Street food is a big part of African culture, and it can be found in almost every country on the continent.
From the busy streets of Nigeria to the bustling markets of Ethiopia, street food is an integral part of daily life.
Street foods in Africa offer a unique and delicious variety of flavors, textures, and spices that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
If you’re looking to explore the culture and cuisine of Africa, trying out some of the amazing street foods in Africa is a must.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of Africa’s most popular street foods and why you’ll love them! Shall we?
1. Bole
The starter of this list of street foods in Africa is Bole. When you think of African street food, the Bole is not often overlooked.
This traditional dish has been a staple of West African diets for centuries and can now be found all over the continent.
The Bole is a great snack to enjoy when you’re out exploring African cities. It’s easy to find and makes for a delicious and filling meal.
Whether you’re exploring the markets of Dakar, wandering through the streets of Lagos, or simply grabbing a quick bite before heading out on your next adventure, the Bole is an ideal snack.
When eating the Bole, it’s important to remember that it’s best enjoyed hot. This will help to enhance the flavors and make for a more enjoyable experience.
Be sure to try it out for yourself the next time you visit an African city! Bole can be made and served in a variety of inventive ways.
It could be eaten with roasted fish, yam, potato, or pepper sauce, or served with pepper sauce, groundnut, and palm oil.
Bole is also served with roasted chicken and pepper sauce on some sides in Africa.
2. Brik
Brik is second on this list of African traditional street foods originating from Tunisia.
This delicious deep-fried snack is typically made with thin, unleavened dough and filled with various ingredients such as tuna, egg, vegetables, and spices.
Brik is served as an appetizer or snack and is great for sharing with friends or family.
The crunchy exterior and flavorful interior make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Brik is a great way to experience the flavors of Tunisia without ever leaving home.
Whether you decide to make it yourself or purchase it from a street vendor, you’ll surely enjoy this delicious treat!
3. Accara
Accara is a traditional Senegalese street food dish made from a combination of black-eyed peas and onions.
It is a fried snack that is popular throughout the country, often served with a spicy sauce for added flavor. Accara can be found in all parts of Senegal, from small villages to the capital city of Dakar.
The savory flavor and easy preparation make Accara an enjoyable and affordable meal for many people. It is also an excellent option for vegetarians, as the recipe contains no meat products.
Try this specialty of the delicious street foods in Africa while in Senegal, and you won’t be disappointed!
4. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are popular street foods in Africa found throughout West Africa. Often served as a side dish, these tasty treats are made by slicing and deep-frying green plantains until they turn golden brown.
Served warm, fried plantains have a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with many West African dishes.
Their crunchy texture makes them the perfect snack to enjoy while wandering the streets of African cities. Whether you dip them in a spicy sauce or enjoy them on their own, fried plantains are sure to be a hit!
5. Kebda Eskandarani
Kebda Eskandarani is a beloved street food found in Egypt. It combines minced beef and liver, served in a pita pocket with tahini, pickles, and herbs.
This hearty sandwich is popular amongst locals and tourists alike. The blend of flavors is unique and always sure to satisfy! It’s an inexpensive dish, making it a great meal for those on a budget.
It is one of the sumptuous street foods in Africa that you should give a try the next time you’re in Egypt – you won’t regret it!
6. Dholl Puri
Dholl Puri is a popular street food in Mauritius, an island nation off the coast of East Africa. It is a flatbread filled with ground-yellow split peas, herbs, and spices.
The dough is rolled out into a thin circle and then fried until golden and crispy. This dish, one of the street foods in Africa, can be enjoyed as a snack or meal and is often served with chili or chutney sauces for extra flavor.
The subtle yet flavorful taste of Dholl Puri makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Making Dholl Puri at home is relatively easy, but there are several tips to keep in mind. One of the most important steps is ensuring the split peas are cooked correctly.
They will not blend with the other ingredients properly if they are not cooked properly.
Additionally, the dough should be thin enough to cook quickly without burning but thick enough not to tear when folded.
Overall, Dholl Puri is a tasty and unique street food that is definitely worth trying if you ever have the chance to visit Mauritius.
With a little practice, you can easily make it at home and enjoy this delicious dish any time you’d like!
7. Chichinga
Chichinga is one of the most popular street foods in Africa. It originates from Ghana and consists of grilled meat and vegetables skewered on sticks.
The ingredients are usually beef, goat, lamb, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Furthermore, it’s served with various spicy sauces and often accompanied by fried plantains or yams.
Chichinga is an incredibly tasty and affordable snack that locals and visitors enjoy. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of Africa while exploring the street food culture of the country.
8. Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma is a popular street food in many parts of Africa. It’s a simple but delicious dish made from marinated grilled meat, usually chicken or goat.
Nyama choma is usually served with a side of ugali, a maize meal porridge, and kachumbari, a salad of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
This beloved street food is an essential part of African culture, and cuisine people all over the continent enjoy.
It’s a great way to experience the local flavors while trying something new! We are far from satisfied with this list of the best street foods in Africa. Read further!
9. Forodhani and Dafu
Forodhani is a popular street food from Tanzania. It is made from a mix of roasted maize, rice, sweet potatoes, plantains, and other ingredients.
It is served in a paper cone and is usually enjoyed with a sauce of choice. This delicacy of street foods in Africa is often seen in markets and festivals throughout Tanzania.
Dafu is a popular street food in Ethiopia that’s made of chickpeas, vegetables, and spices. It’s served in a wrap and can be enjoyed with various sauces.
This street food is found in many markets and festivals around the country. Its flavorful ingredients make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
10. Samosa
The great thing about street foods in Africa is that they are fast, affordable, and convenient.
Samosas are no exception; they are the perfect quick snack to get your energy levels up while you explore Africa’s many sights and sounds.
Whether you prefer sweet or savory, spicy or mild, there’s a samosa for everyone – and a flavor to match your mood.
11. Attieke
From the list of delicious street foods in Africa, there’s Attieke, a traditional dish from the Ivory Coast.
It’s made from fermented cassava and is enjoyed as a side dish or an appetizer. This street food is known for its crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
It is often served with grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables. Attieke can also be found in markets and on the streets, where it is cooked with oil, spices, onions, and tomatoes for a delicious snack.
This flavorful dish is an excellent way to experience the culture of the Ivory Coast. Attieke is an affordable, easy-to-make dish that can easily be part of any street food menu.
Its unique flavor and texture make it a great addition to any meal, and its versatility makes it a popular choice amongst locals.
Whether it’s served with grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables, Attieke is sure to bring a delicious twist to your next street food adventure.
12. Mozambican Prawns
These are not left out from our list of the best street foods in Africa. Mozambique is renowned for its street food, and the prawns are a must-try.
These giant, succulent prawns are marinated in garlic and lemon, then grilled over an open flame until they’re crispy and delicious.
They’re often served with a side of fresh salad and warm, soft bread. You may even try other Mozambican specialties like grilled octopus or grilled fish if you’re lucky. No matter what you try, you’re sure to love the deliciousness of the prawns.
13. Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a delicious South African street food that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish features hollowed-out bread filled with a curry of your choice, either vegetarian or meat-based.
It’s easy to make and incredibly tasty, so it’s no wonder why it’s become one of the most popular street foods in Africa.
The flavor of the curry combined with the soft bread makes for an irresistible combination. Try it once, and you’re sure to be hooked!
14. Mahjouba
Mahjouba is a popular street food from Morocco. It is made from large pieces of dough that are rolled into thin layers, filled with an assortment of spices, meats, and vegetables, then fried in oil until golden brown.
The filling can be anything from spicy ground beef to vegetables such as eggplant, onions, and tomatoes. Mahjouba is a delicious snack that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Mahjouba is one of the African street foods and is typically served with a side of chutney or yogurt-based sauce.
It’s the perfect snack to take on the go when you’re looking for something light yet filling. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit any taste preference. So, why not try it next time you’re out exploring the streets of Morocco?
15. Corn
Corn is one of the most popular street foods in Africa. It is found throughout the continent, from Ghana and Nigeria in the West to Ethiopia in the East.
There are many ways to prepare corn as street food, such as boiled and grilled corn on the cob or popcorn-style kernels.
In addition, street vendors often make savory dishes like maize porridge or roasted corn with spices and herbs.
Corn is a healthy and affordable choice for those looking for a delicious snack on the go. Plus, it is an important part of many African cultures, so eating it can be a great way to experience local traditions.
16. Suya
Suya is a popular street food in Africa, particularly in the countries of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. This spicy delicacy consists of skewered meat that is coated in a dry spice mix and grilled over hot coals.
Compared to other street foods in Africa, this savory snack has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The seasoning used to make suya varies by region, and each bite will have its own unique flavor profile.
In Nigeria, for example, the spice blend often contains peanut flour, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, and other herbs and spices.
Despite the blend, suya is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its tantalizing flavors.
17. Walnut
Street foods in Africa? Walnut is a popular street food in many parts of Africa. It is often served as an accompaniment to traditional meals or as a snack.
The walnut can be boiled, fried, or roasted and then served with various seasonings and sauces.
The walnut is highly nutritious and provides essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
It is also rich in antioxidants and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
Eating walnuts can be a tasty and convenient way to add more nutrient-rich food to your diet.
18. Bread
Bread is a common street food in many parts of Africa. Whether it’s flatbreads, pita-style bread, or fluffy loaves, it’s often cooked up fresh for hungry customers.
From Tanzania to Nigeria and beyond, street vendors make sure to have a plentiful supply of bread to satisfy passersby’s appetites.
It’s usually served as an accompaniment to other dishes but can also be enjoyed plain or with various fillings.
Like other street foods in Africa, it’s an inexpensive snack that can greatly impact hunger levels. Plus, it’s a great way to support small businesses and get a taste of authentic African flavors.
19. Roasted Plantain and Groundnut
Regarding street foods in Africa, there’s nothing quite like the combination of roasted plantain and groundnuts.
This popular snack is a favorite among locals and travelers alike and can be found in many African countries.
The plantains are usually cut into slices before being fried and served with groundnut paste for added flavor.
This treat is both sweet and savory and can make for a great snack or light meal when on the go.
Whether you are in Nigeria, Ghana, or other African countries, be sure to try this delicious snack if you get the chance. It’s a must-try for any street food lover!
20. Fruits
Fruits are a popular street food in many African countries. There’s something for everyone, from oranges, pineapples, mangoes, and more!
Street vendors often sell fruit in cups or on skewers with chili and spices to give it an extra kick.
Fruits are also dried and served as snacks. These treats are tasty, healthy, and easy to find, making them a great way to stay energized while exploring the streets of Africa.
In some areas, you’ll also find vendors selling banana chips, coconut chunks, and roasted peanuts.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, street foods in Africa are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
So next time you’re exploring this continent, be sure to take the time to try out some of the delicious fruits available. You won’t regret it!
21. Roast Yam
Roast yam is a popular street food found in many African countries, especially Ghana and Nigeria. Roast yam is a staple food for many Africans and can be eaten as a snack or side dish.
It is made by cutting yams into thin slices, rubbing them with oil or butter, and then roasting them over an open flame or coals.
The result is a crispy, golden-brown yam that is delicious and nutritious. Roast yam is usually served with sauces such as chili sauce, mayonnaise, or tomato sauce.
It is also sometimes served with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. The spices give it an extra kick of flavor, making it even more delicious.
Roast yam, one of the sumptuous street foods in Africa, is great for snacking on the go, as it doesn’t require any utensils to eat it.
Roast yam is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Yams are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also high in carbohydrates, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer.
Eating roast yams as a snack can help to reduce hunger pangs and provide energy for your body.
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious snack while traveling around Africa, try roast yam! You won’t be disappointed with these street foods in Africa!
22. Tameya
A popular Egyptian food that locals and tourists enjoy. Made with fresh fava beans, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, it is a tasty snack that can be eaten on its own or with various accompaniments.
The mixture is blended together and fried in olive oil to create a crunchy texture and delicious flavor. It is often served with pita bread or other flatbreads and can also be used as a dip for vegetables or chips.
Tameya is a great way to sample the flavors of Egypt and make your street food experience complete!
Conclusion
Are you a foodie looking for something new and exciting? Then you won’t want to miss the amazing street foods in Africa!
From flavorful curries to hearty stews and delicious grilled meats, these dishes have something for everyone.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced traveler, African street food is sure to become a favorite. In this blog post, we discussed some of the most popular dishes from around the continent and provided tips on where to find them.
Read the above to discover the mouth-watering flavors of African street foods!
