Tourists are drawn to the African continent to witness its natural beauty, and rightly so. However, the continent also has some rich culinary delights that are worth sampling to get a taste of Africa. There are a wide variety of dishes eaten across the continent from traditional, nutrient-packed dishes to calorie-packed fast food. We have compiled a list of the 8 Best African Dishes to try at home or at your nearest African eatery.
Matoke
Matoke is a popular Ugandan stew that is made from sautéed green plantains and beef. Matoke may be boiled, stewed, mashed, fried, roasted, with beef mince and added ingredients including tomatoes, bell peppers, and lemon juice. For further flavour enhancement, garlic, onion, fresh ginger, and mustard seeds can be added.
When combined with meat, matoke have a flavour similar to baked Irish potatoes but with a somewhat sweet flavour.
This delicacy is available everywhere in Uganda and including small and well-known eateries. Matoke may be eaten with rice or bread.
Amancimbi
Amancimbi (or modora) is a popular traditional Zimbabwean food, and it’s simple to cook. The main ingredient in amancimbi are mopane worms – yes, that’s right, worms. Amancimbi has recently regained popularity as a meat substitute that is high in protein. The taste is similar to dried fish or salty potato chips.
The mopane worms are harvested from the ground, trunks, and leaves of the mopane tree. They are then cleaned and sun-dried to preserve them. The dried worms are soaked in water before being stir fried, usually with onion and tomato, and served as an entree. Amancimbi can also be eaten as a main course with sadza (maize meal).
Isombe
Although originally from the DRC, Isombe is now the most popular stew in Rwanda. It is made of mashed cassava leaves and vegetables like tomatoes, coriander, onion, garlic, peanut butter, Maggi spices. Other ingredients that are sometimes used include eggplant, cabbage, palm oil, and spinach.
Isombe contains no meat but has a meaty flavour as stock from beef bones is used to make it. Isombe is high in iron and other minerals.
Isombe is often eaten with ubugari (maize or cassava meal), or rice at home and at Rwandan restaurants.
Dziwala
Dziwala is a traditional Malawian dish whose main ingredient is grasshoppers. It is a simple dish made by combining the grasshoppers with onions and tomatoes and pan frying them. Dziwala is typical of Malawian cuisine which is rustic and based on locally sourced ingredients.
Dziwala tastes quite grassy and slightly sour. The dish is mostly eaten during the late dry season, when the large grasshoppers needed for the dish are abundant. Dziwala is usually served as a snack.
Koshari
Koshari is commonly regarded as Egypt’s national dish. It’s a popular street food made of lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, garlic vinegar, tomatoes, and onions.
Koshari has a sweet and sour flavour driven by the spicy tomato sauce used which can be customised depending on the amount of the special spice blend called Baharat that is used.
Koshari is prepared at homes and can be bought from street vendors and restaurants all around Egypt. Many Egyptians and fondly speak of their favourite “Koshari Man” which is the title given to the street vendors who sell the dish from their carts.
Jollof rice
Jollof rice is one of the most well-known African dishes. Many know it as a Nigerian dish, but it originated from Senegal and is now also popular across West Africa, with each country claiming to have the best version of this iconic dish.
Jollof rice is a rich, spicy, and smoky rice dish that is cooked in one pot. It is made by putting long grain rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, and meat into one pot, along with red pepper, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet chilli peppers. Any choice of meat: beef, lamb, chicken or fish can be used in jollof rice.
Jollof rice is traditionally served at formal occasions like weddings but because of the many different variations that can be made, it is now a versatile everyday meal.
Bunny Chow
Despite the name, bunny chow does not contain any rabbit meat. Bunny Chow is a South African fast food consisting of a hollowed-out quarter loaf packed with a curry made of aromatic spices, meat, and potatoes.
Bunny Chow is a versatile dish whose flavour varies depending on the curry and condiments chosen. Some of these ingredients can include chicken, beef, potato, sausage, atchar, eggs, chickpeas, tomato, cheese, lettuce, and sauces.
It is the most popular fast food among workers and students alike. It can be found in almost all takeaway stores and street food markets. Due to the numerous versions, bunny chow is also easy to cook at home.
Doro Wot
Doro Wot is a spicy chicken dish that includes cooked eggs. It is Ethiopia’s most popular dish and one of the most famous African dishes.
Doro Wot is cooked in a long process to ensure the great flavours the dish is known for to come through. The main ingredients are chicken, lemon juice, red onions, niter kibbeh (Ethiopian spicy butter), garlic, ginger, and cooked eggs. The key ingredient for authentic tasting Doro Wot is berbere, a spicy, bright red Ethiopian spice blend – which can be as spicy as you can handle.
It is usually served with injera (Ethiopian flatbread) or rice. As the national dish of Ethiopia, it can be found anywhere where there are Ethiopians.
Writer: Vateka Halile
