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10 Unique African Street Foods

10 Unique African Street Foods

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African towns and cities have some of the most lively and exciting street life in the world, and appropriately, some of the most delicious street food. Here are 10 of our favorites.

thrillist.com
thrillist.com

The Gatsby

A Cape Town favorite, Gatsbys are mostly found at halal stands or food outlets. It’s a simple sandwich of a baguette filled with hot fries (called “chips” in South Africa), curried meat, hot sauce, pickles or just about any sandwich filling you like.

Source: SouthAfrikhan.com

theculinarylinguist.wordpress.com
theculinarylinguist.wordpress.com

Fried Mopani Worms

If you’re willing to eat the snail soup, maybe you’ll be game to try this unique dish, found on the streets of Zimbabwe. Mopani worms are usually deep fried in coconut oil and served over rice or corn. Sometimes you just eat them with your hands, like potato chips.

Source: BigStory.ap.org.

bobsboeries.wordpress.com
bobsboeries.wordpress.com

The Boerie Roll

South Africa’s version of a bratwurst, this hearty treat is sold at kiosks and grills on carts in just about any busy urban area where shoppers will be hungry from walking. This is a spicy sausage on a bread roll with tomato and onion mix, ketchup and mustard. The sausage is ground up with nutmeg, coriander, cloves and other spices that create a delicious aroma coming from the braai. The sausage is often served with corn pap (similar to porridge) and a tomato sauce.

Source: HonestCooking.com.

crizzfood.com
crizzfood.com

The Samoosa

This dish originates from the Muslim community in South Africa, but is now a popular dish in Nigeria. It’s a very popular item at celebrations and festivals. It’s a flaky, triangular pastry filled with usually semi-sweet, spicy and salty meat and veggies. The inside of the pastry is partially gooey and very warm, and it’s the perfect meal on the run. Source: DobbysSignature.com.

riceandwheat.com
riceandwheat.com

Doro Wat Stew

This is an Ethiopian chicken dish that packs almost as many spices and flavors as possible into one food: cardamom, black pepper, lime, cloves and ginger to name a few. It’s usually eaten with a soft, moldable flat bread that you pick up the chicken pieces with. You’ll want the bread too, because this stew simmers for hours so the chicken falls right off the bone. The traditional recipe incorporates eggs, too.

Source: NomNomPaleo.com.

adventuresofphteraholtz.blogspot.com
adventuresofphteraholtz.blogspot.com

Grilled Tilapia with Banku

Banku is a pasty, starchy side dish made from corn or cassava dough. It’s the perfect empty carb when you’re looking to indulge, but it also compliments salty grilled tilapia. You can usually find this duo on the streets of Ghana for around $5 a plate.

Source: CNN.com.

travel-studies.com
travel-studies.com

Kelewele

This is essentially plantain pieces deep fried and spiced with ginger and pepper. It’s often eaten with peanuts or “groundnuts.” You can sprinkle black or white pepper on it if you like a little spice on your sweets.

Source: Ghanaweb.com.

chinchinga
chinchinga

 

Chinchinga

Chinchinga are kebabs of spiced grilled sausages. Sometimes the sausages have been cut up into several pieces and interspersed with grilled onions. It’s common to see people in West Africa in major shopping areas walking around eating these savory sticks.

Source: Cnn.com.

joannastravelblog.com
joannastravelblog.com

Snail soup

The French call them escargot and eat these slimy creatures grilled and buttered; the Moroccans eat them in soup. Street vendors sell fresh, hot bowls of broth and snails. Using a toothpick, you’re supposed to remove the meat from the shells, before slurping up the broth. The soup is reportedly flavored with around 15 spices, and great for digestion.

Source: Sergetheconcierge.com.

valeofeveningfog.blogspot.com
valeofeveningfog.blogspot.com

Boiled Acorns

If you like salted nuts and popcorn, you’ll go crazy for this snack. You won’t be able to stop popping these treats in your mouth. Another Moroccan treat, the nuts are boiled and then roasted and buttered. Sometimes they’re mixed with raisins or dried fruit for a sort of trail mix.

Source: Cnn.com.