Sudanese Dietary Habits

The Sudanese diet and dietary habits are very diverse. The country is the largest in Africa, and the climate differs greatly according to region. The ethnic values of the Sudanese are also very diverse. A large percentage of the population adheres to Muslim religious beliefs and eats a diet that is in accordance with their religion. Muslim individuals do not consume pork or pork byproducts, and must consume animal products that are “Halal” or “Kosher”.

In other regions of Sudan, individuals may be Christian, or may adhere to tribal beliefs. There are over 400 different tribes in Sudan, many in the southern half. Most tribal units subsist on a similar diet that varies according to region. The foods they consume may differ slightly, but many of the foods are used to prepare meals that are typical of any tribal group.

Many of the meals the tribal people may eat consist of ingredients that are common in the US diet. Most of the common foods are vegetables, spices and varying types of flour. I was able to find many Muslim foods at the Spice Center, and in ethnic sections of supermarkets. Other items that are typically eaten by all Sudanese individuals are unpopular types of meat such as goat and lamb. The goat meat is difficult to find, unless it is purchased from a farm that produces the animals for slaughter. According to what I’ve read, the Sudanese consume parts of sheep that are not normally eaten here, such as the lungs, stomach, intestines and liver. These parts of the animal are not likely to be found, unless a whole animal is bought for consumption. Also, the meat products that they may be seeking may only be found in cuts that they aren’t familiar with. This could conceivably interfere with their comfort in purchasing the products.