10 Best street foods in Africa
African street foods are known for their delectable flavours and rich textures. African street food is being increasingly appreciated by visitors from Europe and the rest of the world. From West Africa to Southern Africa, and to all of Africa in between, Inspired by the spices of migrant settlers and the seasonal offerings of local farmers, here are some of the tastiest, popular and most enjoyable street foods you must try.
10. Bunny Chow
Bunny chow, often referred to simply as a bunny, is a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. It originated among the Indian South Africans of Durban. A small version of the bunny chow that uses only a quarter loaf of bread is sometimes called, by black South Africans, a scambane or kota which means "quarter". The Bunny Chow has made news across the world. In London, there is a dedicated restaurant to this delicious cause.
9. Suya
Suya is the ultimate BBQ street snack in Nigeria. Strips of beef are marinated in a mixture of ground pepper, onion and cabbage and then carbonised over a flaming grill. Eaten also across West Africa, Suya is adored by the majority of locals and can be found throughout Nigeria on the roadsides, mostly at night.
8. Bissara
Bissara is a traditional Moroccan breakfast food. Bissara is a soup and a bean dip in North African cuisine, prepared with dried, pureed. Additional ingredients include chicken stock, onion, garlic, paprika and cumin. The soup is finished with a good glug of extra virgin olive oil and paprika. If you enjoy savoury breakfast spreads, this soup makes for a great start to the day.
7. Kelewele
Sometimes the best street foods are the simplest. Kelewele is a Ghanian snack made up of fried plantains seasoned with cayenne peppers, salt and ginger. The plantains are served up golden brown, crunchy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. Kelewele is often eaten with meat and bean stews but can easily be devoured on its own as a teatime snack.
6. Kachi Keri
Found largely in Mombasa and Nairobi, Kenya, Kachi Keri consists of raw mango seasoned with chilli, lime and salt. A particular variety of local mango is harvested for this delicious snack and picked before ripened. The result is a green skinned mango with crunchy, tangy yellow flesh. Nowadays, Kachi Keri is hard to come by on the streets, but keep your eyes open for vendors selling this seasonal snack during the summer. Kachi Keri is also loved and eaten by Indians.
5. Boerewor
The boerie roll is South Africa’s take on the New York hot dog. The world-famous Boerewor sausage made of beef, coriander, clove, nutmeg and allspice is cooked over a grill and served in a crusty white baguette. These South African delicacies have become popular foods at German Christmas markets where you can fill the roll with toppings of your choice.
4. Fried Mopani Worms
Whilst the idea of eating insects provoke immediate discomfort, the delicious saveurs of Zimbabwe’s fried Mopani worms have won the hearts of those who try them. This is because not only are they so tasty, they are also incredibly high in protein, iron and calcium and their consumption is ecologically friendly. Mopani worms are eaten fried with tomatoes, onions, chillies and peanuts. Take up the dare and try these on the street or at a local restaurant in Zimbabwe.
3. The Gatsby Sandwich
The Gatsby is the ultimate sandwich meal in one big baguette. Essentially it is a sandwich stuffed generously with crispy French fries. The Gatsby was unknowingly created by Rashaad Pandy in the 1970s who came home hungry from work one evening and threw everything he could find into a white baguette roll. The result was so good that he tried it out on the Cape Town locals and found instant success. When ordering, keep in mind that a Gatsby can easily feed four.
2. Poulet Yassa
Originating from the Casamance region in Senegal, Poulet Yassa is an extremely succulent and tender chicken dish popular with the locals. Chicken legs are marinated in peanut oil, lemon juice, vast amounts of onion, spice and vinegar overnight and cooked over a charcoal fire. The result is so delicious and best eaten with couscous or roasted plantain from a nearby vendor. This Senegalese delicacy is one of the most popular in West Africa.
1. Bobotie
Bobotie is considered South Africa’s national dish. Minced beef is cooked with dried fruit and warming spices such as nutmeg, allspice and curry powder, topped with an eggy custard topping and cooked until the top looks golden. Bobotie is believed to have originated from Indonesian slaves of the Dutch empire during the 17th century. Bobotie is best eaten with tumeric, rice and a fruity chutney.
