Cameroon’s food scene is a vibrant celebration of flavours, spices, and rich traditions that reflect its diverse cultures. If you’re coming for the food (and you should be), prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Cameroonian barbecue alone can persuade even the most committed salad-lover to abandon their diet. Imagine tender pork, fish, beef, or goat sizzling on open grills, each vendor guarding their secret spice blends and their signature chili-mustard dipping sauces. This street-side feast is smoky, spicy, and utterly addictive.
Street Barbecue
Found all over Cameroon, street barbecue is a national treasure. Vendors grill pork, fish, beef, and goat on open flames, seasoning the meat with a variety of local spices. Each stall prides itself on a secret sauce, which is often a fiery mix of chili and mustard, that adds a punch of flavour. The smoky aroma wafting through the air makes it impossible to resist grabbing a skewer or two. This is authentic Cameroonian street food at its finest: simple, rich, and utterly delicious.
Eru and Gari
Eru is a hearty stew made from bitter leaves and dried fish or smoked meat. It’s earthy, slightly bitter, and deeply satisfying. The traditional side is gari, a dense, chewy accompaniment made from cassava – similar to fufu but with a bit more texture and a subtle tang. Together, eru and gari make a comforting and wholesome meal that showcases the country’s agricultural roots.
Ndolé
Ndolé is considered one of Cameroon’s national dishes. This thick, green stew combines bitter leaves with peanuts, yielding a creamy, nutty flavour that perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the greens. Prawns or meat often enrich the dish, and it’s typically served with fried plantains and rice. The harmony of textures and tastes makes Ndolé a must-try for anyone wanting a true taste of Cameroonian home cooking.
Groundnut Soup
Groundnut soup, driven by Cameroon’s love of peanuts, is a fragrant and slightly spicy broth often enriched with beef or fish. The soup carries a subtle fishy undertone and a rich, nutty depth. Accompanied by rice, this dish is a favourite lunchtime staple across the country, offering warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.
Poulet DG (Director General’s Chicken)
Poulet DG is a flamboyant dish that tells a story as rich as its flavours. Combining fried chicken with ripe plantains and mixed vegetables, it is said to have originated in elite circles (hence the “Director General” title), but nowadays it’s beloved by people everywhere. The balance of sweet plantains, savory chicken, and fresh vegetables makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
Drinks You Have to Try
No meal in Cameroon is complete without sampling the local drinks. Fresh palm wine, known locally as “éele,” offers a sweet, lightly fermented taste that pairs perfectly with spicy food. For beer lovers, local lagers like 33 Export, Kadji Beer and Star Beer are crisp, refreshing, and widely available.
Non-alcoholic options abound too: bissap, a hibiscus flower drink, is tart and cooling, while homemade ginger juice delivers a spicy kick that awakes your palate. Don’t miss the tropical fruit juices made fresh from mango, pineapple, and passion fruit – they’re natural, vibrant, and a great way to hydrate.
