Exploring the Culinary Scene of Top 10 African Cities

The restaurants of Cape Town offer a round-the-world tour of taste! You will find here all kinds of foods adapted from various cultures in Africa.

According to the Cost of Living Index from Numbeo, these cities are the most expensive places in Africa to get food. They include Luanda in Angola, N’Djamena in Chad and Lagos in Nigeria.

1. Dakar

Surrounded by the Atlantic, Dakar’s menus are dominated by fish and seafood. At the Marche Kermel, bargaining is expected and can get you a deal on everything from grilled lotte to thieboudienne.

Across the city, herders like Abdulaziz Nder bring their sheep into town to be sold ahead of Tabaski – a massively important Muslim holiday and festival. But Nder also helps expatriates send money home through an online start-up called Niokobok.

2. Johannesburg

A former gold-mining town, Johannesburg (or Jozi as locals call it) is South Africa’s chief industrial and financial metropolis. It also houses a sizable community of Zimbabwean, Mozambican, Nigerian, and Somali immigrants.

In the city’s jolly Maboneng Precinct, warehouses-turned-art-studios and hotels jostle with chic cafes and restaurants amid a pulsing crowd. Try chisa nyama in Soweto’s dizzying markets, or visit Bean There for ethically sourced coffee.

3. Durban

A visit to Durban costs on average $110 per day based on the expenses of other travelers. This is based on the price of meals, local transportation, and lodging.

Despite the recent decrease in food prices, high inflation has made it difficult for people to afford basic necessities. This has pushed many into debt. This has contributed to heightened risks, including civil unrest.

4. Marrakech

With cuisine like you have never tasted, markets to get lost in and sunsets that leave your jaw agape, Marrakech is a whirlwind experience.

The Koutoubia Mosque and its 65 m high minaret dominates the city. Other highlights include the Bahia Palace built in the 19th century and combining Andalusian and Moorish architecture.

The Djemaa el Fna square is an absolute must – especially at sunset when the food stalls are in full swing and the place takes on an exotic magic.

5. Accra

Accra is the capital and largest city of Ghana. It is located on a sandstone ridge that rises 25 to 40 feet (8 to 12 meters) above the surrounding coastal plain.

In the city centre, visit Buka, where you can try okra stew or eba (a dough eaten with stews). Or head to Front/Back for cocktails made with local wild honey and bissap.

6. Addis Ababa

The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is a bustling city that caters to many different tastes. It is also a center for science and research.

One of the best things to do in Addis Ababa is to eat kitfo leb-leb, which is raw beef served with mitmita sauce and spiced butter. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is relaxed. It is a great place for families and groups of friends.

7. Tunis

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, sits along Lake Tunis and includes a medina and the Bardo, an archaeology museum with celebrated Roman mosaics. The cosmopolitan city has Berber, Arab, Jewish and Andalusian influences.

Locals frequent La Bo M, a simple eatery led by Lyon-trained chef Malek Laabidi that offers innovative cuisine using fresh, seasonal produce. The restaurant’s interior spills onto a sunlit terrace.

8. Nairobi

The most expensive city in Africa to eat is Nairobi, Kenya. This ranking was determined by Business Insider using a weighted average of Numbeo’s groceries index and restaurant index.

The city is famous for its nyama choma (roasted meat restaurants) and American fast food chains. But the city also has a variety of mid-range eateries.

In the Mukuru Kwa Njema slums east of Nairobi, residents live in houses with long tin roofs that, when viewed from above, create incredible striated patterns. But these homes lack water and electricity.

9. Dar es Salaam

Many people who want to live in Dar es Salaam wonder whether their salary would be high enough to cover all the expenses there. It is a difficult city to live in if you are used to living a luxurious lifestyle.

A bustling fishing port, the cosmopolitan capital straddles major shipping routes on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coast. It’s known for its vibrant fusion cuisine.

10. Cape Town

From luxury to street food, Cape Town is a multicultural hub that celebrates African traditions as well as Indian, Middle Eastern and European dishes. Try one of the city’s top restaurants like The Test Kitchen, or enjoy a traditional South African braai at the beach.

November is a great time to visit, as the weather is dry and sunny. However, it is still winter so be prepared for cooler temperatures and rainy days.