African Cuisine: A Journey through African Street Food
Street food in Africa is not only about satisfying hunger. It is an aspect of African culture. It is a way for people to connect with their heritage, try out new foods, and experience the diversity of African cuisine.
Street food vendors often have their unique recipes and techniques passed down for generations. Every bite tells a story of the past and present.
Street food is also a source of income for millions of people on the continent. It plays a vital role in the local economy. African street food is a must-try.
Did you really visit a country if you did not try its street food?
Let us explore the fascinating origins of five popular street foods you may know!
1. Suya
Suya originated in Nigeria’s northern areas and has become a popular street food nationwide and beyond. The nomadic Fulani people who grazed livestock across the Sahel region were the ones who started making suya.
To keep meat fresh on their treks, the Fulani would season and cook pieces of meat over open flames. This simple process evolved into the delicious suya we know today. Its peculiar flavour is due to the spice blend. It gives an appealing taste to the skewered meat, made with ground peanuts, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and other spices. Suya is a staple of Nigerian street food culture, whether beef, chicken, or goat.
2. Kelewele
This is a delightful and spicy snack that Ghanaian people enjoy. Ripe plantains are sliced and seasoned with a blend of ginger, cloves, and other spices before being fried to perfection. The result is a blend of sweet and spicy flavours that will keep you hungry for more.
Kelewele originated from the Akan people of Ghana, who used the region’s abundance of plantains to produce this tasty meal. It is now a must-try cuisine for locals and tourists, exhibiting the country’s rich agriculture and creativity.
3. Mandazi
Also known as Swahili coconut doughnuts, Mandazi is a popular Kenyan street dish and an afternoon tea snack. Mandazi originated in the coastal regions of Eastern Africa, where the trade routes brought influences from Arab and Indian cuisines.
You can make triangular or rectangular pastries from a basic dough of flour, sugar, coconut milk, and spices like cardamom. You will then deep-fry them till they are golden. It is a delicious snack with a slightly crispy surface and a soft, fluffy interior.
4. Bofrot
This is a well-liked fried dough snack that is eaten as a street dish throughout the West African region. It is also known as “togbei” or “puff-puff” in several West African nations. It is also called Ghana buns.
It is a tasty treat that has a crunchy outside and a soft interior. it is believed to have originated in West Africa and is widely consumed in various countries across the region. Bofrot resembles other fried-dough treats that may be found in other parts of the world, like beignets and doughnuts but it is different.
5. Akara
This is a popular street snack from West Africa. It is also known as bean cakes. The main ingredient is ground beans mixed with onions, peppers, and spices. It is deep-fried until golden brown.
The tradition of legume-based meals in West Africa inspired the creation of Akara. It is a protein-rich, affordable, and easy-to-carry food source. Most times, it is commonly eaten as breakfast or as a quick snack anytime during the day.
These are only a few of the numerous delicious street foods available in Africa. If you ever visit, try to taste some of these local dishes. You will not be disappointed!
