Back to grid

Best street food destinations in Africa

Back to grid
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
8.0
Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, has been a gathering place for centuries. Each evening food stalls are set up there, serving grilled lamb, harira soup and snails in broth. Fresh orange juice is sold from carts all day. The stalls are numbered, so ordering is easy.
Highlights:
  • 🧖‍♀️ Relax in a traditional hammam and experience Moroccan spa culture
  • 🏛️ Wander through the serene courtyards of Bahia Palace
  • 🕌 Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Cairo
Where ancient history meets bustling life
7.8
This huge city has food carts on almost every corner. Koshari, a mix of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas with tomato sauce and crispy onions, is the national favourite. Ful and ta'amiya sandwiches are common for breakfast. Sugar cane juice and hot sweet potatoes are sold on the street in the cooler months.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Climb Cairo Tower for panoramic city views
  • 🏺 Visit the Egyptian Museum to see ancient treasures
  • 🗿 Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Nairobi
Where urban life meets wild adventures
6.4
Street food is part of daily life for many of the city's four million residents. Nyama choma, roasted meat, is sold at roadside grills. Smokies, small sausages, come with a fresh tomato and onion salad called kachumbari. Chapati and mandazi, a fried bread, are cheap and filling.
Highlights:
  • 🐘 Visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and meet baby elephants
  • 🦩 Feed endangered giraffes at the Giraffe Centre
  • 🦒 Go on a safari at Nairobi National Park
Casablanca
Modern Vibes and Rich Traditions
6.7
In the morning, stalls sell msemen, flat pancakes folded with butter and honey. Mint tea is served with them. Near the Central Market, vendors set up grills for fresh sardines and fried fish. Snail soup is a local snack served in small bowls. Prices are low and portions are generous.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll along the lively Casablanca Corniche seaside
  • 🏘️ Explore the historic Habous Quarter and markets
  • 🕌 Admire intricate artistry at Hassan II Mosque
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
Unlike mainland Tanzania, the island's food shows strong Arab, Indian and Swahili influence. Zanzibar mix is a street soup with potatoes, fried cassava, mango sauce and coconut chutney. Samosas and skewers of grilled seafood are common. Fresh sugar cane juice is pressed with lime and ginger.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
Accra
Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm
6.1
The Ga people have lived on this coast for centuries. Kenkey, a steamed ball of fermented corn dough, is their classic dish. Waakye, rice and beans cooked with sorghum leaves, is sold at roadside stalls for breakfast. Kelewele, spicy fried plantain, is a favourite evening snack.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at Bojo Beach
  • 🛍️ Shop vibrant stalls at Makola Market
  • 🕊️ Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum
Lagos
Buzzing Metropolis with Coastal Charm
5.7
This busy port city on Nigeria's Atlantic coast has food stalls on nearly every road. Suya is spicy grilled beef on skewers rubbed with ground peanut pepper. Akara are bean fritters. Puff puff are fried dough balls. Boli is roasted plantain served with peanuts or pepper sauce.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at beautiful Tarkwa Bay Beach
  • 🌿 Walk the longest canopy walkway at Lekki Conservation Centre
  • 🛍️ Explore vibrant Balogun Market for local crafts and textiles
Mombasa
Swahili Coasts Meet Sun-Soaked Shores
6.3
Warm, humid and Swahili, this coastal city has a street food culture shaped by Indian Ocean trade. Mishkaki are marinated beef skewers grilled over charcoal. Mahamri are cardamom flavoured doughnuts. Viazi karai are potatoes fried in batter and served with red chilli sauce. Cassava chips with lemon and pepper are a popular snack.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the sandy shores of Nyali or Bamburi Beach
  • 🦒 Visit Haller Park and feed giraffes and hippos
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Fort Jesus Museum and its exhibits
Rabat
A Hidden Gem with Royal Flair
6.6
Morning is the time for fresh bread, msemen and baghrir pancakes in the old medina. Rue Souika is a busy shopping street with snack stalls nearby. Harira, a thick tomato and chickpea soup, is sold hot. The pace is calmer than in Casablanca, so eating on the go feels relaxed.
Highlights:
  • 🕋 Marvel at the unfinished Hassan Tower minaret
  • 🕌 Visit the stunning Mausoleum of Mohammed V
  • 🏰 Explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas and gardens
Addis Ababa
Vibrant capital where history meets modernity
8.1
Busy and friendly, this high altitude capital sits at about 2,350 metres. Street stalls sell sambusa, a fried pastry stuffed with lentils or meat. Kolo is roasted barley. Women serve coffee from small stools on pavements. Juice houses mix layered avocado and mango drinks called spris.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Climb Mount Entoto for sunrise city panorama
  • 🛍️ Stroll through Merkato, Ethiopia's largest market
  • 🏛️ Explore National Museum, view Lucy fossil
Dakar
Vibrant markets and historic waterfront charm
7.6
A common evening habit is to stop at a dibiterie, a roadside grill. It sells dibi, charcoal roasted lamb cut up with onions and mustard. Fataya are fried pastries filled with fish. Cafe Touba is spiced coffee sold in tiny cups from carts. Thieboudienne is the national fish and rice dish.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Visit Gorée Island's historic slave trade museum
  • 🚶‍♂️ Stroll along the bustling Boulevard de l'Indépendance
  • 🛍️ Explore Dakar's vibrant Sandaga market for local crafts
Durban
Sunny beaches and rich culture
7.1
Compared with other African cities, the food here shows strong Indian influence from a large Indian community. Bunny chow, a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry, was created here. Street sellers also offer samoosas and roti. Stalls near Victoria Street Market sell spices and hot snacks.
Highlights:
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Durban promenade and enjoy the ocean views
  • 🐠 Explore uShaka Marine World and its giant aquarium
  • 🏖️ Swim and surf along Durban’s famous Golden Mile beaches
Zanzibar City
Stone Town’s Spice-Scented Labyrinth
7.1
This old port on the west coast of Unguja island has a night food market. It is in Forodhani Gardens by the sea. Stalls sell grilled seafood skewers, octopus and Zanzibar pizza, a stuffed flatbread. Fresh sugar cane juice with lime is a good drink. The sea is just across the path.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Shop for spices at Darajani Market’s vibrant stalls
  • 🏰 Visit the old Sultan’s Palace and explore its museum
  • 🏘️ Wander through the historic alleys of Stone Town
Réunion
An Island of Adventure and Beauty
8.3
A popular local habit is to buy samoussas, small fried triangles filled with vegetables or meat, from roadside stands. Bouchons are steamed dumplings with pork or shrimp. Creole sellers also offer spicy sausage rougail in sandwiches. The island is a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean.
Highlights:
  • 🚁 Explore the Cirque de Mafate by air or on foot
  • 🏖️ Swim in turquoise waters at L’Ermitage Beach lagoon
  • 🌋 Hike the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano crater
Khan el-Khalili
Vibrant Historic Bazaar Bustling
This old market lies in the Islamic quarter of Cairo, close to Al-Azhar Mosque. Stalls sell ta'amiya, Egyptian falafel made from fava beans. Ful is a stew of mashed fava beans. Fresh sugar cane juice is pressed on the spot. Fishawi's café is a good place to rest with mint tea.
Highlights:
  • 🪔 Admire intricate metal lamps and handcrafted jewelry
  • 🍵 Sip traditional mint tea at historic café terraces
  • 🛍️ Browse vibrant stalls for spices, textiles, and souvenirs
Feedback