21 Traditional Cameroonian Foods to Feed your Soul
Enjoy 21 traditional Cameroonian foods to feed your soul. Spicy, comforting, and easy staple West-Central African delicacies. Everything from easy one-pot recipes to traditional holiday dishes. You will be thrilled with this list!
May is Cameroon Independence Month and my birthday month, YAY! Yes! I’ll be turning 21－again. Hahaha. My son says I can’t be turning 21 every year, and I replied, “Moms can do anything.” I refuse to age.
Anyways, many Cameroonians celebrate our independence with a good party, and no party would be complete without traditional meals to mark the occasion. It would be impossible to list all the tasty foods from the rich Cameroon food culture. Believe me, I tried, losing sleep, and still not able to come up with a complete list. Arrrgh!!!
The Cameroon Collection
So here are 21 foods from my home country that you just have to try. It will give you a feel of Cameroon cuisine if you are new to it. The flavors are enticing, rich, and oh so comforting. I would happily gobble it down every day of the week. And the snacks! Oh boy! Give me some puff puff, meat pies, or suya, and you will win me over.
1. Ndole
At the top of my list of favorite Cameroonian foods is Ndole. Oh yes! And it’s rumored to be the unofficial Cameroon national dish.
2. Poulet DG
Forget about le Directeur Général (the boss). Anyone can make this elitist chicken dish. It’s now available in every restaurant in Cameroon and can be enjoyed by ANYONE, ANYWHERE.
3. Ekwang
It might be tedious to make, but it sure is worth the effort. Magic happens when grated cocoyams are cooked with cocoyam leaves and dried fish, crayfish, and palm oil (NOT the controversial palm oil). I dare you to resist going back for more.
4. Achu Soup
This gloriously yellow soup is quite controversial, not for arguing about, but it’s a delicate soup that can go wrong if not done right. However, I give you the right technique to get in and get going in less than no time.
5. Sese Plantains
Aka turning plantains is a lifesaver in my home. Everyone loves them, and they’re so easy to put together.
6. Accra Cassava
Nothing is better than a two-ingredient recipe, right? These banana fritters come together quickly with store-bought grated cassava. I also love whole wheat accra banana for a healthier twist.
7. Hot Pot Potatoes
Add this beauty to your weeknight menu. With a few ingredients, you can have dinner ready in less than no time. And it’s all cooked in one pot for even easier cleanup.
8. Jollof Rice (Jellof Rice)
Forget about the Jollof rice wars. Head over to the kitchen and make this easy Cameroonian version (or Nigerian). Let the haters fight while you enjoy either my version or baked jollof rice.
9. Kati Kati
Brace yourself because you’re going to forget all your manners when you dive into this chicken. And if you eat the bones too, no worries, I don’t judge.
10. Cabbage Egusi Soup
This egusi soup features a healthy upgrade with cabbage without losing flavor for guilt-free comfort food. If you can’t find egusi, simply grind up some pumpkin seeds, and you’re good to go.
11. Meat Pies
Who can say no to these flaky pastries filled with minced beef, onions, and aromatics? They’ll disappear before you know it, so make a double batch to make sure you have enough to go around.
12. Koki Corn
Who says African food can’t be healthy? This koki corn is vegan, healthy, and loaded with spinach. If you want to up your plant-based game, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
13. Mbongo Tchobi
Get your plantains ready and put aside all preconceptions about this black soup. The flavors all blend together, and you’ll forget about the looks once you dig in.
14. Kwacoco Bible
Grated cocoyams, fish, and crayfish wrapped in plantain leaves, then steamed until cooked through, are a healthy and satisfying treat. It will take you to the heart of the Bakweri tribe.
15. Groundnut Sweet
You will go NUTS for these nuts. A must-try street food that has the right crunch, sweetness, and nuttiness. I dare you to try to stop after one.
16. Chicken Stew
Everyone needs a good stew in their repertoire, especially for Christmas. When cold weather comes around, you’ve got this. It definitely doesn’t disappoint.
17. Pepper Sauce
There are as many different pepper sauces in Cameroon as there are cooks. But one thing is the same: we put it on EVERYTHING. And if you want a traditional West African meal, pepper sauce needs to be on the table.
18. Kondres
Don’t let the ingredient list fool you―this one-pot plantain wonder is quick to put together and leaves your taste buds wanting more.
19. Eru Soup
Serve this meaty greens soup when you’re set for this taste bud sensation. All you need is water fufu to complete the meal.
20. Condensed Milk Cake
While not a traditional Cameroon recipe, it has become quite popular and is definitely a must-try. It’s indulgent, quick, and easy.
21. Fish Rolls
If you make these, please send some my way. Can’t seem to have enough of these; they’re soooo addictive. Delightfully crispy on the outside and soft and meaty on the inside.
By Imma, published for the first time on May 4, 2017, and updated with gorgeous photos.
Great article! I sure and will try some of these in my lifetime! Quick correction, on #12 there’s an exclamation(!) instead of a one, just wanted you to know !
Thank you for point out. Have a lovely night! =)
Would you please help me decide on a recipe I could make for my friends from Cameroon? They live here in the USA now. I would like a dessert or breakfast to take to our Bible Study meeting. I would like it to be from ingredients easily found here in the US but also be recognizable to them as something from Cameroon. Thank you kindly for your help.
Hi. That’s so sweet of you! All I could think of is this Puff Puff recipe here >> https://www.africanbites.com/puff-puff/ which is usually eaten for breakfast, as a snack or as a side dish. You can also check the Chocolate version (for dessert) here if you want >> https://www.africanbites.com/chocolate-puff-puff/ . Enjoy!
Wow. what a blog. I learned a lot here. Thanks a d keep this up. God bless you.
Can you please help me find out the name of the recipe I’ve been looking for/tell me what Cameroonian dish this is: I know it is made with baguette bread and then it is filled with savoury (sometimes spicy) meat sauce.. it’s almost like a sandwich?
I have inquire around and it really doesn’t have a name . It’s beef stew and baguette. Check. out the recipe for beef stew here https://www.africanbites.com/beef-stewafrican-style/
Hello immaculate, how are you doing? Are you in the Chicago area? I am looking for some one to prepare me some African dishes for an occasion then I pay. Please contact me.
Hello, Sorry I don’t do catering .
Oh my god, thank you for these recipes! My ex (and his friends) are from Cameroon, and I sadly had to leave his friends behind with a relationship that didn’t work. Of course, i don’t *only* miss their cooking, but I’ve been regretting not learning more from them. Cameroonian food is absolutely incredible. What little I’ve been able to recreate had mainly been from Nigerian recipes. Similar, certainly also good, but not quite the same.
I’ll be sending you a kind thought when I’ve gained ten pounds from eru alone ❤️
Also, you don’t look a day over 19!
I’m going to make a FEW of these dishes!!!! Thank you!!!! My boyfriend says I need to get a “23&Me” DNA test so I can see that I am Cameroonian, lol….He’s from Mali and tells me I’m from Cameroon. My favorite stew is Okro (Okra)
Can’t wait for you to try it. I love okro stew, too.
Waow..!! Cameroon on the map.
What a marvelous initiative Mother Imma, congrats. As a Cameroonian I love and appreciate most Cameroonian dishes.
I believe I have much to learn from your recipes.
Hello! Thank you for being around. I just went there for a short vacation and now I’m missing home.
Waow Cameroon dishes on the map.!!
Congrats Mother Imma, am so glad I found your site…since 15yrs I have been trying to make my mum proud by preparing our favorite traditional dish “Achu and Yellow soup.” I believe I have much to learn from your recipes.
Very excited to try these! I’m not sure how they are traditionally supposed to taste but if I can manage to make some version that is as delicious as they all look, I will be delighted! If you were to make a simple but tasty dinner for a special someone…which dishes or courses from your list would you include? In any order? Keep up the good work!
Jollof rice (oven baked ), spinach shrimp here https://www.africanbites.com/stewed-spinachafrican-style/ and chicken stew . These three are super easy to make .Don’t forget to make the condensed milk cake too. So easy and really good.
I am so glad I stumbled across your website. I was so used to cooking with my mom. When I began living on my own I needed the confidence to start making Ekwang, and Achu soup on my own. Oh and when I found out I can make Jellof Rice in the oven I had never been more happy. I love your website! Please keep it up.
Thank you, Monique for taking the time. Happy cooking!
what a gd bloq u have here imma. congrats and keep up. will be very happy if u try toadd some receipes from the East, south, north and far north region.
Aww thanks! Will do my best .
Hello Imma,
Great website! you did an amazing work to brand and show to beauty and deliciousness of African food.
My partner is English and drooled over all the recipes posted and both of us are now looking forward to try them and share them further.
Flo
Aww thanks Flo, I’m so happy you’ve found Immaculatebites, and do hope you’ll visit with us often. Be Blessed!!!
Hi Imma,
I am a very good cook of Cameroonian dishes but I had difficulties teaching my children how to because if no recepies. Thanks for this site. I really enjoy it.
Awesome! Glad I could be of help. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
Hello My dear ImmaculateBites!
I just discovered your website and I’d like to congratulate you for your hard work so far. You make the recipes way easier by providing details and especially pictures. It will be great if we can have more pictures of each step until you get the final results in order not to mess up something along the way.
I’ve also noticed that you have not provided a link for the recipe of Poulet DG, so it will be great if you can post it again, I love that recipe so much and I can wait to try it. Please post it with more pictures of u making the dish.
Thanks and again Good Job!
Marie
Hi Marie! ! I do have the recipes with step-by-step pictures for all of these recipes. Just click on the recipe and it with take you to the page .Thanks for stopping by
Thank u Immaculatebites for your prompt answer and also for the Poulet DG recipe.
I am looking forward to have more recipes published on your website. Your work is perfect !
Thank you and enjoy the rest of your week !
I like Tradition al food in cameroon that is all I wanted to say.
Good to know!!!
Scandale! Où se trouve les batons de manioc sur votre liste? Leur absence est blasphématoire!
Oh my gosh! I finally figured out how to post comments I believe that I am your biggest fan!! Your recipes are magnificent! I now see why you were named Immaculate!! You really and truly live up to your name. I’ve made some of the food using your recipe and it’s always a hit! So glad I was able to find your site/blog☺
Have a beautiful day
Magnificent? Girl you are too kind! You just made my morning sharita. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.
God Bless!
Thank you for your work Imma…and happy 21st birthday.
Am so so lucky to find your site. And just can’t wait to try your recipes.
Keep it up sister. Am a Ugandan chef. I love Cameroonian food.
Awesome! Glad to hear this! Am hopping over to check out your recipes . Thank you so much!!!
I’m a Cameroonian and I can assure you that all the above delicacies are as exquisite and succulent as they look , it will definitely keep you asking for more!
Thank you for dropping by! I miss Cameroon! <3
Can’t express how HAPPY I am that I’ve found your site. I am Cameroonian, and have grown up watching all the women in my life cook such amazing food, esp. my mom. She’s well known for her Ndole and beignet. Unfortunately, I was too busy enjoying the American lifestyle to be in the kitchen learning, so fastfoward to today, I am a wife and mother of 2 and regret that I didn’t learn, but HALELUYA! You have given me so much motivation. I am thrilled to see all these African dishes I grew up eating with measurements! My mom just cooks and doesn’t use a measuring cup which made it even more difficult for me to learn. You are fantastic at what you do! You should have several cookbooks already. My hubby thanks you too and my kids don’t have to wait for Grandma to make beignet anymore :)! Oh btw, plantains are also me favorite food on the planet. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes. THANK YOU MY SISTER. Keep it up!
AWESOME! So glad to have you here sis! Happy to know that these recipes have been really helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. And looking to see which recipes you try out next. Happy Cooking!!!