French dictionary sparks controversy over Congolese banana leaf dish

Liboke: A Culinary Classic Gaining Literary Glory

Liboke—a dish featuring grilled fish from the mighty River Congo wrapped in banana leaves and seasoned with spices—has earned a revered spot across Central Africa. Yet its inclusion in a premier French dictionary sparks debate among Congolese scholars, who argue the entry fails to capture the dish’s cultural depth.

Dictionary Spotlight

The Petit Larousse announced in May that the 2026 edition would include liboke. Its definition: “a dish made from fish or meat, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over charcoal.” While some diners laud the flavor, critics claim the entry reduces a word tied to national identity to mere cuisine.

Scholars Speak Up

• Moise Edimo Lumbidi, a Lingala teacher, insists referring only to food is “very reductive.” He explains that liboke in Lingala means “a little group.”
• Pepin Guillaume Manjolo, former international cooperation minister, notes that under Mobutu Sese Seko, “liboke” part of the national slogan, “Tolingi Zaire liboke moko, lisanga moko,” meaning “We want a united and undivided Zaire.” He calls the dictionary’s limited definition “a disservice.”
• Both scholars urge the Petit Larousse to consult Congolese literary academies to accurately depict the word’s true etymology.

Local Tasting

In Kinshasa’s upscale Gombe district, Mother Aembe runs a restaurant that has become a hotspot for tourists seeking liboke. Though unaware of the dish’s newfound literary status, she hopes the recognition will attract more clients.

Key Takeaway

While the inclusion of liboke in a leading French dictionary acknowledges the dish’s culinary appeal, scholars call for deeper research to honor the word’s richer cultural significance everywhere it’s spoken.