Sudanese cuisine


Sudanese cuisine is varied by region, and greatly affected by the cross-cultural influences in Sudan throughout history.

Appetizers

Meals include elmaraara and umfitit, which are made from sheep's offal, onions, peanut butter, and salt. They are eaten raw.

Alcoholic beverages

Historically, Sudan was one of the few predominantly Muslim countries that allowed alcohol. Men drank millet wine, sharbot and araqi. As the 20th century came, they were influenced by Europeans, and began drinking whiskey and beer. Since the late 1980s when Sudan sharia was implemented, alcohol has been banned. The law bans the purveying, consumption, and purchasing of alcohol. Being lashed 40 times is the penalty for breaking the prohibition on alcohol. Former Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry enacted sharia in September 1983, marking the occasion by dumping alcohol into the Nile river. Araqi is an alcoholic gin made from dates, which is illegally brewed in defiance of sharia. Araqi brewers in Sudan continue production despite sharia.

Cheeses

Several stews, including, Waika, Bussaara, and Sabaroag use Ni'aimiya and dried okra. Miris is a stew made from sheep's fat, onions, and dried okra. Abiyad is made from dried meat, while Kajaik is made from dried fish. In Equatoria, soups include Kawari, made from cattle or sheep hooves with vegetables, and Elmussalammiya, made from liver, flour, dates, and spices.