20 African Foods You Need To Try

Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish that originated in Nigeria but is loved and enjoyed across the region. It is a flavorful and vibrant one-pot rice dish that combines long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a variety of spices.

The dish is known for its beautiful red color and smoky aroma. Jollof Rice is often cooked with chicken or beef, and sometimes with vegetables like carrots and peas. It is a staple at celebrations, parties, and family gatherings, as it is considered a symbol of togetherness and unity.

This traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean flatbread holds great cultural significance. Made from fermented teff flour, it has a spongy texture and a slightly sour taste. Injera is commonly used as a utensil in these regions, with various stews and dishes served on top of it.

It is a staple food and a symbol of  togetherness, often shared during family meals and celebrations. Injera is also known for its nutritional value, as teff is rich in fiber, iron, and calcium. Its unique taste and versatility have made it popular in other parts of the world as well.

Bobotie is a traditional South African dish consisting of spiced minced meat, often beef or lamb, mixed with onions, breadcrumbs, and an array of aromatic spices. The spices used include curry powder, turmeric, and cinnamon. The mixture is then baked with a creamy egg-based topping until golden brown.

Bobotie is typically served with yellow rice, chutney, and various condiments. The sweet and savory taste is combined with the warmth of the spices. This beloved dish has become a symbol of South African cuisine and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Named after the clay pot in which it is cooked, Tajine is a traditional North African dish. This meat dish is mostly made with lamb or chicken and cooked with a variety of vegetables, spices, and herbs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and tender stew-like consistency.

Tajine is often served with couscous or bread for a hearty and satisfying meal. It is now made and served throughout the world as a representation of the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of North Africa.

Fufu is made from pounded starchy ingredients like cassava or yam. It is widely consumed across West and Central Africa, particularly in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. The preparation involves boiling the chosen ingredient then pounding it into a smooth, dough-like consistency using a mortar and pestle.

Fufu is typically served with various soups or stews, such as egusi or okra soup. It is often enjoyed by tearing off a small portion of fufu, shaping it into a ball, and dipping it into the accompanying soup before taking a bite.

It is a popular street food that originated in Durban. It consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry. The bread, traditionally a white loaf, acts as a vessel for the flavorful curry. The curry can be made with chicken, mutton, or vegetarian options. 

Bunny Chow is known for its bold and aromatic flavors, with a perfect balance of spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili. This humble dish has become a cultural icon in South Africa, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. If you're looking for a taste of authentic South African cuisine, this dish is a must-try.

Best known for its bold and unique taste, Moambe chicken a flavorful and aromatic dish made with chicken cooked in a rich and spicy sauce. The main ingredient in the sauce is the Moambe, which is a type of palm nut that is cooked down and blended to create a thick base. The sauce is then infused with various spices and veggies like onions, tomatoes and peppers.

The tender chicken is simmered in this sauce until it becomes succulent and falls off the bone. Often served with Fufu or Couscous, it makes for a flavorful dinner.

Couscous is a staple dish all throughout Africa. Originally from North Africa, it is made from semolina wheat and has a unique texture. It is both fluffy and slightly chewy. It is incredibly easy to prepare, typically requiring only a few minutes of cooking time. Couscous is often served as a side dish or as a base for a variety of flavorful stews, vegetables, and meats.

Its neutral taste makes it a perfect canvas for various spices and ingredients, allowing it to be customized to suit different dishes. Many variations of this dish occur throughout Africa like Couscous Royale which combines couscous with succulent meat.

Even though this flavor has made its way throughout the world, it was brought to Africa by Mozambique Portuguese. It is made by marinating chicken pieces in a flavorful mixture of piri piri peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and other spices. The chicken is then grilled or roasted to create a smoky flavor.

Piri piri chicken is known for its fiery kick, which can be adjusted according to personal preference. This dish has gained popularity worldwide, with many restaurants and fast-food chains offering their own versions. It is often served with a side of rice, fries, or a fresh salad.

Doro Wat is yet another meat dish and is traditionally from Ethiopia. It is a spicy chicken stew, typically made with bone-in chicken pieces simmered in a thick sauce made from berbere spice. The stew is often served with Injera, which is used to scoop up the tender chicken and soak up the flavorful sauce.

 Doro Wat is a popular dish in Ethiopian cuisine and is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals. Its complex blend of spices and hearty texture has made it a staple in all Ethiopian household.

Made with banana-like fruit, plantains, this dish is often enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish to accompany meals. The ripe plantains are sliced into small chunks and seasoned with a blend of spices. These seasoned plantain chunks are then deep-fried until golden brown.

These can be found in Ghana as a popular street food and is a great vegetarian snack option. The crispy outside of the fruit goes well with the soft inside.

If you like American barbeque, wait until you try this African classic. Braai is a popular cooking method and social gathering in South Africa. It involves grilling meat, usually beef, chicken, or lamb, over an open fire. It is not just about the food; it's a cultural tradition that brings people together.

The atmosphere is lively, with conversations, laughter, and often some music playing in the background. The food includes everything from Tandoori Chicken Wings to Braaibroodjies (BBQ grilled cheese sandwiches). This allows an opportunity to relax, connect with loved ones, and celebrate the rich South African heritage.

Fried kapenta is a popular dish in Zimbabwe, made from small freshwater fish found in the Zambezi River. These tiny fish, also known as Tanganyika sardines, are seasoned with a blend of spices and deep-fried. The result is a crispy and flavorful snack that is enjoyed by many.

Fried kapenta is often served as a side dish with sadza, a staple food in Zimbabwe. It provides a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of the crunchy texture and rich taste makes this dish a delightful treat that showcases the diverse culinary culture of Zimbabwe.

Matapa, also known as Matapa rice, is a traditional dish originating from Mozambique. It is a rice dish cooked with a unique blend of spices and ingredients. Matapa is typically made by cooking rice with ground peanuts, coconut milk, and spices like turmeric, coriander, and chili powder.

The dish is served with fish or chicken, adding a protein element to the meal. Matapa is cherished for its rich and complex flavors, combining the nuttiness of peanuts with the creaminess of coconut milk.

This dish is a medley of Middle Eastern and North African flavors. Made with poached eggs, the dish consists of a rich tomato and pepper sauce. It is typically seasoned with cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The dish is often garnished with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Shakshuka is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a visually appealing and satisfying meal. It is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or satisfy your cravings.

Maafe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with a base of peanuts. Peanuts are ground into a smooth paste and cooked with a bunch of spices. It also includes meat, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, along with vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and okra.

The stew is seasoned with aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. Maafe is often served over a bed of rice or couscous. It is a traditional West African dish that is popular in countries like Senegal, Mali, and Guinea.

Famous in East Africa, this is a simple dish made with maize flour (cornmeal) and water. The flour is cooked to prepare a thick consistency. The texture of this dish is dense and sticky, similar to a dough. It is typically eaten by using one's fingers to scoop it up and form it into a small ball.

Ugali is loved for its affordability, versatility, and ability to provide a filling and satisfying meal. It can be enjoyed with other dishes like stews, vegetables, or grilled meat. 

This traditional Nigerian dish incorporates ground melon seeds. The seeds are typically toasted and ground into a fine powder before being added to the soup. Egusi soup is often cooked with vegetables, but can also include meat or fish for added protein. The soup is rich and creamy, with a slightly nutty taste.

The soup is rich in protein and thus healthy. It is a great vegetarian option to have with pounded yam and Fufu. You can make it even more healthy by adding green leafy vegetables to the soup.

Stews remain quite famous in Africa with this next traditional Congolese dish made with chicken and palm nuts. The dish gets its unique and vibrant red color from the palm nuts that are simmered until they release their natural oils. The tender chicken is cooked in this luscious sauce until it becomes incredibly succulent.

Muamba Nsusu is often served with fufu, yams, or plantains. This delicious and satisfying meal is a true representation of Congolese cuisine.

The last dish on this list is a traditional South African vegetable relish. Chakalaka is made with onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and beans. Often enjoyed as a side dish or condiment, it goes with a bunch of other meat dishes. The ingredients are sautéed together with a blend of aromatic spices, creating a fragrant and zesty flavor profile.

Chakalaka is known for its versatility, as it can be enjoyed with bread, rice, or as a topping for grilled meats. Its rich and tangy taste is sure to leave you craving for more.