Porto-Novo's Market Food: Akasan, Grilled Fish & Beninese Flavours
Porto-Novo's food is simpler and more authentic than Cotonou's — morning market vendors selling akasan corn porridge, grilled river fish, and the traditional Beninese staples at street prices
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Akasan Corn Porridge Breakfast
Akasan — fermented corn porridge sweetened with palm sugar and served with roasted peanuts — is Porto-Novo's traditional breakfast, made fresh by market women every morning
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Grilled River Fish Market
Porto-Novo market's fish section sells fresh tilapia from the lagoon and smoked catfish from the rivers — grilled whole with onions and chillies over charcoal at market stalls
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Fried plantain and bean cake
Fried ripe plantain with black-eyed pea-akara fritters — the classic West African salty-sweet street food combination that keeps market traders going all morning
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Vodoun Feast Food Traditions
During vodoun festival periods, specific ceremonial foods are prepared – white porridge for Mami Wata, red palm oil dishes for Ogun, and specific meats for each deity
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Food contrast from Porto-Novo to Cotonou
Porto-Novo's food is more local and cheaper than Cotonou's — a walk through the market reveals less imported food and more traditional cooking methods
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Evening at the Lakeside restaurants
Simple restaurants on the Porto-Novo lagoon serve grilled fish, cold beer and fried yam — the best cheap waterfront dining in Benin