The global limelight is yet to shine on the African cuisine, but you would be surprised at what you will find in the continent. Below are a few of the top African delicacies that you should have sampled long time ago.
The global limelight is yet to shine on the African cuisine, but you would be surprised at what you will find in the continent. Below are a few of the top African delicacies that you should have sampled long time ago.
1. Koshari in Egypt
A sample of this Egyptian delicacy will take you to what the average Egyptian family eats at least thrice a week. The Koshari dish is made of rice, lentils, macaroni, garlic and chickpeas, and topped off with spicy tomato sauce and fried onion.
2. Jollof rice and egusi soup in Nigeria
Do you want to know the food that nurtures the towering Nigerians? Well, it’s just Jollof Rice. The rice dish is made with rice, tomatoes, onions and pepper. The egusi soup that is served with the rice is made of melon seeds and bitter leaf, fried plantains and pounded yam. Trust me; this is a dish you would love to have over and over again. It is popular in all of West Africa.
3. Nyama na Irio in Kenya
Irio was the traditional food of the Agikuyu tribesmen, long before the arrival of European missionaries. The delicacy is made with mashed-up potatoes, peas, beans, corn and onion. It is then served with a host of toppings such as roasted beef/mutton, salads and Mursik (fermented milk). If you ask the average Kenyan athlete his best dish, he will readily tell you that it is Irio.
3. Zanzibari biryanis and pilaus in Zanzibar
Even if you miss out on all the other African dishes, make sure you get a chance to sample the Swahili dish called Biryani. Both dishes are made with rice and an array of spices such as cardamom, cumin and pepper. They are served with seafood, meats, and vegetables such as cabbages, onion and tomato.
5. Pap en vleis Shisa nyama in South Africa
This is literally translated as maize porridge with meat. The barbecued meat and maize porridge is a delicacy that is not only treasured in South Africa but also in parts of East Africa. If you are invited for a meal of Pap en vleis Shisa nyama anywhere in Africa, then you are a treasured guest...it is sort of like being invited for Thanksgiving or Christmas in the US.
If you are ever on an African safari, insist on eating local foods. Most African restaurants will serve you hamburgers, pizza, lasagna or such like western delicacies...you do not know what you are missing by not sampling the local food.