Cameroonian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food, bursting with flavors, spices, and traditions that’ll make your taste buds dance.
From hearty stews to mouthwatering snacks, this West African country knows how to bring the heat—literally and figuratively.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, you’ve hit the jackpot. These recipes aren’t just meals; they’re experiences.
Get ready to dive into a world of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and dishes that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting at a Cameroonian family dinner table.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these recipes are totally doable and absolutely delicious. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
1. Ndolé: Cameroon’s National Dish
Ndolé is the crown jewel of Cameroonian cuisine, and once you try it, you’ll see why.
This hearty stew is made with bitterleaf greens (or spinach if you can’t find them), peanuts, and either beef, shrimp, or fish.
It’s creamy, nutty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bitterleaf greens (or spinach)
- 1 cup roasted peanuts (ground into a paste)
- 1 lb beef, shrimp, or fish
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup palm oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
How to Make It:
Start by boiling the bitterleaf greens to remove the bitterness.
In a pot, heat the palm oil and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add the meat or seafood and cook until browned.
Toss in the tomatoes, peanut paste, and greens, then simmer for about 30 minutes.
Serve with boiled plantains or rice.
Why We Chose It: Ndolé is a must-try because it’s the ultimate comfort food in Cameroon.
It’s rich, flavorful, and represents the heart of Cameroonian cooking.
2. Poulet DG: The Boss Chicken Dish
Poulet DG, which translates to “Director General’s Chicken,” is a dish fit for a boss.
It’s a luxurious mix of chicken, plantains, and veggies, all cooked in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 ripe plantains, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Fry the plantains until golden and set aside. In the same oil, fry the chicken until cooked.
Sauté the onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then add the chicken, plantains, and veggies. Cook until everything is tender and well-combined.
Why We Chose It: Poulet DG is a showstopper. It’s hearty, colorful, and perfect for impressing guests.
3. Achu Soup: A Traditional Delight
Achu soup is a traditional Cameroonian dish made with cocoyam and a rich, yellow soup. It’s often served during special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 cocoyams, boiled and pounded
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp limestone (for the soup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the cocoyams, peel them, and pound into a smooth dough. For the soup, mix palm oil, limestone, and spices.
Serve the dough with the soup on the side.
Why We Chose It: Achu soup is a unique dish that showcases Cameroon’s culinary heritage.
4. Koki Beans: A Protein-Packed Snack
Koki beans are steamed bean cakes made with black-eyed peas and palm oil. They’re soft, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, soaked and peeled
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Banana leaves (for wrapping)
How to Make It:
Blend the beans, onions, and garlic into a smooth paste. Mix in the palm oil and spices.
Wrap the mixture in banana leaves and steam for about an hour.
Why We Chose It: Koki beans are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick snack or side.
5. Eru: A Leafy Green Stew
Eru is a traditional Cameroonian stew made with wild spinach and waterleaf. It’s often paired with fufu or garri.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups eru (wild spinach)
- 1 cup waterleaf
- 1 lb beef or fish
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup palm oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the meat or fish with onions and garlic. Add the greens and palm oil, then simmer until tender. Serve with fufu or garri.
Why We Chose It: Eru is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s a staple in many Cameroonian homes.
6. Mbongo Tchobi: A Spicy Black Stew
Mbongo Tchobi is a dark, spicy stew made with a blend of spices and meat or fish. It’s rich, aromatic, and full of depth.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or fish
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup palm oil
- 2 tbsp mbongo spice (available in African stores)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Add the meat or fish and mbongo spice, then simmer until cooked.
Why We Chose It: Mbongo Tchobi is a bold, spicy dish that’s perfect for adventurous eaters.
7. Bobolo: Fermented Cassava Sticks
Bobolo is a fermented cassava dish that’s often served with stews or grilled meat. It’s chewy, tangy, and totally addictive.
Ingredients:
- 4 cassava roots, peeled and grated
- Banana leaves (for wrapping)
How to Make It:
Ferment the grated cassava for a few days. Wrap the mixture in banana leaves and steam until firm.
Why We Chose It: Bobolo is a unique dish that’s a staple in Cameroonian cuisine.
8. Kondre: Plantain and Meat Stew
Kondre is a sweet and savory stew made with ripe plantains and meat. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe plantains, sliced
- 1 lb beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup palm oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the meat with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Add the plantains and simmer until tender.
Why We Chose It: Kondre is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that’s hard to resist.
9. Beignets: Cameroonian Donuts
Beignets are fluffy, deep-fried donuts that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix the dry ingredients, then add the egg and milk. Fry spoonfuls of the batter until golden.
Why We Chose It: Beignets are a simple, sweet treat that’s loved by everyone.
10. Pepper Soup: A Spicy Broth
Pepper soup is a spicy, aromatic broth made with meat or fish and a blend of spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or fish
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp pepper soup spice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the meat or fish with onions, garlic, and spices until tender.
Why We Chose It: Pepper soup is a warming, spicy dish that’s perfect for cold days.
11. Grilled Fish: A Coastal Favorite
Cameroon’s coastal regions are known for their fresh, flavorful grilled fish.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole fish (tilapia or sea bass)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate the fish with onions, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and spices. Grill until cooked through.
Why We Chose It: Grilled fish is a fresh, healthy dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Conclusion
Cameroonian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and traditions.
These 11 recipes are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore this vibrant culinary culture.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a recipe, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking.