Top 7 Traditional Foods to Try in Cameroon
Visiting a country without trying one of its traditional dishes is like travelling to Japan and not trying sushi. A country’s local cuisine reflects its traditions, culture and local ingredients, and Cameroon offers travellers a variety of traditional foods to try. The list below helps you decide what food to order during your trip to Cameroon.
1. Ndolé
Ndolé is one of the most loved and iconic dishes in Cameroon. It is made with Vernonia leaves, groundnuts, seafood or meat. The food gives a nutty, savoury and slightly bitter taste that tastes amazing and compels tourists to try for more.
Where to Try: Douala
Ideal Choice for: First-time visitors wanting to try some of the signature dishes of Cameroon
Useful Tip: Ask for the type of meat included. Common recipes may contain shrimp, beef or smoked fish.
2. Mbongo’o Tchobi
Mbongo’o Tchobi, also known as Mbongo Tchobi, is a popular traditional Bassa dish from the Littoral Region in Cameroon. The dish is mainly prepared with fish and is served with thick black sauce. It is served alongside boiled green or ripe plantains, cocoyams, or cassava.
Where to Try: Douala, Yaoundé, and Local Bassa Cabarets and Specialised Maquis (open street restaurant).
Ideal Option for: People who have moderate to high spice tolerance.
Insider Tip: The black colour in the dish is natural and does not mean that the food is burnt.
3. Eru Soup
Eru soup is a must-try Cameroonian dish which is filled with vegetables. The soup is made with fresh vine leaves, spinach or waterleaf to release juices. It is usually paired with water fufu.
Where to try: Douala, South West Region (Buea, Limbe, and Kumba), Local Markets and Chop Bars.
Ideal for: Travellers looking for a healthy, vegetable-rich meal.
Tourist Tip: Ask which meat or seafood is included, as Eru may contain fish, crayfish, beef or cow skin.
4. Water Fufu
Water Fufu is a soft Cameroonian side dish which is made with fermented cassava. It has a slightly sour aroma and is mostly eaten with the Eru soup. People usually eat Fufu with their hands to stay connected to their culture.
Where to Try: Douala, Yaoundé, Towns like Buea, Limbe, Bamenda, and Kumba.
Ideal For: Travellers looking for a gluten-free and authentic cassava-based dish.
Pro Tip: The water fufu is sticky, so keep a bowl of water near you to wet your hands
5. Koki
Koki is a steamed-bean pudding which is prepared differently in different regions. The texture is soft and moist, and it is commonly wrapped in banana leaves. The dish is made from ground black-eyed peas, palm oil, and spices.
Where to Try: Large city markets like Mfoundi Market in Yaoundé or Mokolo.
Ideal Choice For: Travellers looking for a decently healthy food option.
Insider Tip: Koki can be spicy, so ask for the spice level before ordering.
6. Achu
Achu is a traditional North-West Cameroonian dish consisting of pounded taro served with yellow soup. The palm-oil-based sauce contains spices and may also include meat, fish, cow skin or mushrooms.
Where to Try: Traditional eateries and community markets in the Northwest Region of Bamenda, Yaoundé and Douala.
Ideal Choice for: People wanting a Cameroonian comfort food experience.
Pro Tip: Go early during weekdays because the dish takes hours to make and sells out quickly at local spots.
7. Kondrè
Kondrè is a Cameroonian stew made with green plantains, spices, palm oil and meat such as pork, beef and goat. Fish is also included in some regions, as the recipe changes with regions.
Where to Try: Traditional restaurants in Bafoussam or Dschang
Ideal Choice for: People who love slow-cooked meats and one-pot stews.
Pro Tip: Confirm the meat used in the dish if you avoid some kinds of meats such as pork.
Applying for a Cameroon eVisa
- Step 1: Complete the online application form with your personal details and passport information.
- Step 2: Proceed to securely pay online using your credit card.
- Step 3: Check your email for payment confirmation and receipt of your Cameroon eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
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