5 Popular African Dishes You Should Try in Calgary

Discover the rich flavours of African cuisine at Flavours, Calgary, where traditional recipes, bold spices, and memorable dining experiences come together.

Have you ever wanted to explore African cuisine but wondered where to begin? Or perhaps you grew up enjoying African food and are looking for a place in Calgary that reminds you of home.

African cuisine offers an exciting world of flavours, textures, aromas, and culinary traditions. From richly seasoned rice dishes to hearty soups and delicious grilled meats, every meal tells a story about the people and cultures behind it.

At Flavours, an authentic African restaurant located at 2702 Centre St N, Calgary, Alberta, food is more than nourishment. It is a celebration of culture, community, and togetherness.

If you are looking to explore African food in Calgary, here are five popular African dishes worth discovering.

1. Jollof Rice, A West African Favourite

Few dishes generate as much excitement across West Africa as jollof rice. Known for its vibrant colour, rich seasoning, and irresistible aroma, jollof rice is a favourite at family gatherings, celebrations, parties, and everyday meals.

Prepared with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a carefully balanced blend of spices, this beloved dish develops its distinctive flavour as the ingredients cook together.

Jollof rice is often served with fried plantain, grilled chicken, beef, or other accompaniments, making it a satisfying meal for different occasions.

One of the most enjoyable things about jollof rice is the friendly debate over which country makes it best, particularly between Nigeria and Ghana. Regardless of where your preference lies, one thing is certain: this dish has earned its place among Africa's most recognised culinary favourites.

Why try it? If you are new to African cuisine, jollof rice is an excellent starting point. Its familiar ingredients, bold seasoning, and versatility make it a favourite for first time explorers and longtime fans alike.

2. Egusi Soup, A Taste of Nigerian Tradition

For those who love rich, hearty meals, egusi soup is a dish worth experiencing.

Popular in Nigeria and enjoyed in different variations across West Africa, egusi soup is made primarily from ground melon seeds. These seeds give the soup its characteristic thick texture and distinctive nutty flavour.

Depending on the recipe, it may contain leafy vegetables, peppers, palm oil, fish, beef, or assorted meats. The combination creates a deeply satisfying dish that reflects the diversity of Nigerian home cooking.

Egusi soup is commonly enjoyed with swallows such as pounded yam, eba, or fufu. These accompaniments are used to scoop up the soup, creating a traditional and filling dining experience.

Beyond its flavour, egusi soup carries cultural significance. It is a familiar presence at family meals, celebrations, and gatherings where food brings people together.

Why try it? Egusi is an excellent choice if you enjoy savoury, hearty dishes and want to experience a traditional Nigerian meal beyond rice.

3. Suya, Spicy Grilled Meat with a Distinctive Flavour

If you enjoy grilled meat with bold seasoning, suya deserves a place on your food adventure.

Suya is a popular West African street food especially associated with Nigeria. Traditionally prepared using thin slices of beef, it is seasoned with a distinctive spice blend commonly known as yaji, which often includes ground peanuts, peppers, and other spices.

The meat is grilled over heat until it develops a smoky aroma and deliciously charred edges. It is frequently served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and additional pepper, depending on personal preference.

Suya is particularly popular as an evening snack, a casual meal, or a dish shared among friends. Its combination of smokiness, spice, and savoury flavour makes it memorable.

Why try it? Suya is a great introduction to African street food. It is especially appealing to anyone who enjoys barbecue, grilled meats, and spicy flavours.

4. African Pepper Soup, A Bold and Aromatic Experience

African pepper soup is known for its aromatic broth, warming spices, and distinctive peppery flavour.

Popular in Nigeria and prepared in different variations across parts of West and Central Africa, pepper soup can be made with goat meat, fish, chicken, or other proteins.

What makes the dish special is its blend of local spices and aromatic ingredients. Unlike thick soups, pepper soup generally has a lighter broth that allows the flavours of the meat, spices, and herbs to stand out.

It is often enjoyed as a starter, a comforting meal, or part of a larger gathering. For many people, its familiar aroma evokes memories of home cooking and special occasions.

The heat level can vary depending on the recipe, so it is worth asking about the spice level if you prefer milder food.

Why try it? If you enjoy flavourful broths and want to experience the aromatic side of African cooking, pepper soup is a wonderful dish to explore.

5. Fried Plantain, A Sweet and Savoury Favourite

Sometimes, the simplest dishes become the most memorable. Fried plantain, widely known as dodo in Nigeria, is a perfect example.

Made from ripe plantains sliced and fried until their surfaces turn golden brown, this popular accompaniment offers a delicious balance of sweetness and savoury flavour.

The natural sugars in ripe plantains caramelise during frying, producing soft centres and beautifully browned edges. Fried plantain is commonly served alongside jollof rice, beans, grilled meat, and other African meals.

Although particularly popular in West African cooking, plantain is enjoyed in many forms across the continent and throughout the Caribbean.

For many Africans living abroad, the familiar taste of fried plantain brings a comforting reminder of home. For first time visitors, it is an easy and delicious way to discover an essential part of African food culture.

Why try it? Fried plantain is a versatile favourite that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. If you enjoy a hint of sweetness with your savoury meals, this is one accompaniment you should not miss.

Discover African Cuisine at Flavours in Calgary

African food is about much more than ingredients and recipes. It represents heritage, hospitality, creativity, and the traditions that bring people together.

Whether you want to revisit the familiar taste of home or discover African cuisine for the first time, exploring these dishes is a delicious way to experience the continent's culinary diversity.

At Flavours, we celebrate the connection between good food and great company. We welcome Calgary residents, families, visitors, and food enthusiasts to discover the richness of African dining in a warm and inviting setting.

Planning a meal with friends? Looking for somewhere to enjoy a different culinary experience? Or simply curious about what African cuisine has to offer? Make Flavours part of your next food adventure.

Visit Flavours

Address: 2702 Centre St N, Calgary, Alberta

Phone: 403-719-2770

Website: flavourcuisineandcatering.com

Come hungry. Discover new flavours. Create lasting memories.

Flavours, more than food.

Note: The dishes featured in this article represent popular African cuisine generally. Please check the current Flavours menu or contact the restaurant to confirm which dishes are available.