There’s great variation in the flavors of each cuisine; no matter where you end up in the world, you will always find flavors and cuisines to be unique. Whether you’re eating classic French sandwiches or a bowl of curry, no two dishes will give you the same experience.

Similarly, when we talk about African cuisine, we think about the rich, complex, and highly developed flavors that it carries with it. However, even within the African cuisine, there’s very little similarity since it varies greatly from one region to another. If you want to understand African cuisine and its flavors, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about vatious African regions and how spices and flavors are used to create exquisite delicacies.

Let’s begin!

Flavors from North Africa

North Africa consists of great nations, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Sudan. However, their contribution to the international world has expanded beyond creating pyramids. They have made a distinctive mark in the culinary world. They were the first to turn semolina into the famous dish couscous.

Some of the most common spices in North African cuisine include saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Other than couscous, some popular dishes include Shakshouka and Harira.

Flavors from West Africa

Similar to other parts of Africa, West Africa has its own flavors and recipes. Some of their recipes include cassava and green plantain flour combined to create a unique dough.

Some of the most common spices used in West African cuisine include nutmeg, ginger, cumin, and chilies. Most dishes use a tomato base with red palm oil to create an exquisite color. When talking about popular west African dishes, we can’t overlook the chicken stew with sweet potatoes.

Flavors from Central Africa

Surrounded by mountains, rainforests, and a wide river, the flavors of central Africa stayed free from the taste of other nearby regions. Most of their cuisine is thick, peanut-centric sauces made with a combination of spices to create a unique flavor altogether.

The ingredients commonly used in central African cuisine include sorghum, millet, yams, okra, fish, and chicken.

If you’re in Montreal and are looking for a taste of African-style street food, then take a look at our menu at Baguette Brochette. We serve French baguette-inspired healthy sandwiches made at home, with a twist of African flavors. Our baguette sandwiches are among the best sandwiches in all of Montreal; if you don’t believe us, give us a call, or visit us today.