Discover A Wide Variety Of African Pastries

By Krystal Branch


With such a large continent and so many different cultures it is no wonder that the variety of African pastries is so big. There are so many choices to choose from depending on where you go, and each region has something different to offer. There are many choices for savory and sweet treats to satisfy anyone who wants to give them a try.

A very common option in East Africa is a fried dough known as mandazi. This deep fried piece of sweet dough is commonly served with a variety of different options for dipping. This can be anything from jam and honey, to something less sweet such as butter or peanut butter.

A very common type of pastry found all over the continent is known as a samosa. While these are found in many parts of the world, you may notice that the different varieties you can find there have a very distinctly African flavor. They are made by taking a square piece of pastry and filling the center with whatever you wish to have in it, then folding it into a triangle shape, and cooking it in oil until crispy. The variety of different spices that are used to flavor them are what gives this treat a very African taste.

Or South African pastries there are many options, but one of the most common ones is known as Koeksisters. This is a sweet dough that is deep fried to give is a crispy outside with a soft inside. It is then covered in a sweet syrup and served while it is still hot and gooey. They are very common in the area and are to perfect treat for anyone who loves sweet dishes.

For many countries in the northern area of the continent, savory treats are very common and enjoyed by most people. They're commonly made up of filo pastry dough and filled with an assortment of different options from different types of meat and cheeses, to vegetables. These are filled with many different types of spices as well and then fried in oil and usually served while they are still hot.

For countries in western Africa, meat pies are one of the most common options that are available all over, being sold by many different shops and restaurants. They're usually made up of beef or chicken, and less commonly with goat, and filled with the different spices found in the region. This meat mixture is usually surrounded by a soft pastry crust and baked until it turns golden brown. They're served hot or cold.

Since the continent is so large and diverse you will rarely be able to find the same options from one country to the next. Every where you go, they will create their own specialties and have their own favorites for you to try. Whether it is sweet or savory, you will rarely be disappointed.

A great part of traveling to many different countries is getting the chance to try the wonderful treats that each one has to offer. For African pastries you have so many different treats to choose from. Even if you are unable to travel to the wonderful countries that they come from you will still be able to try them from the comfort of your home.




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