Street Food and the City: The Case of Abidjan

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Street food has always been at the heart of daily life in Abidjan. Because many workers cannot afford to eat in restaurants, they rely on street vendors for affordable, quick meals during the day. Dishes like attiéké, alloco, and grilled fish are sold at low prices, which means that almost anyone can access a hot meal regardless of their income.

However, street food vendors face serious challenges. Since most of them operate without official permits, they risk being removed from public spaces by local authorities. As a result, many vendors move from one location to another, making it difficult for them to build a loyal customer base.

Although the government has tried to create designated market areas for street vendors, many traders refuse to move there. This is due to the fact that these new areas are often located far from busy streets and office zones, where most customers are found. Consequently, the designated spaces remain largely empty, whereas the city's main roads and markets continue to be packed with informal food stalls.

Despite these difficulties, street food culture continues to grow in Abidjan. Young entrepreneurs are now using social media to promote their dishes and attract customers, therefore reaching a wider audience than ever before. As demand for local food content grows online, some vendors have even become well-known figures on TikTok and Instagram.

Even though street food is sometimes criticised for hygiene concerns, most Abidjanais consider it an essential part of their culture and identity. Thus, any policy that threatens this tradition is likely to face strong opposition from the public.