Africa, a continent of vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine, offers travellers an rich blend of history, nature, and culinary delights. Each country presents its own unique blend of traditions, languages, and flavours, creating a mosaic that captivates the senses.
African cuisine, deeply rooted in tradition and locally sourced ingredients, provides a culinary adventure as diverse as the continent itself. Street food, in particular, offers an authentic taste of everyday life, with vendors serving mouthwatering dishes that are both affordable and delicious.
According to CEOWORLD Magazine, here are the top five African countries you must visit in your lifetime and the street foods you simply cannot miss.
South Africa
South Africa, ranked as the best African country to visit with a score of 59.76 and a global rank of 6, is characterised by several distinct ecosystems. Popular street foods to try in South Africa include Bunny Chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with fragrant curry and served with salad or pickles on the side; Melktert, a buttery and flaky-crust pie; Boerewors, spicy sausage; and Gatsby, a local sandwich filled with fish, chips, and peri-peri sauce.
Read also: 10 African countries struggling with Low GDP per Capita
Egypt
With a score of 54.633 and a global rank of 24, Egypt, a treasure trove of ancient wonders, ranks as the second best African country to visit. Must-try street foods in Egypt include Fuul, made from cooked fava beans mixed with various Egyptian spices and egg, usually served in pita bread; Koshary, a combination of spaghetti, rice, lentils, and spicy chickpeas, covered with a seasoned tomato sauce; Hawawshi, cooked minced meat, chilies, and onions, placed between two layers of Arabic bread dough; Basbousa, a sweet dessert made from semolina flour, butter, and sugar, then drenched with sugary syrup; and Ta’ameya, deep-fried balls made from ground fava beans, served in pita bread with salads and tahini sauce.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is an archipelago and island country in West Africa, located in the central Atlantic Ocean. Consisting of ten volcanic islands, it ranks as the third best African country to visit with a score of 52.35 and a global rank of 38. Five popular street foods you can find in Cape Verde are: Pastel, deep-fried pastries filled with savoury ingredients, often including tuna, vegetables, or cheese; Espetada, skewered grilled meat, usually goat or chicken, seasoned with spices and served with a side of rice or bread; Bifana, thinly sliced marinated pork served in a bread roll, often with mustard or hot sauce and Bolo de Coco, a coconut cake often served as a dessert.
Morocco
Ranked as the fourth best African country to visit is Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, distinguished by its Berber, Arabian, and European cultural influences. With a score of 50.59, Morocco is the 48th best country to visit globally. Some of the best Moroccan street foods to try are Khobz, crusty bread topped with honey or goat cheese; Brochettes, grilled spiced ground lamb or beef; Maakouda, plain potato fritters that can be stuffed with meat, tuna, or cheese; spicy sardines; and steamed sheep head.
Read also: 10 African countries with the highest debts to IMF
Mozambique
Mozambique, with a score of 50.39 and a global rank of 49, is known for its pristine dive sites and beautiful tropical islands. Popular street foods to try include Matapa, a traditional dish made from cassava leaves, ground peanuts, and coconut milk, often served with rice; Pao, freshly baked bread rolls often enjoyed with peri-peri chicken or grilled prawns; Mozambican prawns; and Piri Piri chicken.