Viviane Chidid, Fally Ipupa Yenn Saï (2020)
Consisting of marinated meat cooked with caramelized onions, mustard, lemon juice and sometimes olives or chili peppers, Yassa is a popular West African dish, particularly well known in Senegal and Gambia. It has a tangy, savory and slightly sweet flavor due to the combination of citrus notes and slow-cooked onions.
The most famous version is Poulet Yassa (chicken yassa), but Poisson Yassa (fish yassa) is very popular, too. The marinade is key—the longer the meat or fish soaks in the lemon and mustard mixture, the deeper and richer the flavors.
Given its widespread popularity in West African households, it’s no surprise that Yassa occasionally finds its way into popular culture. A particularly tasty example is the 2020 afropop banger “Yenn Saï” by Senegalese singer Viviane Chidid and Congolese artist Fally Ipupa. Almost as irresistible as the dish itself.
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