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Many people overlook the best food in Africa. However, the world is now noticing that Africa has for centuries been the place where the best food has been grown made, and enjoyed.
This is a collection of the most finger-licking good African sensations that we have compiled from all over Africa. This is your go-to guide for the 100 Best African foods that you must try!
- 1. Couscous, Morocco
- 2. Braai, South Africa
- 3. Koshari, Egypt
- 4. Piri Piri Chicken, Mozambique
- 5. Bunny chow, South Africa
- 6. Tibs, Ethiopia
- 7. Beryani, South Africa
- 8. Seffa, Morocco
- 9. Shakshuka, Tunisia
- 10. Injera, Ethiopia
- 11. Jollof rice, Nigeria
- 12. Fufu, Ghana
- 13. Thieboudienne, Senegal
- 14. Egusi Soup, Nigeria
- 15. Harira, Morocco
- 16. Matoke, Uganda
- 17. Lentil Sambusas, Ehtiopia
- 18. Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat), Kenya
- 19. Ugali (Cornmeal Porridge), Zambia
- 20. Cachupa, Cape Verde
- 21. Milk Tart (Melktert), South Africa
- 22. Kitfo, Ethiopia
- 23. Kapenta, Zimbabwe
- 24. Chicken Muamba, Angola
- 25. Pilau, Zanzibar
- 26. Ogbono Soup, Nigeria
- 27. Shiro Wat, Ethiopia
- 28. Sfenj, Morocco
- 29. Maafe Stew, Mali
- 30. Baghrir, Morocco
- 31. Vetkoek, South Africa
- 32. Mechouia Salad, Tunisia
- 33. Kebda Chermoula, Algeria
- 34. Ful medames, Egypt
- 35. Rechta, Algeria
- 36. Chicken Rfissa, Morocco
- 37. Pinotage, South Africa
- 38. Mchicha, Tanzania
- 39. Eba, Nigeria
- 40. Kulwa, Eritrea
- 41. Fit-fit, Ethiopia
- 42. Hawawshi, Egypt
- 43. Koeksister, South Africa
- 44. Waakye, Ghana
- 45. Bessara, Morocco
- 46. Fricassee, Tunisia
- 47. Afang Soup, Nigeria
- 48. Kafteji, Tunisia
- 49. Domoda, Gambia
- 50. Bazin, Lybia
- 51. Poulet DG, Cameroon
- 52. Wali wa kukaanga, Kenya
- 53. Alloco, Ivory Coast
- 54. Namibian venison, Namibia
- 55. Muamba de Galinha, Angola
- 56. Chipsi mayai, Tanzania
Couscous, Morocco
ManyAafrican countries are known for Couscous but it majestically tops the Moroccan food list. My first time trying this African dish was in Morocco and honestly, I was impressed. In Morocco, Couscous is sometimes referred to as the Couscous with 7 veggies. An authentic Couscous should include 7 different vegetables along with big chunks of tender meat or chicken.
Braai, South Africa
The smokey vibes are always welcome in authentic South African food culture. Braai is the second most popular food in South Africa after Biryani. Braai is the South African equivalent of barbeque. However, in South Africa, Braai is not just food, it’s more like a social experience that can take hours of having a good time. Also, Braais are more frequent than a usual barbeque as South Africans love their Braais.
Koshari, Egypt
Koshari (also spelled Koshary or Kushari) is famous street food in Egypt and certainly a recommended African dish to try. Koshari is an unusual combination of different ingredients including lentils, macaroni, noodles, rice, spicy tomato sauce, garbanzo beans, and fried onions.
Piri Piri Chicken, Mozambique
Piri Piri chicken is a spicy chicken dish native to Mozambique but commonly found in other former Portuguese colonies such as Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. This mouthwatering chicken dish was first introduced to Mozambique by the Portuguese settlers that make the Piri Piri special sauce (Chili Powder sauce). The chicken is marinated in Peri-Peri Sauce then grilled or baked.
Bunny Chow, South Africa
Originated from the large Indian community in Durban city, Bunny Chow is a bread bowl (hollowed-out loaf of bread) filled with chicken or mutton curry. Bunny is a famous South African street food.
Tibs, Ethiopia
Tibs is an Ethiopian staple food. This super delicious African meal is made of sauteed meat in Niter Kibbe (Ethiopian clarified butter), with vegetables, herbs, and local hot spices. It’s commonly served with Injera, the national food in Ethiopia.
Biryani, South Africa
The South African Indian dish is loved by many around the world. Biryani also spelled Breyani has developed in many ways over the years, to the degree that it has become quite different from its Indian relative. The South African Biryani is a hearty mix of steamed Basmati rice, meat, masala spices, vegetables (mostly potatoes), and boiled eggs. Delicious!!
Seffa, Morocco
Seffa is a well-loved Moroccan dish by people of all ages. Usually served in special celebrations such as weddings, Seffa is made of steamed vermicelli with butter, then flavored with blanched almonds, raisins, icing sugar, and cinnamon. Other variations of Seffa can be found such as Seffa Medfouna which includes buried chicken inside.
Shakshuka, Tunisia
The hearty eggs and tomato sauce is one of Africa’s must-try dishes. It’s thought that Shakshura has originated in Tunisia but it’s well known in many other North African and Middle Eastern countries. Shakshuka can be a great vegetarian dish as it’s mostly made of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and eggs seasoned with paprika, cumin, and garlic. Very simple but surprisingly delicious! Check out how to make Chakchouka in 30 minutes.
Injera, Ethiopia
Ethiopia is my second favorite African country for food after Morocco. The Ethiopian dish Injera is named after the spongy flatbread used for gripping the food placed on it. A variety of stews, vegetables, and salads are placed on a large piece of Injera bread and guests use their right hands to tear portions of the injera with food. Injera is traditionally served with Doro Wat and Saga Wat.
A one-pot African dish, Jollof rice is rich and incredibly tasty! Made from scratch with rice, tomatoes, pimento peppers, tomato paste, scotch bonnet, onions, and spices – it is one of the most popular Nigerian dishes.
This dish is a staple in West and Central Africa but it’s originated specifically in Ghana. The finished fufu product can be served with soup, stew, or sauce. It’s so easy to make, and can be on your table in about 15 minutes!
Thieboudiennel, the famous fish and rice dish is considered to be the national dish of Senegal, it is made with layers of vegetables, smoked fish, and a secret spice called Netetou.
Egusi soup is another staple in West African culture. Typically served with pounded yams, it’s one of the versatile dishes with many delicious variations.
Zesty and fragrant, this tomato-based soup is seasoned with ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and a ton of fresh herbs. This Moroccan dish is a must-try! Don’t forget to soak the chickpeas overnight!!
Matoke is a curry banana mash dish that boasts a combination of flavors from spicy, tangy, and buttery to flavorsome. Plus. all it takes is about 20 minutes of prep!
You’ve likely tried samosa before, but have you tried Ethiopian Samosas? Savory and mouth-watering are two words that describe this snack or appetizer. Picture a flaky crust enveloping minced beef, spices, and vegetables, all warmed to perfection! I don’t think it can get any better than that!
If you’ve been to Kenya, then you probably know that any gathering is a reason to serve up some Nyama Choma. Nyama Choma is simply goat meat smothered in a special blend of spices and grilled up to perfection.
Made with just cornmeal and water, Ugali is the perfect accompaniment to stews, soups, and curries – allowing you to soak it all up to the very last drop!
Cachupa is the most cherished dish of Cape Verde. A rich stew made with hominy (ground corn), seasoned meats, and vegetables, this dish is versatile, and you can add different types of meats, vegetables, and spices!
A delicate and decadent dessert, South African Milk Tart is a traditional South African treat! Made with a flaky crust and topped with cinnamon, you’ll love just how creamy each bite is! Serve it up for dessert or with a warm cup of tea!
Kitfo is like a hamburger and filled with spices. Trust me you’ll want to try this. It’s one of the most praised foods in Ethiopia that is stunning to the taste buds. When made right, this dish will literally melt in your mouth!
Kapenta is a much-loved source of protein for the lakeside populations of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Kapenta is a very tasty small type of fish and in Zimbabwe, it can be served fried and stewed with tomatoes. Like many African dishes, Kapenta is often accompanied by a mountain of delicious maize porridge, known in Zimbabwe as Sadza.
This delicacy is an extremely popular food in central Africa but it’s also known to be Angola’s national dish. Chicken Muamba is a spicy stew made with palm oil or palm butter, garlic, chilis, and okra. Being so rich and spicy, chicken Muamba is a good accompaniment to central African porridges such as Ugali.
Pilau, Zanzibar
Pilau in Zanzibar is a humble variation of the Indian Biryani dish. Pilau is a one-pot rice dish that can incorporate meat and seafood while generously spiced with cardamom, cumin, and pepper. The Pilau is usually accompanied by kachumbari, the famous African tomato, and onion salad.
Ogbono Soup, Nigeria
Ogbono soup is a Nigerian dish made with ground dry Ogbono seeds that grow in Southern Nigeria. The Ogbono seeds are very important to this African soup as they are used as a thickener and give the soup a black coloration. Besides the seeds, water, and palm oil, the soup contains meat and/or fish, vegetable, and seasonings such as chili pepper.
Shiro Wat, Ethiopia
Shiro is a staple vegetarian dish in Ethiopian cuisine. It’s basically a stew made from ground dried chickpeas or broad beans and various spices. The chickpeas give the stew a beautiful texture and nutty flavor. The thick textured stew is always served with traditional sour flatbread or injera, with a host of other vegetarian dishes.
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Fatima was born and raised along the foothills of the Atlas mountains in central Morocco, in the heartland of the indigenous Amazigh peoples. She’s an avid reader and Moroccan tea drinker, no surprise. She is an engineer by profession but nowadays spends most of her time traveling and writing about Morocco.
