O African continent it's gigantic. Therefore, in each of its countries and regions the cuisine is unique. However, regardless of what it is, they are extremely rich and unique. It is very common for people to think of Africa homogeneously, but on the contrary, its cultural diversity is impressive.
In African countries and in any other country in the world, cuisine is one of the main points of expression of culture. Factors such as regional foods, the colonizing country, traditions and the way of preparation, give typical food characteristics that reflect the identity of a people.
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Brazil, in particular, is a country marked by the influence of typical African foods. During the colonial period, it is estimated that between 4 and 5 million enslaved Africans were brought to the country. Along with them, although harshly reprimanded, came their traditions and customs, including cuisine.
Do you know what typical African foods are? we made a list of top african foods.Main typical foods of Africa
chakalaka
It is quite likely that it originated in the slums of South Africa. The most common version for its appearance is that maids started to add vegetables and tomato sauce inside the cans of beans. Today, it is served with bread, but there are those who enjoy it as a sauce to accompany meat.
Mauve Pudding
Traditional from South Africa, mauve pudding (or mauve pudding) is very similar to a cake. The main ingredients in its preparation are apricot jam and brown sugar. Precisely because of the presence of these ingredients, it has a darker color. It is a very sweet dish and the most traditional way of serving it is still hot, accompanied by ice cream or vanilla cream.
bobotie
Bobotie is one of the most famous dishes in african culture. Its origins go back to Cape Malay. Usually consumed as an accompaniment to the famous yellow rice, it consists of a stew of ground meat, bread, milk, chestnuts, onion, curry, raisins and apricots.
Yellow Rice
One of the greatest symbols of African cuisine, yellow rice is traditionally served at lunch, almost always as an accompaniment to other dishes. It is quite simple, and the main characteristics are the bittersweet taste and the yellow color due to the saffron. It also contains dark raisins, cinnamon, butter and sugar.
kitcha fit-fit
From the region of the “Horn of Africa” (Horn of Africa), the fit-fit kitcha, more precisely, is typical for Eritrea. There, it is served during breakfast. It is a combination of local bread and seasoned butter. Both are mixed with berbere, which is a hot, reddish spice.
Xalwo
Characteristic of Somali culture, xalwo is an adaptation of halva. It is a sweet served at parties, celebrations and special occasions, such as weddings. Contains cornstarch, sugar, ghee butter, powdered cardamom and nutmeg. To increase the flavor, some recipes use peanuts, giving more texture and flavor to the dish.
Melktert
One example of the influence of European colonizers, this dessert is inspired by mattentaart, which originates from Holland. It is typical of South Africa and is usually consumed chilled and sprinkled with cinnamon. Melkert is a milk cake with a crispy pastry and a creamy filling.
Couscous
The African couscous is nothing like the typical dish from the Brazilian northeast. There, it is made from semolina, which is a small grain of durum wheat. After being steamed, the dish is accompanied by vegetables and meat. It is a staple food of the entire North African region, with emphasis on Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania and Algeria.
Uglai
Representative of East Africa, the uglai, depending on the place, can also be called sima or posho. It is made from cornmeal or corn flour, which are mixed with water, acquiring a pasty or dough-like consistency. Traditionally it is served with seasoned and braised cabbage.
koeksisters
For us Brazilians, koeksisters is very reminiscent of a rain cake. Despite this, it retains many particularities. It is also fried, but instead of being dipped in cinnamon sugar, it is bathed in a syrup made with sugar, lemon and spices. Another difference is in the format, which, instead of being round, resembles a braid.
kingklip
It is one of the most famous dishes on the South African coast. It is a pink colored fish, which is usually served in slices or whole. Due to the English influence, it can also be served in the “fish and chips” format, that is, accompanied by fries.
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