African Cuisine Hamilton, ON
Africa has a sumptuous food heritage and the size of the continent alone speaks to the enormity of the diversity of its cuisine. African cuisine has become more and more popular over the years as we are becoming more health-conscious, the big bold flavors, and the use of superfoods. The various dishes are as distinct and unique as this enormous, beautiful continent.
The flavors of Africa vary from country to country. Each country has its own locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. These have been combined, changed, and perfected over the years to create tantalizing mouth-watering dishes.
North African Flavors
In the North, you have a taste of the Mediterranean. Olives came from Europe and spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and saffron from the Arabian Peninsula. The region has its own special flair with things like a spicy harissa paste that can be used as a marinade or directly in a variety of dishes to add even more flavor.
East African Flavors
Because of various trade routes, there is a specific influence from Indian and middle eastern spices. In Swahili cooking, you’ll see the use of cumin, coconut, tamarind, coriander, and turneric.
West African Flavors
Although the west uses fewer spices compared to their northern and eastern friends they do however love their hot peppers. Other flavors that make the west distinct are peanuts, red palm oil, smoked fish, crayfish, ginger, and dawadawa.
South African Flavors
Now South Africa has the most global influence today in terms of African cuisine. Some of the most common South African cuisines are Boerewors (farmers sausage), Braai (BBQ), and Potjiekos (small-pot food).
African food engages all the senses. You feel the love and attention in the cooking, the smell and taste are intoxicating, as you eat you’ll be dreaming of visiting, and with some dishes, you’ll get the actual feel of the food. Not to mention the attention to detail when it comes to the presentation. At Afrolicious you can find a variety of dishes taken from all over the continent of Africa. Dining at Afrolicious is truly an experience and one that you should not miss.