African food culture is becoming more and more well known and widespread in the UK. In one of the most diverse, multicultural countries in the world, the constant demand for new and interesting cuisine is met with a supply of foreign experts ready to tantalise the British taste-buds.
The British love affair with Indian cuisine has been well documented, it is widely accepted that curry is the country’s most popular dish, but this is not to say there isn’t room for new food cultures to challenge the dominance of the mighty Korma and Tikka Masala.
Go to any UK city and you’ll find emerging influences from Mongolia, the Caribbean and Portugal when it comes to eating out at both chain and independent restaurants, but one cuisine that’s really making waves at the moment is African food, and not just in restaurants. Here a few African staples that are becoming commonplace in Britain, and indeed ones that Brits would expect to see on the menu at any African Hotel;
Biltong
As the focus on healthy eating and a good diet increases in the UK, consumers are constantly looking toward foodstuffs which are both beneficial to health and great tasting. Cue Biltong. To many Biltong may seem very similar to the American staple snack, Beef Jerky (only a fairly recent addition to UK supermarket shelves itself), but Biltong is fast becoming more popular due its superior taste and moistness. This is most commonly sold supermarkets as a snack is also available in some African restaurants as a starter, it’s high protein and low fat content makes it great for those looking to shed a few pounds.
Bush Meat
In Britain, staple meats like chicken, pork and lamb are slowly making way for more exotic cuts from animals native to Africa. Common choices include Bison, Crocodile and Ostrich; aside from providing a new taste sensation, these mats are often healthier, with lower levels of fat than their more traditional British counterparts.
Yams
It’s not just African meats that are whetting the appetites of British dinners, Yams are becoming an increasingly popular addition to supermarket shavles, providing a tasty alternative to the run-of-the-mill jacket potato. Often confused with Sweet Potatoes, Yams are similar but fair sweeter and more moist. Especially popular in Western Africa, Yams traditional form the centre piece of a meal around which other components are organised.
Boerewors
A popular South-African dish, deriving its name from the Dutch words for ‘farmer’ and ‘sausage’, the Boerewors is actually a long, thin Barbequed Sausage made with a variety of spices. Similar in shape to the traditional English Cumberland Sausage, this has a much hotter, deeper flavour. It can be eaten as well, similar to Biltong, dried Boerewors are called Dorewors, also a healthy, nutritious snack.
Tajine
Tajine is a Moroccan dish which takes influences from Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern cuisines, essentially a spicy stew, it normally comprises of slow cooked Lamb and vegetables marinated in spices. This heady mixture is usually served with Couscous and chickpeas and garnished with coriander, creating a delicious meal that’s highly accessible to more reserved foreign tastes.
Joe is a travel blogger who loves African food. He’s looking forward to trying some Caribbean cuisine with African influences when he takes his Caribbean holidays later this year.
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