Delving into the world of Cameroonian food is something that every traveler to the country should do if they have not done so. However, you have to apply for Cameroon visa first before you take a bite of the country’s delectable foods because it is the key to unlock the rich taste of what Cameroon has to offer. Cameroon is a country that each of its regions has its special local dishes, owing to the influences of over 250 ethnics and the colonial impacts of French and Portuguese. Ranging from delicious soups to juicy barbecued meats, the dishes found here are testaments to many people’s passion for spice and quality, as well as for food that can fill the stomach and warm the spirit.
After you have dealt with the Cameroon Visa, what is next for you is to look forward to a culinary journey of some of the Cameroon’s favorite foods. The Cameroonian cuisine covers everything from Ndole leafy vegetable and peanut stew to Poulet DG – a speciality chicken and plantain dish that was previously only prepared for the high and mighty. Whether you are into tasty food or passionate about traveling, Cameroon dishes are the best way to taste the traditions of this country.
Here, we will take you through seven traditional Cameroonian dishes that must feature on your list of foods to try when in Cameroon.
1. Ndole
Traditional dishes of Cameroon which is made from bitter leaves, groundnuts and spices that make Ndolé a very attractive dish to the Cameroonians. The meat, fish or shrimp is used to prepare this dish and the taste of the leaves is well complemented by the peanut butter sauce. Served with boiled plantains, cassava or rice, Ndolé is one of the specialties of Cameroonian cuisine and one shouldn’t miss out on once in Cameroon.
2. Poulet DG
Poulet DG (short for Poulet Directeur Général) has a special place among Cameroonian recipes and is usually served on holidays. It is a meal made from tender chicken pieces cooked with vegetables such as carrots, green beans, bell peppers, and plantains. These are the sweet, savory as well as spicy tastes that make Poulet DG a truly Cameroonian affair. The tender chicken and the caramelized plantains makes this dish conveniently warm and creamy.
3. Eru
Eru, is a green vegetable soup originating from the Bayangi speaking people in the South West Region of Cameroon and is prepared from wild spinach and waterleaf. It is normally prepared with smoked fish, beef and snails as this adds some kind of texture to the food. The spinach and waterleaf are boiled with spices and oil to melt into the dish and to enhance an earthy taste. Usually, Eru is eaten with a starchy accompaniment, called fufu, which is made from processed cassava, yam or plantain?
4. Koki
For a special vegetarian dish, Koki is a Cameroonian dish made with black-eyed peas which has been grounded. A little more solid in consistency resembling a pudding, the beans are mashed and cooked with red palm oil and spices and then steamed in banana leaves for extra fragrance. This makes the food delicious, smooth, and packed with protein and other nutrients to make it delicious. It can be eaten with plantains or cassava, then it is a delicious dish that can be taken at any time of the day.
5. Fufu Corn and Njama Njama
This iconic dish from the Northwest region combines two distinct elements: Fufu Corn is a soft-disc shaped food made from corn meal while Njama Njama is a vegetable made up of chopped and sautéed green leaves which are accompanied by tomatoes, onions and spices. Using fufu corn that is very smooth in texture with the savory slightly bitter Njama Njama is quite appealing. This recipe is typical for many people living in Cameroon and demonstrates the basics of the Cameroonian cookery.
6. Achu and Yellow Soup
Achu is a brightly colored dish with a bright yellow color and is prepared from the Bamenda region. It is prepared from cocoyams which are pounded to a paste, elastic in nature and is eaten with yellow soup which is prepared from red palm oil, limestone and spices. This dish is normally served with goat or beef and is as traditional Cameroonian as it can get. The beautiful color and tasty flavors makes Achu a treat to the eyes and the taste buds.
7. Brochettes (Suya)
Suya or Brochettes are seasoned meat on a skewer prepared from ground peanuts, spices, and chili. This tasty street foods are grilled and accompanied with onions and spicy pepper sauce. The smokiness combined with spiciness of the brochettes makes the snack or meal very tempting to take. People love them both foreigners and Cameroonian and are a perfect example of Cameroonian street food.
Conclusion
Cameroon food and drinks are uniquely flavored and contain a blend of recipes that are as diverse as the culture of the country. The simple Ndolé is earthy while Fufu Corn coupled with Njama Njama is comfort food that reminds many Cameroonians of home. Here are seven Cameroonian dishes that exemplify the ingenuity and versatility of Cameroonian cuisine as well as the friendliness of the nation’s people as visitors discover the country.
Therefore, once you possess Cameroon visa, do not hesitate to immerse yourself into this diverse and rich food culture. These meals are not simply about tasting something new, but there is more to it: it is about the people and the culture of Cameroon. From a single street dish to a homemade meal, you will definitely be touched by the Cameroonian flavors and learn a lot more about this wonderful country.
