African food is more than simply food; it is a vital component of the culture. African countries offer a culinary experience unlike any other, from the robust spices of North Africa to the substantial stews of West Africa to the peculiar flavours of East Africa. The impact that African food has had on international culinary trends cannot be overstated.
Like with food in general, one of the most important aspects of African food is its role in cultural preservation.
In addition to providing a taste of the past, traditional recipes that have been passed down through the years help individuals connect with their cultural heritage and forebears. Every meal preserves the traditions and customs of multiple African tribes by telling a story about a particular place, tribe, or historical event.
Certain meals have evolved organically because experiments and other circumstances have altered their original form, such as the way they are prepared. Still, these traditional foods are genuinely African and haven’t changed much over time. They have thus been given to the world as a gift and are an integral element of the African identity.
Certain cuisines are associated with the homeland, just as Americans are recognised for hamburgers, Chinese people for noodles, and Italians for spaghetti and pizza.
With that said, it is interesting to note which African cuisines are simply referred to as the best. For this, the food platform TasteAtlas has put together the best cuisines in the world, and below are 5 of Africa’s best.
Methodology
“Based on 395,205 (271,819 valid) dish ratings, and 115,660 (80,863 valid) food product ratings, these cuisines have recorded the best average ratings for their respective top 50 highest-rated dishes and food products. If two cuisines have the same average rating, the one with the highest-rated dish is ranked higher.”
| Rank | Country | Ratings | Global rank | Best rated foods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Algeria | 4.31 | 40th | Deglet Nour, Takemmarit, Traditional Bouhezza Cheese, Rechta, Makroud el louse and 28 more |
| 2. | Morocco | 4.24 | 46th | Medjool Dates, Ras el hanout, Argane, Alnif Cumin, Taliouine Saffron and 52 more |
| 3. | Egypt | 4.21 | 51st | Siwa Oasis Dates, Rumi, Bamya, Domiati, Areesh, and 37 more. |
| 4. | South Africa | 4.20 | 52nd | Braai, Bunny Chow, Roosterkoek, Potjiekos, Boerewors and 47 more |
| 5. | Tunisia | 4.02 | 66th | Harissa, Lablabi, Mechouia Salad, Houria, Brik and 16 more |