Food in Cameroon

Cameroon, often referred to as "Africa in miniature" due to its diverse cultural and ecological landscape, offers a culinary voyage as varied as its geography. From coastal seafood dishes to the hearty stews of the inland regions, Cameroonian cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors that reflects the country's multifaceted heritage. Whether you're a foodie or a casual traveler, indulging in the local food scene is a must-do to truly experience Cameroon's rich culture. Discover the staple dishes, exotic spices, and unique cooking methods that define Cameroonian gastronomy.

Cameroonian Dishes

Ndolé

Ndolé is often referred to as the national dish of Cameroon. It's a hearty stew made from bitterleaf (a type of vegetable), peanuts, and can include fish, beef, or shrimp. This dish has a unique taste, blending the bitterness of the leaves with the richness of the peanuts and the savory flavor of the meat or seafood. It is typically served with plantains, bobolo (fermented cassava stick), or rice.

Eru

Eru, also known as "eru soup" or "African spinach," is a dish originating from the Southwest region of Cameroon. It is made from finely shredded Eru or Okazi leaves, palm oil, waterleaf, and can be cooked with an assortment of meats and fish like cow skin, smoked fish, and beef. It's commonly eaten with fufu (a dough made from boiled and pounded starchy vegetables) or water fufu.

Kati Kati

Kati Kati is a popular street food in Cameroon, especially in the North. It's made by grilling spiced, chopped chicken over an open flame. The chicken is usually seasoned with local spices and sometimes served with onions and hot pepper sauce. Kati Kati offers a smoky and spicy flavor that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Achu Soup

Achu soup, also known as yellow soup due to its color, is a traditional dish from the Northwest region of Cameroon. It's made with pounded cocoyams, palm oil, and a blend of spices including "kanwa" (a local limestone). The soup is often accompanied by a side of achu (pounded cocoyams or plantains) and is eaten by dipping the achu into the soup and then into the spice mixture.

Fufu and Njama Njama

Fufu and Njama Njama is a common combination in Cameroonian cuisine. Fufu, a staple food, is made from boiled and pounded starchy foods like cassava, plantains, or yams. Njama Njama refers to a spicy vegetable dish made from huckleberry leaves, tomatoes, onions, and palm oil. It is often served with meat or fish on the side.

Kondre

Kondre, also known as "plantain stew," is a dish from the Bantu-speaking region of Cameroon. It is a flavorful blend of ripe plantains, palm oil, tomatoes, onions, and spices, often cooked with goat meat or fish. The plantains give the stew its sweet taste, while the other ingredients add depth and savoriness.

Sanga

Sanga is a traditional dish made from corn or maize. The maize is fermented, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. It's typically served with a spicy sauce made from palm oil and spices, and often accompanied by meat or fish.

Mbanga Soup

Mbanga soup, also known as "palm nut soup," is a rich and creamy soup made from palm fruit pulp. It is commonly cooked with fish or meat and flavored with an array of spices and herbs. The soup is often eaten with fufu or rice and provides a true taste of Cameroonian comfort food.

Cameroonian Desserts

Puff Puffs

Puff Puffs are a popular street snack throughout Cameroon. They are sweet, fluffy balls of deep-fried dough that are similar to doughnuts. Often served as a dessert or snack, Puff Puffs are sometimes rolled in sugar or filled with chocolate or fruit jams for an extra sweet treat.

Koki

Koki is a savory bean cake that is sometimes enjoyed as a dessert. It's made from mashed black-eyed peas mixed with palm oil and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then steamed to perfection. While it can be eaten as a main course, its mild sweetness also allows it to be served as a dessert.

Banana Beignets

Cameroonian banana beignets, known locally as "beignets banane," are a sweet snack made by deep-frying a batter of mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and eggs. These beignets are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon, making them a delightful Cameroonian dessert.

===Mbatata

Mbatata, or sweet potato cookies, are a healthier dessert option in Cameroon. They are soft baked cookies made from mashed sweet potatoes, flour, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Mbatata cookies are not overly sweet and provide a nutritious end to a meal or a pleasant snack during the day.

Chin Chin

Chin Chin is a crunchy, fried snack that is often enjoyed as a dessert. Made from dough containing flour, sugar, butter, and milk, it is rolled out, cut into small pieces, and then fried until golden brown. Chin Chin can be flavored with nutmeg or vanilla and is a common treat served during celebrations and to guests.