Just about every culinary culture has pancakes. You know that chain pancake place over by the highway? They claim to be 'International', but they only offer us French Toast and Belgian Waffles. What other international delights are they keeping from us?


Lahoh

Lahoh

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lahooh.jpg

Lahoh is a traditional Somali flatbread with a soft, spongy texture and a slightly tangy flavor, thanks to the fermented dough made from a mix of flours like sorghum, wheat, or corn. Sorghum is prominent! It’s similar in appearance to injera but tends to be a bit thicker and is cooked on one side, which gives it a distinctive pattern of bubbles on top. The fermentation process is key, as it gives lahoh its unique taste and texture, making it perfect for soaking up the flavors of whatever it’s paired with.

In Somali cuisine, lahoh is incredibly versatile and is enjoyed throughout the day. For breakfast, it might be served with a drizzle of honey or sugar alongside a cup of tea or coffee. During lunch or dinner, it becomes the perfect accompaniment to savory dishes like suqaar (a spiced meat stew), hilib ari (goat meat), or maraq (a rich, flavorful soup). The sponginess of lahoh makes it ideal for sopping up all the juices and sauces, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. It’s also common to enjoy lahoh with a side of yogurt or a salad.

Name_ Lahoh
Origin_ 🇸🇴 Somalia
Morphology_ ⟁ Crepe
Flavor_ savory
Filling_ various
Topping_ none
« All Pancakes_