The 7 African Dishes You Have To Try

African dishes vary wildly across this vast continent and we wanted to highlight some of the very best. From the hearty vegetable stews and joloff rice of West Africa to tagines and fragrant couscous dishes in North Africa, or barbecued meat and curries along the Swahili Coast, “African” cuisine is unique in every individual country in the region.

With more types of African restaurants and cafes popping up all over the world, you might know some of these classics. If you haven’t tried to cook them yet there is no better time than now.

With travel being seriously limited for most people right now, many people are cooking at home. Mastering new dishes is the ideal way to escape without having to physically get on a plane.

We wanted to highlight some of the best food bloggers in the world who have recreated African-style dishes. These are the people at the very top of their game; their recipes and blogs are all worth bookmarking. Time to get cooking…

The Best African Dishes

1. Nigerian Jollof Rice

A dish that is especially famous in Nigeria and Ghana, but which you which you will find in many countries across the continent. Simple, quick to cook and packed full of flavour.

Recipe created by Soul Food.

2. Moroccan Vegetable Couscous

So many unique and wonderful flavours and textures packed into this Moroccan side dish. Can also be served with grilled meat or fish.

Recipe created by Zoé and Tyler.

3. West African Peanut Stew with Chicken

The most flavourful pantry staple recipe! This West African peanut stew with chicken is a perfectly satisfying meal made mostly with pantry staple (non-perishable) ingredients.

Recipe created by Kara.

4. Ethiopian Chicken Stew

This wholesome dish is the perfect example of a cuisine that is getting seriously popular around the world. Deep, rich and complex flavours make this an instant winner.

Recipe created by Amanda.

5. African Kale Stew

Bursting with flavour, this simple, healthy and colourful kale stew recipe is delicious served with steamed rice, yuca (yam), plantain or thick cut fried potatoes.

Recipe created by Maureen.

6. Goat Biryani

This goat biryani recipe literally bubbles over with explosive flavour with the meat being utterly tender when the cooking process is complete.

Recipe created by Kaluhi.

7. African Okra Soup

Okro soup is made with okra vegetables cooked in a delicious mixture of palm oil, shrimps, goat meat, fish and African spices, and simmered to perfection.

Recipe created by Tayo.