Popular African Snacks and Appetizers

Content… Sweet African Snacks & Appetizers    1. Mandazi    2. Baked Mandazi    3. Koeksisters    4. Crunchies    5. Puff Puff    6. Accra Banana    7. Candied Peanuts    8. Kashata Savory African Snacks & Appetizers    9. Chin Chin    10. Ghana Chips    11. Black Eyed Peas Fritters    12. Plantain Chips    13. Accra Cassava    14. Kelewele    15. African Egg Roll    16. Bhajias    17. Moi Moi    18. Tatale Meaty Snacks From Africa    19. Suya Chicken    20. African Meat Pie    21. Vetkoek    22. African Fish Roll    23. Bunny Chow    24. Egusi Pudding    25. Kwacoco Bible

Sweet African Snacks & Appetizers

1. Mandazi

This recipe is a reader favorite. If you like New Orleans beignets, you’ll love their inspiration with grated coconut, cardamon, and nutmeg. Light, fluffy, and addictive; need I say more?

2. Baked Mandazi

Avoiding fried foods? No worries because you can bake the classic mandazi. So tender, indulgent, and guilt-free, they’re amazing!

3. Koeksisters

Traditional koeksisters from South Africa are deliciously deep-fried, braided sweet bread drenched in a lemony syrup. It’s going to be love at first bite, so be warned.

4. Crunchies

The original South African oatmeal bar is much better than anything you can get in the store. They’re great for an on-the-go breakfast. So, ditch the ultra-processed versions at the store and make your own!

5. Puff Puff

Forget those mass-produced doughnuts and whip up an easy batch of this quintessential West African snack. Both kids and adults love them!

6. Accra Banana (Banana Fritters)

Take overripe bananas, and turn them into accra for a delicious breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Simply addictive!

7. Candied Peanuts (Groundnut Sweet)

These sweet and crunchy candied peanuts are additive-free (no added color to make it bright) and egg-free (vegan). They deliver a snack perfect for that afternoon slump when you want something just a tad sweet.

8. Kashata

Spiced peanut and coconut candy is fast and easy with only 4 ingredients. Make a double batch and enjoy a soul-satisfying afternoon snack on demand.

Savory African Snacks & Appetizers

9. Chin Chin

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without this West African cracker-like snack. Once I start popping them in my mouth, I can’t stop.

10. Ghana Chips

Crazy popular West African chips with a Ghana twist featuring onions, garlic, and a little bite from white pepper. If you have a sweet tooth like me, add a little sugar for an extra tasty and addictive chin chin.

11. Black Eyed Peas Fritters (Akara)

Spicy, crispy, and irresistible black-eyed pea fritters make a filling, meat-free snack. Did I mention you can snack healthily?

12. Plantain Chips

Guilt-free plantain chips are another healthy alternative for snacking. These spicy, naturally sweet, crispy chips baked with little oil deliver a satisfying toasty crunch.

13. Accra Cassava (Kouti)

This popular street food is crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Best enjoyed fresh out of the pan! Back in my hometown, Yaoundé (Cameroon), you can enjoy accra practically any time of the day because they’re sold on almost everywhere. The bananas make it sweet with no added sugar.

14. Kelewele or Aloco (Spicy Fried Plantains)

Another way to enjoy plantains for a naturally sweet snack. This time, with peanuts for an even more satisfying snack.

15. African Egg Roll (Meatless Scotch Eggs)

A filling snack enjoyed throughout West Africa ripped off the British version of Scotch eggs. This wonderfully versatile snack enjoys as many versions as people who love making them.

16. Bhajias

East African snacks enjoyed in Kenya and Tanzania are fried potatoes with an Indian twist. YUM!

17. Moi Moi

This savory pudding is a classic comfort food with Nigerian roots. However, we enjoy mai mai in Cameroon, which is similar. So, amaze your family with this fun twist on black-eyed peas.

18. Tatale (African Plantain Pancakes)

A super easy classic Ghanaian dish traditionally made with overripe plantains, flour, cornmeal, and spices. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use all those overripe plantains!

Meaty Snacks From Africa

19. Suya Chicken

Who doesn’t love food on a stick? Seriously, you’ll love this super popular African street food spiced up with pantry staple ingredients and peanuts. A must-make!

20. African Meat Pie

Slightly sweet and flaky dough wrapped around a succulent beef filling is incredible. There’s something about biting into a juicy beef empanada for comfort food magic!

21. Vetkoek

Amazing homemade sandwich bread filled with curried ground beef delivers traditional African street food. Warm, crusty bread fresh from the oven makes everything better.

22. African Fish Roll (Fish Pie)

These have always been the first to go on any appetizer plate I’ve made. Fish rolls bring back many precious childhood memories for a lot of Africans. Be sure to seal the rolls tight with water and flour and double or triple the recipe when entertaining. You’ll thank me later.

23. Bunny Chow

Deliciously tasty South African street food made with aromatic spices, meat, chickpeas, and potatoes served in hollowed-out bread makes a one-of-a-kind sandwich! Absolutely perfect comfort food you won’t be able to stop eating.

24. Egusi Pudding

Highly addictive savory bites made with African egusi seeds provide wonderful snack bites. Egusi pudding is a highly addictive savory dish widely enjoyed in Cameroon. I’m pretty sure other West African countries also have a fondness for this pudding.

25. Kwacoco Bible

Grated cocoyam mixed with spinach, smoked fish, red oil, and spices wrapped in plantain leaves make a great snack or appetizer. It also makes a fantastic one-pot meal.

By Imma