One of the best ways to experience Africa is through her food. Bold spices, fresh ingredients, centuries-old traditions—African cuisine is diverse, delicious, and deeply rooted in community. As you travel the continent this July, make room in your itinerary (and your belly) for these must-try local dishes.

Here’s Crystalbeds Africa’s food lover’s guide to eating your way through the continent.

1. Masa & Suya – Northern Nigeria

Best enjoyed in: Jos, Kano, Kaduna

A beloved northern Nigerian delight, masa is a fermented rice cake that’s fluffy, slightly sour, and usually eaten with spicy pepper sauce, suya (grilled meat), or honey. It’s a perfect breakfast or street snack.

Pair with: Zobo (hibiscus tea) or kunu (local millet drink)

Pro-Tip: For an authentic experience, try masa (and yaji) served hot by a local street vendor early in the morning or during festival evenings.

2. Tagine – Morocco

Best enjoyed in: Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira

This slow-cooked North African stew of meat, vegetables, dried fruits, and spices is named after the clay pot it’s cooked in. Whether you go for chicken and apricot or lamb with prunes, tagine is a comfort food favorite.

Side dishes: Couscous, mint tea, and traditional bread to scoop it up

Cultural Note: Meals are often shared from one large tagine pot, reinforcing community and hospitality.

3. Nyama Choma – Kenya

Best enjoyed in: Nairobi, Kisumu, or local open-air bars

Literally meaning “grilled meat,” nyama choma is Kenya’s national dish. Usually goat or beef, the meat is slow-grilled over open flame and served with kachumbari (tomato-onion salad) and ugali (a maize flour staple).

Try it with: Tusker beer or fresh mango juice

Pro tip: The meat is eaten with your hands—go in with clean fingers and a big appetite.

4. Waakye – Ghana

Best enjoyed in: Accra, Tamale, Cape Coast

Waakye (pronounced “waa-chay”) is a rich rice-and-bean dish typically served with fried plantain, boiled egg, spaghetti, wele (cowhide), shito (hot pepper sauce), and meat. It’s a powerhouse plate of flavors and textures.

Best time to eat: Breakfast or brunch from local food stalls

Flavor tip: The shito is the real deal—dark, smoky, spicy, and addictive!

5. Zanzibar Mix – Tanzania

Best enjoyed in: Stone Town, Zanzibar

This street food is a mouthwatering combo of bhajias (fried lentil balls), boiled potatoes, cassava, coconut chutney, and spiced soup—all served in one bowl. It’s a blend of African, Indian, and Arab flavors.

Where to find it: Forodhani Gardens night market in Stone Town

Pro tip: Go just before sunset for a full local experience—food, sea breeze, and music.

Bonus Bites Across the Continent

• Cachupa (Cape Verde): Hearty stew of beans, corn, meat, and veggies
• Bunny Chow (South Africa): Hollowed-out bread filled with curry
• Jollof Rice (West Africa): Spicy, tomato-based rice—Nigeria and Ghana both claim the crown!
• Injera with Doro Wat (Ethiopia): Spongy sour bread with spicy chicken stew

Eat Local, Travel Deep

Food is not just fuel—it’s storytelling, history, and love served on a plate. Let your palate explore Africa just as much as your passport does.

🍽️ Hungry for culture?
Crystalbeds Africa offers food tours, home-cooked dining experiences, and market strolls curated to your travel style.

📲 Start planning your food-and-culture journey → [Contact Us]