Africa is a continent rich in culture, tradition, and delicious food. One of the best ways to experience this culture is through street food. Across different countries, people enjoy tasty and affordable snacks sold by vendors on the roadside, in busy markets, and at street corners. These foods are not just meals; they carry history, tradition, and the unique flavors of each region.
In Cameroon and many other African countries, street food is an important part of daily life. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a late-night treat, there is always something delicious to eat. Some of the most loved street foods include suya, puff-puff and beans (BH), akara, grilled plantains, and roasted plum. Each of these foods has a special place in the hearts of those who eat them, and they bring people together in ways that only food can.
Suya: The King of African Street Food
Suya is one of the most popular street foods in West Africa, especially in Nigeria and Cameroon. It is a spicy grilled meat skewer made from beef, chicken, or sometimes goat meat. The meat is marinated with a special blend of ground peanuts, pepper, garlic, ginger, and other spices before being grilled over an open flame.
What makes suya special is its smoky flavor and the spicy seasoning that coats the meat. It is usually served with fresh onions, tomatoes, and spicy pepper sauce. Many people enjoy suya in the evening after work, sitting by a roadside stall and enjoying the warmth of freshly grilled meat. It is a social food, often shared with friends while talking and relaxing.
Puff-Puff and Beans (BH): A Cameroonian Favorite
In Cameroon, one of the most loved street food combinations is beignet haricot, commonly called BH. It consists of soft, puff-puff served with boiled and spiced beans. This meal is affordable, filling, and packed with flavor.
Puff-puff is made from a simple batter of flour, sugar, yeast, and water, which is left to rise before being deep-fried in hot oil. The result is a soft, slightly sweet ball of fried dough that pairs perfectly with the beans. The beans are slow-cooked until soft and then mixed with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes palm oil to create a delicious, savory sauce.
People love BH because it is a balanced meal that provides energy for the day. It is commonly eaten for breakfast often with a bowl of pap. Many vendors sell it by the roadside in small stalls, and the delicious smell of frying puff-puff attracts customers from far away.
Akara: The Crispy Bean Cake
Akara, also known as bean cakes or kosai, is a deep-fried snack made from blended black-eyed peas mixed with onions, pepper, and spices. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a favorite breakfast or snack in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
The process of making akara starts with soaking the beans to remove the outer skin before blending them into a smooth paste. The paste is then mixed with seasonings and deep-fried until golden brown. Akara is often served with pap (a corn porridge) or bread, making it a satisfying meal.
People love akara because it is nutritious, high in protein, and has a delicious, slightly spicy taste. It is also easy to find on the streets, with vendors selling it fresh and hot in markets and busy areas.
Grilled Plantains and Roasted Plum: A Perfect Pair
Grilled plantains, known as bole In South South Nigeria, it is eaten with roasted fish. Bole went from being eaten at Festivals to becoming a very popular street food. Ripe or semi-ripe plantains are grilled over charcoal until they develop a caramelized, smoky flavor. It is often eaten with groundnut or fried fish. The natural sweetness of the plantain combines with the smoky taste, making it a favorite snack for many.
In Cameroon, roasted plantains are often enjoyed with roasted plum. The combination of sweet plantains and the slightly tangy plum creates a unique taste that many people love.
This snack is widely available in markets, bus stations, and roadside stalls. It is an easy and affordable food that satisfies hunger while offering a taste of the local flavors. Some vendors also serve grilled plantains with red oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
African street food is more than just something to eat—it is part of the culture. It represents the creativity of local cooks who turn simple ingredients into delicious meals. Here are a few reasons why people love street food:
Affordable and Filling – Street food is usually cheap, making it accessible to everyone, from students to workers. Many dishes are also very filling, providing energy for the day.
Fresh and Flavorful – Street food is often cooked fresh on the spot, meaning it is hot and full of flavor. The use of local spices and traditional cooking methods makes each meal special.
Brings People Together – Eating street food is a social experience. People gather around vendors, chat, and enjoy their meals in a lively atmosphere. It is a way to connect with others and share in the joy of good food.
Convenient – Many people love street food because it is quick and easy to get. Vendors set up in busy areas, making it simple for people to grab a meal on the go.
African street food is a true taste of culture, tradition, and community. From the spicy suya to the comforting puff-puff and beans, each dish tells a story of the people and places that created it. These foods bring joy, warmth, and connection, making them an essential part of everyday life.
The next time you walk past a street food vendor, take a moment to stop, taste, and enjoy the magic of African street food.
