebrates Cameroon’s culinary heritage but also opens doors for economic opportunities and tourism promotion on a global scale.
