Africa is a broad continent that is filled with vibrance, beauty, and splendor, each food found in Africa shows its uniqueness and there are a lot of them in their various cuisines found throughout the continent.
From the fire and spice of the north to the color and earthiness of the south, great food that speaks to the heart and sings to the soul is abundant in Africa, no matter what country you are visiting.
Africa which is rich in maize/grain porridges and root vegetables that form the basis of so many diets, to grand feasting dishes such as biryanis, tagines, stews, and aromatic curries, Africa’s favorite foods offer something for every palate.
Here are top 5 food you should try in Africa today
1 – Ful Medames/Foul Mudammas
Ful Medames is an Egyptian national dish that is also popular in other North African and Middle Eastern countries. It’s made with stewed fava beans that have been seasoned with olive oil and cumin. It can be served with fresh herbs, warm pita bread, lemon juice, and vegetables if desired.
2.Chakalaka and Pap (Vegetable Stew and Corn Meal)
Chakalaka is a spicy and delicious South African vegetable stew, made with tomatoes, peppers, onion, carrots, spices, and beans. This dish is quite popular in Lesotho. It is traditionally served with pap (a national dish), which is a corn porridge. The beauty of this dish is that it is very inexpensive to make, and can be eaten at any time of day, or for any occasion.
You should definitely try chakalaka and pap with boerewors, which is a South African sausage. A cold beverage complements this dish nicely.
3. Tajine
it is a stew that originated in North Africa, and it’s common in Algeria and Morocco. Tajine is its sweet and sour flavor. The taste of the fruit and meat mixes into a savory taste.Â
But, Tunisian tajine is a little different. The Tunisian dishes are like frittatas, with fresh herbs, starches, and small pieces of meat.
The name tajine comes from the pottery in which it’s served. While I love a hearty lamb tajine, the vegetarian version is just as layered and delicious.
4.Seswaa (Pounded Meat Dish)
Seswaa is a traditional and national dish of Botswana. It is made from leftover cuts of beef and goat meat, which are first salted, boiled until tender, and pounded.
It’s a ceremonial dish that’s typically cooked in a three-legged cauldron over an open fire. The bone-in meat is traditionally cooked with onions in boiling water, which is cooked so slowly the meat practically melts off the bone once ready.
The delicacy is best enjoyed and frequently eaten with pap, which serves as a base and vegetables. Seswaa is a must-try for any foodie!
5 Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a popular West African dish, with variations unique to each country in the region. Although it is traditionally served at weddings, parties, and large gatherings, it can also be eaten at home for any occasion. This dish of rice is cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, with onion, meat, vegetables, pepper, and other seasonings.
It goes well with boiled eggs, fish, beans, meat, among other sides. The classic combo of jollof rice, fried plantains, and coleslaw is simply a must-try if in West Africa.
