restaurant_menu Twins

Ritual cooking for twins

In Fon culture, twins (Hohovi) follow precise dietary rules. Double meals, sacred ingredients, taboos: here is the ritual cooking dedicated to the Hohovi.

schedule 5 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
1
Rule

Always cook double

First rule: 2 identical portions.

Meal2 identical dishes
Drink2 identical glasses
QuantityExactly the same portion
PresentationSide by side
RefusalServing only one = a curse
Atá wèɖe
Two sauces — a meal for twins
2
Dishes

The Hohovi’s favorite dishes

AkpanWhite corn dough
Atá vɔvɔ̀Red tomato sauce
WǐnGrilled fish
Hàn ɖaxóWhole chicken (feast)
AmiRed palm oil
KòwàMillet porridge

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3
Taboos

Forbidden foods

Depending on the family, certain foods are taboo:

VariesDepending on the family bocio
OftenCertain forbidden animals
E.g.Black sheep, eel, certain fish
AdviceAsk the bokonon
RespectNever break them
info

Important

If you invite Fon twins to a meal: serve 2 identical plates even if only one of them is present. It is a sign of cultural respect.

Eating in pairs

Cooking for the Hohovi = cooking double, choosing the right ingredients, avoiding taboos. A living tradition of Fon families.

Nɛ a nɔ nyi ?
“What’s your name?” — lesson 3, chapter 1
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