Celebrating African Union Day: 7 Popular African Dishes to Cook

On May 25th, Africa celebrates African Union Day, a day to commemorate the founding of the African Union and to celebrate the rich diversity of the continent. What better way to honor this occasion than with a vibrant culinary exploration?

Celebrating African Union Day with these diverse and flavorful dishes is a wonderful way to honor the continent’s rich culinary heritage. Each dish tells a story of its region’s culture, ingredients, and traditions, making your celebration both delicious and meaningful.

STYLEAFRIQUE™•com has curated 7 popular African dishes that you can cook to mark this special occasion. Enjoy these recipes as you reflect on the unity and diversity that make Africa truly unique.

1. Jollof Rice (West Africa)

A true pan-West African staple, Jollof Rice is a dish that sparks friendly competition between nations, each claiming their version to be the best. This flavorful rice dish typically features long-grain rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, spices, and meat or fish. The vibrant red color and the interplay of savoury and slightly sweet flavours make Jollof Rice a crowd-pleaser. Try your hand at a Nigerian, Ghanaian or Senegalese version for a taste of West African culinary tradition.

2. Egusi Soup and Fufu (West Africa)

Egusi Soup, originating from Nigeria, is a rich and flavourful soup made with ground melon seeds. Combined with leafy greens, vegetables, and sometimes meat or fish, Egusi Soup boasts a complex flavour profile. Fufu, a side dish commonly found in West Africa, is the perfect accompaniment. Made from boiled and pounded starchy vegetables like plantain, cassava or yam, Fufu provides a delicious textural contrast to the creamy soup. This delightful combination is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a celebratory African Union Day dinner.

3. Mafé (West Africa)

Mafé, also known as groundnut stew, is a flavourful dish originating from Mali but enjoyed across West Africa. Typically made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and tomato paste, Mafé offers a rich and savoury flavour profile. The creamy peanut sauce and the tender meat combine to create a heartwarming and comforting dish. Serve Mafé with rice or couscous for a complete meal, perfect for celebrating African Union Day with friends and family.

4. Chakalaka and Pap (South Africa)

A South African comfort food classic, Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and beans. It’s traditionally served with Pap, a thick porridge made from cornmeal. This simple yet hearty combination is a staple in South African homes and a perfect example of using everyday ingredients to create a satisfying dish.

5. Doro Wat (East Africa)

Doro Wat, meaning “spicy chicken stew” in Amharic, is a national dish of Ethiopia. This flavourful stew features tender chicken simmered in a berbere spice blend, a vibrant mix of chilies, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Ethiopian cuisine is known for its use of injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff flour. Doro Wat is traditionally served atop injera, allowing diners to scoop up the stew and enjoy the delicious combination of flavours and textures.

6. Bunny Chow (South Africa)

Bunny Chow, a South African favourite, is a unique and delicious street food. A hollowed-out loaf of white bread serves as the vessel for a flavourful curry, typically made with chicken, lamb, or vegetables. This Durban specialty offers a delightful explosion of textures and flavors, with the soft bread contrasting the rich and flavorful curry. Bunny Chow is a fun and casual dish, perfect for a relaxed African Union Day gathering.

7. Suya (West Africa)

Suya is a popular skewered meat dish originating from Northern Nigeria, but enjoyed across West Africa. Thinly sliced meat, typically beef, is marinated in a blend of spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, and peanuts, then grilled to perfection. Suya boasts a smoky flavor with a delightful kick of spice. Serve it with chopped onions, tomatoes, and a side of cooling yogurt for a balanced and delicious appetizer or main course.