What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about East Africa? We bet it’s the wondrously diverse ecosystem of African wildlife!
East African countries pull a record number of tourists from all over the world yearly because of the safaris but the cultural experience usually sears the visit in their minds making it a long-lasting memory.
We cannot mention an African cultural experience without talking about African food, and in this article, we will be highlighting four East African recipes for you to take an African tour with from the comfort of your home.
1. Tanzania’s Ndizi na Nyama
Tanzania is an ecological marvel. It is home to the tallest mountain in Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro, and is especially known globally for its safaris, an ecosystem containing a diverse range of plants and animals. It is also home to the green banana and beef Swahili dish, Ndizi na Nyama.
Ndizi na Nyama is a simple but intensely flavorful dish that is made with unripe bananas, beef, ginger, onions, garlic, tomato blend, and coconut milk. This soup dish can be eaten on its own or with rice.
2. Rwanda’s Igisafuria
Rwanda, ‘Land of a thousand hills’, is known globally as an eco-conscious country because of the ban of plastic bags in the country. It is also the cleanest country in Africa. Another reason it is highly favored by tourists is the dish, Igisafuria.
The Igisafuria, the Kinyarwandan (official Rwandan language) word for ‘pot’ is a delectable casserole dish made mainly of chicken, plantains, vegetables and peanut sauce (do take note you’re allergic). It is a food prepared in most Rwandan homes but it gained popularity among tourists in the early 2010s and has since become a must-have when visiting Rwanda.
It is a simple and light tasteful dish that is usually enjoyed by itself.
3. Ethiopia’s Doro Wat
Coffee, which is arguably the most popular drink in the world, is said to have originated in Ethiopia and so did the Doro Wat.
Doro Wat is a richly flavored sauce dish usually enjoyed during festivities. It is a spicy and fragrant sauce made with onions, chicken, and hard-boiled eggs and served with Injera, an Ethiopian pancake. The Berbere spice is responsible for the distinct flavor of the sauce.
In Ethiopia, every family has their special way of preparing the Doro Wat sauce and it is greatly enjoyed during special occasions.
4. Kenya’s Pilau
The safari capital of the world with about fifty parks and national reserves, and home to the African Big Five – The African Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Rhino, and Buffalo, we know Kenya is definitely on your tour destination list.
Pilau or Pilaf is a simple and aromatic rice dish made of mostly goat meat stock, vegetables, and spices. It is similar to West Africa’s Jollof rice but different as it has its own distinct flavor and taste. It is also a popular dish in India and the Middle East.
Like the Jollof Rice, Pilau is usually enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.
Take yourself and your loved ones on a trip to the eastern part of Africa this weekend by trying out some of these recipes.
