What is food without travel, or travel without food? The two experiences go hand in hand and the food of Africa can really make your safari holiday a memorable one. Whether you’re travelling solo, with the whole family or for your honeymoon, there are fantastic African dishes to suit all tastes. Here are 10 delicious African foods that you have to try.
Mshikaki is skewered meat grilled over open coals, bursting with fragrance and flavour. This is a very popular street food for those who need food on the go and a great late-night snack often served outside bars and nightclubs.
‘P2120117’ by Franklin Heijnen
An interesting dough based street snack which comes from the island of Zanzibar. The dough is filled with savoury ingredients such as onions, peppers, meat, a raw egg and cheese then fried in oil. Dessert based fillings are also available if you have a sweet tooth.
This national Botswana dish is a traditional meat stew that is often served for celebrations, events and weddings. It’s a type of slow-cooked, pounded beef which is often dished up with bogobe porridge and vegetables.
In West Africa there is much competition over who has the best Jollof Rice. It is a popular party or occasion dish and the base is tomatoes, peppers and chilli and various spices. Although there are many variations between regions and even between families.
Jollof rice can be accompanied by chicken, beef or even goat and perhaps some fried plantain. The food at a West African party is a hugely important part of the celebration.
This famous curry dish hales from the diverse country of South Africa, where there is a large community of Cape Malaysians. And this tasty dish is a direct result of their culinary influence and is packed with flavour. Served with fragrant rice, it’s a filling meal for spice lovers.
‘Malay Food’ by craigles75
Mozambicans love a good beach barbeque. They call this “braai” and one of the most popular meats is piri piri chicken marinated in lemon and fiery hot spices. This dish also extends to parts of Tanzania too.
Salt fish is popular in areas of South Africa, Republic of the Congo and other parts of the continent. It’s a dried and salted fish which is a major source of protein. It’s an acquired taste but once you get a taste for it, it’s rather addictive!
Cornbread in Zambia is a great comfort food. Made with fresh corn kernels instead of cornmeal, and spiced up with blackened chillies, it’s a moist and warming side that goes well with a meat stew.
If you’re looking for a tasty sweet treat, try the Mandasi donuts of Malawi, often sold on the streets, at markets or outside bus stations by women looking to make some extra income. These fried dough snacks are made from flour, egg, sugar and milk and go well with a hot tea or a soft drink.
Seafood rules in Mozambique but prawns are the go-to for tourists and locals alike. Prawns with chips or prawns with rice plus lashings of piri piri sauce is a beach front favourite.
‘Grilled Scallop & Prawn Skewer’ by amrufm
Hazel has 20 years of travel experience focussing on Africa, an area she is hugely passionate about.
Having spent 9 years living in South Africa, she was fortunate enough to travel extensively in the region and has visited Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Mozambique, Zanzibar and Seychelles amongst others.
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