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What to eat in Africa? Top 100 African Foods

Last update: Thu Mar 27 2025
Top 100 African Foods
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best African Foods

01
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Garantita is a popular Algerian street food item that is consumed as a snack and prepared as a kind of cake or tart. The dough is made with a combination of chickpea flour, oil, spices, and water. It is then covered with a beaten egg and baked in the oven until it develops a golden-brown color on top.


Garantita is typically served hot, dressed with harissa and cumin. It is believed that the name of this street snack is derived from the Spanish caliantetorta.

02
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Beyaynetu is a colorful Ethiopian assorted dishes platter that is traditionally arranged on top of injera flatbread. It is essentially a sampler plate that has meat and vegetables (or just vegetables, when it's called yetsom beyaynetu), and the choice of small dishes depends on the restaurant serving the dish.


In most cases, bayenetu includes meat stews, shiro, puréed red lentils in berbere sauce, yellow peas, spiced collard greens, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes in a flavorful sauce. It is recommended to pair the dish with tej – Ethiopian wine made from fermented honey.

03

Street Food

EGYPT and  one more country
4.6
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Marinated and spit-roasted, shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern meat treat whose origins can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire era, while its name stems from the Arabic pronunciation of the Turkish word çevirme (lit. to turn; turning), and refers to the rotating skewer on which the meat is cooked.


Shawarmas are made with either lamb, turkey, chicken, beef, or a mix of different meats which are slow-cooked for hours and basted in their own juices and fat, gaining an incomparable succulence, but the real secret to a perfect shawarma is in the marinade. 

MOST ICONIC Shawarma

1
04
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Sfinz is a traditional fried pastry made with a dough consisting of flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and water. The dough is shaped into small balls which are then flattened to form a thin layer of pastry. After it has been fried, sfinz is typically enjoyed with honey, although it can also be fried with an egg on top.


Also known as Libyan doughnut, this fried pastry is especially popular for breaking the fast during Ramadan, but it can also be served for breakfast. If there is any leftover dough, Libyans usually transform it into herb bread.

05
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Rfissa is a traditional dish of stewed chicken pieces, onions, and lentils served over shredded msemmen, old bread, or trid pastry. The full list of ingredients is as follows: chicken, onions, saffron, ginger, lentils, msemmen, fenugreek seeds, and ras el hanout.


The dish is traditionally served on the third day after the birth of a child or for similar festive occasions. It's typically consumed by a group of people gathering around the large dish, and each person then eats from his side of the platter.

06

Sweet Pastry

EGYPT and  one more country
4.5
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Kunāfah consists of two crunchy layers of shredded and buttered kataifi or knefe dough, filled with a luscious cheese cream that's often flavored with orange zest and cardamom, then drenched in a sugar syrup infused with lemon juice and orange blossom water.


Turkish künefe is traditionally made with Hatay, Urfa, or Antep cheese. It is usually topped with pistachios and is best served warm. Elegant and amazingly simple to make, this dessert is nothing short of what cheese-filled pastry dreams are made of. 
07

Appetizer

MOROCCO and  2 more regions
4.5
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Maakouda are traditional potato fritters that are popular throughout the Maghreb, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The fritters are usually prepared plain, but they can also be stuffed with meat, tuna, or cheese, although not that often.


They're made with potatoes, parsley, garlic, flour, salt, and pepper. The potatoes are boiled, mashed, and mixed with other ingredients into small disks which are then deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown. Maakouda is traditionally served as an appetizer, a side dish, or an ingredient in a long sandwich roll that's usually sold as street food and served with harissa, coriander, and lemon juice. 
08
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Mahjouba is a traditional flatbread that is one of the most popular street food items in the country. These thick and flaky crepe-like flatbreads are made with semolina, then filled with a combination of tomatoes and caramelized onions. Mahjouba is often paired with harissa sauce on the side, but the condiment is completely optional.

09

Sweet Pastry

MOROCCO and  one more region
4.5
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Sfenj are popular Moroccan and Algerian doughnut-like fritters made from sticky unleavened batter, similar to Libyan sfinz and Tunisian bambalouni. The dough is traditionally shaped into rings and deep-fried until it develops a golden, crispy exterior.


The interior should be fluffy, tender, and chewy. These fritters are usually served hot when sold by street vendors, and they can be consumed plain or dusted with icing sugar.

10

Stew

ETHIOPIA and  one more region
4.5
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Shiro wat or tsebhi shiro is an Ethiopian and Eritrean stew made with chickpeas or broad beans as main ingredients, along with garlic, onions, ginger, tomatoes, and chili peppers. The chickpeas give this stew a nice texture and nutty flavor, but they can be replaced by shiro powder, which is a combination of chickpea flour and various spices.


The dish is traditionally prepared for special occasions such as Ramadan and Tsom. It is recommended to serve shiro with injera flatbread on the side.

11
12
Dip
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.4
13
14
Snack
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.4
15
16
Cooked Sausage
ALGERIA  and  3 more regions
4.4
17
Lamb Dish
MARRAKESH, Morocco
4.4
18
19
Stew
SOUTH AFRICA
4.4
20
Deep-fried Dessert
SIDI BOU SAID, Tunisia
4.4
21
22
23
24
Egg Dish
TUNISIA  and  7 more regions
4.3
25
Chicken Dish
ZAMBEZIA PROVINCE, Mozambique  and  one more country
4.3
26
Flatbread
MOROCCO  and  2 more regions
4.3
27
Rice Dish
NIGERIA  and  8 more regions
4.3
28
Deep-fried Dessert
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.3
29
Pancake
MOROCCO  and  one more region
4.3
30
31
Stew
DURBAN, South Africa
4.3
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Stew
THE GAMBIA
4.3
43
Chicken Dish
ANGOLA  and  3 more regions
4.3
44
45
46
47
48
Stew
MOROCCO  and  2 more regions
4.2
49
Flatbread
ETHIOPIA  and  one more region
4.2
50
Snack
SOUTH AFRICA
4.2
51
Casserole
SOUTH AFRICA
4.2
52
Soup
MOROCCO  and  one more region
4.2
53
54
55
Stew
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.2
56
57
58
59
60
61
Street Food
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.1
62
Sweet Pastry
EGYPT  and  2 more countries
4.1
63
Dip
EGYPT  and  2 more countries
4.1
64
Stew
MOROCCO  and  3 more regions
4.1
65
66
Noodle Dish
ALGIERS, Algeria  and  one more region
4.1
67
68
69
70
71
Rice Dish
NORTHERN REGION, Ghana
4.1
72
Side Dish
FES, Morocco
4.1
73
Stew
MAURITIUS
4.1
74
75
Side Dish
ALGERIA  and  one more region
4.1
76
77
78
Soup
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.0
79
Pudding
EGYPT  and  one more country
4.0
80
81
Vegetable Soup
EGYPT  and  one more region
4.0
82
83
84
85
Cookie
EGYPT  and  one more country
3.9
86
87
88
Poultry Dish
ANGOLA  and  one more region
3.9
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
Ground Meat Dish
EGYPT  and  one more country
3.9
96
Soup
NIGERIA  and  one more region
3.8
97
Stew
SOUTH AFRICA
3.8
98
Swallow
NIGERIA
3.8
99
100
Saltwater Fish Dish
EGYPT  and  2 more countries
3.8
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best African Food Producers

01

Coffee

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
4.9
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Gesha Village Coffee Estate – Redefining Excellence in Coffee Cultivation Gesha Village Coffee Estate is a world-renowned coffee farm located in western Ethiopia, near the border with South Sudan, in a region known for its lush forests and rich biodiversity.


Founded in 2011 by Rachel Samuel and Adam Overton, who transitioned from careers in photography and documentary filmmaking to coffee farming, Gesha Village is dedicated to preserving and elevating the legacy of Ethiopian coffee. Spanning 471 hectares, with 341 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation and 27% of the land preserved for natural conservation, the estate is home to over 730,000 coffee trees. 
BEST Gesha Village Estate Coffees
02

Coffee Beans

KIGALI, Rwanda
4.8
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Ngororero Coffee Washing Station is owned and operated by Rwacof Exports Ltd, a subsidiary of the global trading company Sucafina. Rwacof is one of the largest coffee processors and exporters in Rwanda, with significant investments in the coffee sector, including operations at 22 out of the country’s 300 coffee washing stations.


Ngororero focuses primarily on fully washed coffee processing, while also experimenting with honey and natural processing in smaller quantities. After purchasing ripe coffee cherries from farmers, a strict selection process is conducted, which includes flotation to remove lower-quality cherries and visual inspection by trained staff. 
BEST Rwacof Coffee Beans
03

Olive Oil

TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.7
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Domaine Adonis is an olive oil producer based in Tunisia. They specialize in high-quality, extra virgin olive oils. Their products are made using traditional cultivation methods combined with modern processing techniques. Domaine Adonis focuses on sustainability and maintaining the natural ecosystem in their olive groves.


The company emphasizes the importance of the terroir, which contributes to the unique flavor profile of their olive oils.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold

2024

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2023, 2022, 2020

BEST Domaine Adonis Olive Oils
04

Olive Oil

CASABLANCA, Morocco
4.7
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Noor Fès is a premium Moroccan extra virgin olive oil brand, founded with the aim of recovering the authentic taste of traditional Moroccan olive oil. The company, based in the Fez region, focuses on the high-end market. The olives used in Noor Fès are sourced from ancient Moroccan Picholine varieties.


After years of careful harvesting, Noor Fès was introduced in 2018, quickly becoming a leader in Morocco’s olive oil market. The olive orchards benefit from an exceptional microclimate and pure mineral water streams, contributing to the distinct quality of the oil.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold

2024

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2023, 2021

BEST Noor Fès Olive Oils
05

Chocolate

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar
4.7
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Chocolat Madagascar is a renowned chocolate maker based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, operating under the Chocolaterie Robert factory. Their production model is unique because they oversee the entire process from seed to chocolate on the island, which not only ensures freshness but also enhances the economic benefits for local communities??.


Chocolat Madagascar is especially noted for its environmentally sustainable practices, as cocoa cultivation under the rainforest canopy helps promote reforestation and protects native fauna?. The chocolates are produced using fine cocoa beans grown in the Sambirano Valley, a region known for its rich terroir that imparts distinctive fruity flavors to the cocoa??. 
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020, 2017

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean

2020, 2017

Academy of Chocolate - Silver

2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2006

06

Olive Oil

CENTRAL DISTRICT, Botswana
4.7
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BVS Premium Jerusalem Olive Oil is an olive oil producer located in the Central District of Israel. They specialize in crafting high-quality olive oil, ensuring a product that emphasizes traditional methods combined with modern technology. The company sources its olives from regional groves, reflecting the unique terroir of the area.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2023, 2022, 2021

London IOOC - Gold

2022, 2021

07
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Kakira Spirits is a producer of premium alcoholic beverages located in Jinja, Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile River. Established in 1930 by the Madhvani family, Kakira Spirits is part of the Kakira Sugar Estate, where sugarcane has been cultivated and processed for over 70 years.


The company produces award-winning spirits such as gin, vodka, and rum, using molasses derived as a by-product of sugar production. This approach reduces waste and carbon footprint while simultaneously increasing revenues.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

European Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024, 2023

European Spirits Challenge - Silver

2024, 2023

BEST Kakira Destillery Spirits
08

Olive Oil

WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
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De Rustica Olive Estate is located in the Western Cape of South Africa. They produce high-quality extra virgin olive oils. The estate has garnered multiple awards for its olive oils at international competitions. They utilize sustainable farming practices and advanced production techniques.
AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - ABSOLUTE BEST

2023

09

Liqueur

SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

The Liqueur Masters - Gold

2023

10

Olive Oil

SOUTHERN DISTRICT, Botswana
4.7
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AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2023

OLIVINUS - Prestigio Oro

2023

11
Spirit
PAARL, South Africa
4.7
12
Spirit/Liqueur
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
13
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
14
15
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
16
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
17
Wine
RAWSONVILLE, South Africa
4.7
18
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
19
Olive Oil
SWELLENDAM, South Africa
4.7
20
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
21
22
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.7
23
24
Meat Product
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
25
26
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
27
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
28
Spirit
PRAIA, Cape Verde
4.7
29
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
30
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
31
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
32
33
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
34
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.7
35
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.7
36
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.7
37
38
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
39
40
Beer
SANTA CATARINA, Cape Verde
4.7
41
42
Wine
FRANSCHHOEK, South Africa
4.7
43
44
Spirit
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
45
Spirit
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
46
Spirit
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
47
Spirit
KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa
4.7
48
49
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
50
Wine
YENAGOA, Nigeria
4.7
51
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
52
Wine
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
53
Spirit
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
4.7
54
Spirit
QUEENSTOWN, South Africa
4.7
55
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
4.7
56
Wine
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.7
57
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.7
58
Olive Oil
TUNIS, Tunisia
4.6
59
60
61
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.6
62
Olive Oil
GAUTENG, South Africa
4.6
63
64
Cheese
STANFORD, South Africa
4.6
65
66
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.6
67
Spirit
KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa
4.6
68
Olive Oil
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
4.6
69
70
71
Coffee Beans
GATUNDU, Kenya
4.6
72
Olive Oil
CENTRAL DISTRICT, Botswana
4.6
73
74
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
4.6
75
76
77
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
78
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
79
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
80
81
Olive Oil
SANTA CATARINA, Cape Verde
4.6
82
83
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
84
Olive Oil
CENTRAL DISTRICT, Botswana
4.6
85
Olive Oil
ALGERIA, Maghreb
4.6
86
Olive Oil
LIBYA, Maghreb
4.6
87
88
89
90
91
92
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
93
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
94
95
96
97
98
99
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
100
Olive Oil
TUNISIA, Maghreb
4.6
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best African Food Products

01

Olive Oil

CASABLANCA, Morocco
5.0
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Noor Fès is a premium extra virgin olive oil made from the Moroccan Picholine olive variety. This high-quality olive oil is produced with traditional methods to preserve its authentic taste and rich flavor profile. The olives are carefully harvested and processed to ensure a smooth and well-balanced oil with notes of fruitiness and mild bitterness.


Noor Fès has gained recognition for its excellence in international competitions, showcasing its superior quality. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Moroccan olive oil​.
AWARDS

ATHENA IOOC - Double Gold

2024

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2023, 2021

02
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AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2022

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2022, 2021

03
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AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

Olive Japan - Gold

2022

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2022

04
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DE RUSTICA ESTATE COLLECTION CORATINA is an olive oil product made by De Rustica Olive Estate. Known for its robust and intense flavor, this olive oil is produced from the Coratina variety of olives, which are renowned for their high polyphenol content and strong, fruity characteristics.


The oil boasts a well-balanced profile with hints of bitterness and spiciness, making it suitable for enhancing the flavors of various dishes, from salads to grilled meats. De Rustica Olive Estate is situated in the picturesque region of the Western Cape in South Africa, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for olive cultivation.
AWARDS

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - ABSOLUTE BEST

2023

EVOOLEUM - BEST OF CLASS

2023

05
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AWARDS

NYIOOC - Gold

2023

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2022

ATHENA IOOC - Gold

2021

06
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AWARDS

Olive Japan - Gold

2022

EVOOLEUM - Top 100

2023, 2022

EVOOLEUM - BEST OF EACH COUNTRY

2023, 2022

07
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AWARDS

EVO IOOC - Gold Medal

2022, 2021

ATHENA IOOC - Gold

2022

OLIVINUS - Gran Prestigio Oro

2022

08
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Ottange 100% by Chocolat Madagascar is a premium chocolate bar crafted entirely from single-origin cocoa beans sourced from Madagascar. The country's rich biodiversity and unique terroir contribute distinct flavors to the cocoa. As a 100% cocoa product, Ottange 100% delivers an intense and robust experience, showcasing a complex flavor profile with notes of red fruit and a subtle natural sweetness, all without added sugar—perfect for pure chocolate lovers.


Rich in antioxidants and essential minerals like magnesium and iron, Ottange 100% not only delights the palate but also supports health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and stress reduction.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2020

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean

2020

09
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Crafted in Madagascar from cocoa beans from the Sambirano Valley, this chocolate ensures freshness by processing near the plantations. The 100% Cocoa bar boasts a rich flavor with notes of forest fruits, citrus, and raisins, featuring reduced bitterness and a smooth texture.


It contains no added sugar or chemicals, emphasizing its natural taste. Chocolat Madagascar has won multiple awards, including the Golden Bean Award, and their 'Raise Trade' principle supports the local economy, enhancing living standards for local communities.
AWARDS

Academy of Chocolate - Gold

2017

Academy of Chocolate - Golden Bean

2017

10
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Kakira Sugar Limited, established in 1930, is Uganda's leading sugar producer, accounting for approximately half of the nation's sugar production. The company operates on a vast estate along the shores of Lake Victoria, where it cultivates sugarcane and processes it into various products.


Kakira Vodka is a notable product from Kakira Distillery. It is made from pure sugarcane spirit grown and distilled at the Kakira Sugar Estate. The vodka undergoes multiple chilled charcoal filtrations, resulting in an extraordinarily smooth taste and flawless finish. 
AWARDS

European Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024, 2023

London Spirits Competition - Gold

2024

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
Spirit
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
5.0
30
31
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
5.0
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Liqueur
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
5.0
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Wine
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
46
47
48
49
Spirit
PAARL, South Africa
5.0
50
Wine
STELLENBOSCH, South Africa
5.0
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
59
60
61
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
62
Olive Oil
WESTERN CAPE, South Africa
5.0
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Beer
SANTA CATARINA, Cape Verde
5.0
77
Olive Oil
CENTRAL DISTRICT, Botswana
5.0
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
Spirit
SOUTH AFRICA, South Africa
5.0
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
Chocolate
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar
5.0
96
97
98
99
100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 African Foods” list until March 27, 2025, 28,938 ratings were recorded, of which 9,345 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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