If you're a food lover, you know that Africa is a continent of diverse cuisines, and this diversity is also reflected in its snacks.
Moreover, African snacks are not just tasty, but also an expression of African traditions and are made with easy recipes.
One of the best things about African snacks is that they can be enjoyed at any time, whether as an appetizer before a meal or as quick snacks during the day.
You can also get abundant snack food ideas that are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.
Therefore, from savoury to sweet or spicy snacks, you're spoilt for choices with the best snack foods spanning across Africa for your snack menu.
So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a culinary journey of Africa, as we explore 20 best African snacks for all events.
Related: 20 Best African Foods You Need to Try
20 Best African Snacks for Any Occasion
Here are 20 popular snacks in Africa with the best recipes to prepare them:
1. Chin Chin
Chin Chin is a crunchy snack that is popular across West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and it's one of the quick snacks to make.
It is made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, milk, and butter, which is then cut into small pieces and fried until golden brown.
Also, Chin Chin can be seasoned with a variety of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla, giving it a unique flavour.
You can enjoy this popular Nigerian snack as breakfast with tea, or eat it as a dessert after a meal.
2. Biltong
Known to be one of the most popular snacks in Southern Africa, Biltong is a dried meat snack that is similar to beef jerky but with a unique flavour.
Biltong is usually made from beef, but it can also be made from game meats such as ostrich, kudu, or springbok.
It is one of the best snack foods in its region that are high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for you.
3. Peanut Burgers
Peanut burgers are among the popular snacks in Nigeria, particularly among young adults and school children.
This Nigerian snack is made by coating peanuts (groundnuts) and then frying them. It is easy, inexpensive and also one of the quick snacks to get on the go.
In addition, peanut burgers are on the list of easy snacks to make for a casual African get-together.
4. Samosa
If you seek snack food ideas for small chops in an African setting, samosa should be top of your list.
They are triangular-shaped pastry that is filled with spiced vegetables or meat, such as potatoes, peas, onions, and beef or chicken.
Also, samosas are usually fried until crispy and can be enjoyed hot or cold by your friends and family.
5. Kuli Kuli (Peanut cake)
Kuli kuli is a crunchy, nutty snack that is made from groundnuts (peanuts), and is one of the popular road snacks in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
It is made by roasting groundnuts, grinding them into a fine powder, mixing the powder with spices, and shaping it into balls or sticks.
Although most people prefer to eat kuli kuli with other African foods like garri, you can choose to eat it alone as a snack.
6. Kala
Kala is a sweet snack that is popular in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. It is made from mashed bananas that are mixed with flour, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon.
The mixture is then deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior.
Kala is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert and can be served with honey or powdered sugar on any occasion.
7. Biscuits
Biscuits may be one of the most popular snacks in Africa, as there are many different varieties available.
Notwithstanding, the most popular types of biscuits in Africa are sweet and crispy, and they are often enjoyed with tea or coffee.
Also, some popular biscuit brands in the West African region include Cabin Biscuits, HardTack Biscuits, Rich Tea Biscuits, etc.
Biscuits are often served as a snack at social gatherings or events, such as weddings or parties, and are also commonly eaten as a quick snack between meals.
They are also one of the favourite snacks among kids, so you shouldn't neglect including biscuits in their lunch boxes.
8. Kachumbari Salad
Kachumbari Salad is a perfect choice if you require easy snack ideas for your personal use.
It is a popular snack in East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, that's made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
Not only is it one of the easy snacks to make at home, but Kachumbari salad is also refreshing, healthy and perfect for hot weather.
9. Kokoro
Kokoro is a crispy snack that is made from corn meal and spices. It is a popular snack in the southwestern part of Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba people.
It is made by mixing cornmeal, spices, and water to form a dough, which is then rolled into small balls and flattened into discs. The discs are then fried until they are crispy and golden brown.
Just like many others, Kokoro can be eaten on its own as a snack, or it can be served with spicy sauces or dips.
10. Dankwa (Groundnut cake)
Made with cornmeal and groundnut, Dankwa is one of the tasty Nigerian snacks to eat on the go.
It is a popular snack, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria, and it is also known as groundnut cake.
You can make this snack by mixing peanut powder, chilli powder, peanut oil, and little water to form a dough.
Many people like to bite Dankwa in bits to feel the spicy nut-like taste on their palate. You should try it too!
11. Dabo Kolo
Dabo Kolo is a crunchy snack that's popular in Ethiopia and is made from a mixture of wheat flour, spices, and water, which is rolled into small balls and then deep-fried until crispy.
The spices used in Dabo Kolo can vary, but they typically include chilli powder, cumin, and coriander, giving the snack a flavorful and slightly spicy taste.
Like most African snacks, you can enjoy Dabo Kolo with tea or coffee, and it's also often served as a snack during festive occasions such as weddings.
12. Suya
Suya is a spicy grilled meat skewer that is popular in West Africa and is one of the delicious snacks to make for any event.
It is made with thinly sliced beef, chicken, or goat meat, which is marinated in a mixture of spices such as ginger, garlic, and cumin, and then grilled over an open flame.
Depending on how best you like it, you can serve your suya with a side of sliced onions, tomatoes, suya spice or even salad.
13. Puff Puff
Puff Puff is a sweet fried dough snack that is popular in West Africa, and serves any occasion. It is made with flour, yeast, sugar, and water, then deep-fried until golden brown.
You can serve puff puff as a snack or as a dessert, and it can be enjoyed plain or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
14. Bofrot (Ghanaian Donuts)
Bofrot, also known as Ghanaian doughnuts, is one of the quick snacks to make for any occasion.
They are small, round doughnuts that are deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar and can be eaten on their own or served with a hot cup of tea.
15. Roasted Plantain Chips
Roasted plantain chips are a popular snack in West Africa, especially in Nigeria and Ghana.
They are thinly sliced plantain that's roasted until crispy and are among the simple snacks to eat while relaxing.
Also, like other snacks, roasted plantain chips can be enjoyed on their own or with a dip.
16. Mshikaki
Mshikaki is one of the best snacks you can order for your East African sunset event, as it is a popular snack in East Africa, especially in Tanzania and Kenya.
This snack is a grilled meat skewer that is marinated in a mixture of spices, garlic, and ginger.
In addition, Mshikaki can be made with any type of meat, but beef and chicken are the most popular choices.
17. Akara
Akara, also known as bean cake, is a savoury snack that is made from black-eyed peas or beans.
These peas are blended into a paste with onions, peppers, and spices, then deep-fried until golden brown.
Also, there is no doubt that Akara is a great snack for any occasion and can be served with a variety of dips, including tomato sauce, mayonnaise, or even hot sauce.
Additionally, you can enjoy this snack at home with other African food like Akamu (Pap), garri, or even bread.
18. Brik
Brik is a popular North African snack that originated in Tunisia. It is a pastry that is similar to a samosa, but the filling is made with a mixture of eggs, onions, tuna, and harissa (a spicy paste made from peppers and spices).
The pastry is typically fried until crispy, and the egg filling is cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicious savoury snack.
Brik can be enjoyed as a meal or as a snack, and it is often served with a side of harissa for an extra kick of spice, also depending on how you like it.
19. Meat Pie
Known to be one of the easy snacks to quench your hunger, Meat Pie is a savoury snack you can consider adding to your snacks menu.
It is made from a dough consisting of flour, butter, and water, and then filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef or chicken, onions, and peppers.
Additionally, meat pie can be served as a stand-alone snack or as a side dish with a variety of dips, including ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce.
20. Coconut Candy
Last on our list of best snacks to eat in Africa is coconut candy, a sweet treat that is made from grated coconut, sugar, and water.
This mixture is cooked until it thickens and then allowed to cool before being cut into small pieces.
So if you're one with a sweet tooth, Coconut candy is a perfect snack for you.
Bottom Line
African snacks are easy snacks to make and also come with the best recipes that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the continent.
Whether you're familiar with African cuisine or new to it, we encourage you to try some of these snacks and there's no better place to find them other than MyDelbina.
So go ahead, gather your friends and family, and indulge in some African snacks. We guarantee that you won't be disappointed!