Africa is known for its exciting landscapes, beautiful culture, and delicious food. Africa has a wide array of countries and cultures that collectively contribute to its delicacies. If you feel adventurous this year, follow this list for some of Africa's well-known dishes. If you live in a metropolitan hub like Texas, New York, Washington DC, or New Jersey, many African restaurants in those areas sell many of the items on this list.
Beef Suya
Beef suya is a well-known spicy Nigerian street food made of slim strips of seasoned meat that is grilled. If you love spicy and flavorful food, you can't go wrong with suya. This meal is called "suya" because of how the dish is prepared.
Jollof Rice
You have probably heard many Nigerians and Ghanaians fiercely argue about which country has the most delicious jollof rice. No matter whose side you are on, jollof rice is a delectable dish that is stewed and spiced with savory tomato broth. It is also often seasoned with curry, thyme, and bouillon cubes.
Ethiopian Injera
This classic flatbread from Ethiopian cuisine is made from teff flour, which also happens to be one of the tiniest grains in the world. It is a sour fermented flatbread with a slightly spongy texture. The meal is a delicious staple popular in Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. It is also usually served with stews.
Couscous Royale
Couscous is a staple meal served across many parts of North Africa. Couscous is infused with various meat like spiced chicken, lamb, and spicy merguez sausages. It is made from durum wheat, a type of wheat used to make pasta. This is a must-try!
Egusi Soup
This staple is popular in Eastern Nigeria. It is cooked with an assortment of meats, fish, spices, oils, and other condiments. This leafy soup pairs well with plain white rice, potatoes, or pounded yam. While this dish is not for everyone, it is something that everyone should try.
Ghanaian Waakye
Waakye is a popular Ghanaian dish consisting of cooked rice and black-eyed beans, and red dried sorghum leaf sheaths. If you are a stickler for vegan food, waakye is an excellent choice. Waakye is usually served with many condiments, including the well-known shito seasoning, kelewele, and fried fish. There are also ways to make these condiments vegan if you are interested.
Biltong & Droëwors
Biltong is usually made from slabs of beef cut into thin slices, while droëwors are thin, round sausages made into thin pieces. This South African dried beef delicacy is a well-known snack in Southern Africa. Droëwors can also be made from different types of meat, ranging from classic beef droëwors to venison and pork.
Banku!
Banku is a prominent Ghanaian dish that is prepared by mixing a proportional amount of cassava dough with fermented corn dough. This savory dish is rich in magnesium, fiber, and complex carbs. To experience the full extent of banku flavor, pair it with powdered pepper and stews. For a taste of protein, pair this dish with grilled tilapia.
Salt Fish
This delicacy from the Republic of the Congo is dried and salted. In addition to being delicious, this dish is also an excellent source of protein! If you want to keep the calories low, this Congolese dish is the way to go!
Piri Piri Chicken
If you are not so adventurous with food and want to start with dishes that are not so foreign, Piri Piri chicken is a superb option. While this delicacy is a staple in Mozambique, it has Portuguese roots. This dish contains a savory cluster of Portuguese, African, Arab, and Oriental flavors. Traditionally, this treat is served with matapa (cassava leaves cooked in tasty peanut sauce).
These African dishes are delectable, spicy, and flavorful in all the right ways. These are treats that you should try at least once in a lifetime.