Africa is home to 54 countries which makes it home to a diverse range of dishes. To celebrate Africa Day, we have compiled a list of seven dishes enjoyed by different nationals on the continent. Some of these dishes are delicious to Africans but can be scary to European tastebuds. Here are our favourite choices that Africa has to offer and if you haven’t tried them, go for it!
Seven-Colours
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The traditional Sunday meal for many black South African households is this classic ‘seven-colours meal’. The name refers to the variety of tastes as well as the colours of the foods dished out. Popular foods used to create this classic Sunday meal are beetroots, spinach, butternut, carrots, sweet corn, potatoes, rice, samp and your choice of meat.
Egusi soup
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Have a taste of Nigeria with this thickened soup which contains ground melon seeds and other vegetables. This popular Nigerian dish is prepared in various ways by Nigerian tribes but is commonly enjoyed with Pounded Yam. To complete the soup you need to prepare it with fish, beef, or goat meat.
Kitchen Vibes is a restaurant located at The Wedge in Morningside, Johannesburg, and serves deliciously prepared Nigerian dishes.
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Biltong
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This is the one snack locals seem to miss most when travelling abroad, and what foreigners seemingly come back for. Enjoyed traditionally during a rugby game, it’s also popular on hikes or camping trips.
Chakalaka
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A braai is not a braai without good chakalaka! This spicy beans and carrots dish completes both a braai and seven-colour meal. To make it, you will need a tin of bean, carrots, peppers, onions, peri-peri spice, and seasoning of your choice. It is popularly served at most African cuisine outlets alongside braaied meat and pap. Remember, it needs to be spicy.
Pitso’s Kitchen is an African cuisine restaurant located at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town that serves warm and hearty meals you could enjoy this winter and throughout the year.
Contact: 084 408 5459
Sadza
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Maizemeal is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular and common staple foods. Known as pap in South Africa, it is popularly served with stews, greens, and even mopane worms.
Matemba
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Tanganyika sardines are found in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. These tiny sardines are sold sundried and then rehydrated during the preparation. Matemba is cooked in a stew or even eaten as a snack as they are. They can be found in any store that sells traditional African food.
Mopane worms
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Also known as Limpopo’s favourite snack, Mopane worms can be eaten uncooked and dried or cooked in a stew. These caterpillars are a staple food for many poor rural communities in Southern Africa.
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