African cuisine is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across the UK, with restaurants and supper clubs showcasing the continent’s diverse culinary traditions. From West African jollof rice to Ethiopian injera, these flavourful dishes offer a delicious introduction to Africa’s rich food culture. This guide will help you navigate the exciting world of African cuisine, with a focus on dishes readily available in UK restaurants and ingredients you can find in local African shops.
West African Delights
West African cuisine has established a particularly strong presence in the UK, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Here are some must-try dishes:
Jollof Rice
Often sparking friendly rivalries between Nigerian and Ghanaian communities, jollof rice is perhaps West Africa’s most famous dish. This fragrant, orange-red rice is cooked in a rich tomato sauce with scotch bonnet peppers, onions, and various spices. In the UK, you’ll find both Nigerian and Ghanaian versions, each claiming to be the authentic preparation. Try both and decide for yourself which you prefer!
Suya
This popular street food consists of skewered meat (typically beef) coated in a spicy peanut rub. The distinctive suya spice mix, or yaji, combines ground peanuts with ginger, garlic, and chilli. Many Nigerian restaurants in the UK offer suya as a starter, and you can even find dedicated suya spots in areas like Peckham in London.
Fufu and Soup
Fufu, a starchy accompaniment made from cassava, plantain, or yam, is eaten with various soups and stews. Egusi soup, made with ground melon seeds and leafy greens, is a popular pairing. When eating fufu, follow the traditional method: take a small portion, make an indentation with your thumb, and use it to scoop up the soup.
East African Treasures
East African cuisine offers unique flavours and dining experiences, with Ethiopian food leading the way in UK restaurants:
Injera with Various Wots
Injera, a sourdough flatbread with a distinctive spongy texture, serves as both plate and utensil in Ethiopian dining. It’s typically served with various wots (stews), such as doro wot (spiced chicken) or misir wot (red lentils). You’ll find excellent Ethiopian restaurants in areas like Shepherd’s Bush in London and the Northern Quarter in Manchester.
Ugali
A staple in Kenyan and Tanzanian cuisine, ugali is a firm cornmeal porridge served with meat stews or vegetable dishes. While simple in preparation, it’s deeply satisfying and essential to East African comfort food.
Southern African Specialties
Southern African cuisine, influenced by indigenous traditions and colonial history, offers unique and comforting dishes. Several South African and Zimbabwean restaurants have opened across the UK in recent years:
Pap and Chakalaka
Pap, similar to polenta but made from white maize meal, is a staple in Southern African countries. It’s often served with chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish made with carrots, tomatoes, beans, and aromatic spices. This vegetarian-friendly combination is both nutritious and satisfying.
Bobotie
A Cape Malay dish from South Africa, bobotie consists of spiced minced meat baked with an egg custard topping. Featuring a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours with curry spices, dried fruit, and nuts, it’s typically served with yellow rice. You can find this comfort food in South African restaurants across London and other major UK cities.
Sadza and Muriwo
Popular in Zimbabwe, sadza (similar to pap) is served with muriwo, a dish of sautéed leafy greens like covo or rape (similar to collard greens). This nutritious combination is often accompanied by grilled meat or stewed beans. Several Zimbabwean restaurants and pop-ups in cities like Leeds and Manchester now offer these traditional dishes.
Braai
While not a specific dish, braai (barbecue) is an essential part of Southern African food culture. Many Southern African restaurants in the UK offer braai-style grilled meats, including boerewors (spiced sausage), lamb chops, and peri-peri chicken. Some establishments even host regular braai events during summer months.
North African Favourites
North African cuisine, particularly Moroccan food, has long been popular in the UK:
Tagine
These slow-cooked stews, named after the conical clay pots they’re cooked in, combine meat or vegetables with fruits, spices, and herbs. Lamb with apricots and almonds is a classic combination you’ll find in many UK-based Moroccan restaurants.
Shakshuka
While claimed by multiple regions, this North African breakfast dish of eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce has become a brunch favourite across the UK. It’s often served with bread for scooping up the sauce.
Tips for Beginners
Where to Start
- Begin with dishes that feature familiar ingredients: Jollof rice is an excellent gateway dish, as it’s essentially seasoned rice with a rich tomato base.
- Visit restaurants during quieter periods and ask staff for recommendations. Many are happy to guide newcomers through their menus.
- Look for African food festivals and events, which often offer tasting portions of various dishes.
Finding Ingredients
The UK has numerous African grocery stores where you can find specialist ingredients:
– Brick Lane and Peckham in London
– Rusholme in Manchester
– The Balti Triangle in Birmingham
These shops stock everything from scotch bonnet peppers to cassava flour, enabling you to try cooking African dishes at home.
Etiquette Tips
- In many African traditions, it’s customary to eat with your right hand when dining traditionally
- Don’t be shy about asking for guidance on how to eat certain dishes
- Many African restaurants offer sharing plates – this is a great way to try multiple dishes
Health and Dietary Considerations
Many African dishes naturally cater to different dietary requirements:
- Vegetarians can enjoy dishes like Ethiopian misir wot (spiced lentils) and Moroccan vegetable tagines
- For those avoiding gluten, many West African staples like fufu are naturally gluten-free
- Vegans can find numerous options, particularly in Ethiopian cuisine, which features many plant-based dishes during fasting periods
Remember that spice levels can vary significantly. When ordering, don’t hesitate to discuss your spice preference with the staff, as many dishes can be adjusted to suit your taste.
This guide merely scratches the surface of African cuisine’s rich diversity. The best way to explore is to visit restaurants, try new dishes, and embrace the communal dining culture that makes African cuisine so special. The UK’s growing African food scene offers the perfect opportunity to embark on this culinary adventure.