Are you looking for the most popular African soups to try out in 2024? Or do you simply want a list of delectable African soups to appreciate the cultures? Whether you got here out of curiosity or a quest for new savory experiences, I have got something for you.
The Association of Professional Chefs defines soup as a primarily liquid food you can make by combining meat and vegetables with stock or water. While you can serve it hot or warm, soups can also taste great when cool or cold. Keep in mind that you can have thick soups on their own and you can also have them with other dishes. The same goes for thin soups.
Every soup, whether African or Oriental, follows the definition and this list will also stick to that.
Egusi Soup
Picture source: All Nigerian Foods
Country: Nigeria
General Ingredients
- Ground egusi (melon) seeds
- Palm Oil
- Meat
- Fish
- Vegetables (Amaranth greens)
- Onions
- Hot pepper
- Black pepper
Popular across multiple tribes in the southwestern and southeastern parts of Nigeria, Egusi starts this list of popular African soups in 2024. Although its thickness varies depending on preference and style, the soup pairs nicely with both swallow and rice.
However, it goes best with swallows like Fufu (cassava), Eba (garri), Wheat, and Semo. Its richness in proteins like meat and fish makes it filling and delicious. The vegetables make it healthy for bowel movement and aid digestion.
Egusi also has an attractive look that makes you want to try it if you haven’t had the experience. Even if you have eaten it before, you will still want to have a go at it once more.
Harira
Picture source: All Recipes
Country: Morocco
General Ingredients:
- Onions
- Celery
- Meat
- Chickpeas
- Red meat bone stock
- Vermicelli and cornflour mix.
This Moroccan soup not only has a mouth-watering smell, but it also tastes great and wholesome. It is a popular soup enjoyed both locally and internationally. While highly regarded by most indigenes, you can also treat yourself to this experience by trying it out.
Since you have to get every ingredient right, some folks consider Harira a personal matter. As such, whenever you have this delicious soup, remember to savor and appreciate the culture behind it.
If you want to read more on Harira, consider checking out Ahlan Wa Sahlan’s article on the soup.
Efo Riro
Picture source: My Active Kitchen
Country: Nigeria
General Ingredients:
- Palm oil
- Red bell pepper
- Onions
- Vegetables (Spinach, Ugwu, or Amaranth greens)
- Dried stockfish
- Scotch bonnet
- Smoked fish
- Meat.
Also known as vegetable soup, Efo riro is one of the most popular soups among the Yorubas in Southwestern Nigeria. The soup comes together as a mouth-watering amalgamation of vegetables, meat, fish, and pepper. Taking a look at it will convince you of its nutritional benefits and delicious promises.
While you can eat Efo riro alone, the vegetable soup goes best with traditional swallow dishes. Examples include Amala (yam flour), Eba (garri), and Fufu (cassava) among several others.
Efo riro is one of the soups that pairs nicely with almost any swallow you have in mind. However, most locals have a favorite dish they prefer to take with vegetable soup.
Palm Nut Soup
Picture source: Kente TV
Country: Ghana
General Ingredients:
- Dried smoked boneless fish
- Goat meat
- Shallot and Red onion
- Tomatoes
- Kosher salt
- Oxtails
- Anise seeds
- Ginger and garlic
- Palm soup base (e.g Nkulenu)
- Bay leaf
- Herring powder and smoked fish powder
Palm nut soup (locally called abenkwan) is popular in several parts of Ghana. This doesn’t come as a surprise given the soup’s nutritious benefits and delectable taste. Apart from its tastiness, Palm nut soup comes loaded with meat and fish, making you feel full when eating.
You should have the soup with options like Banku, Fufu (cassava), or Fonio. This doesn’t mean you can not try it with other dishes that appeal to your taste buds. After all, the goal here is to enjoy the food and experience.
Interestingly, Abenkwan has a variant in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, where the people call it Banga soup. However, this spot on the list belongs to the Ghanaian soup. Read more about the Nigerian variant here.
Chorba Frik
Picture source: CookNFreeze
Country: Algeria
General Ingredients:
- Lamb
- Cinnamon
- Freekah (frik)
- Paprika
- Onion
- Ground coriander
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Vegetable oil
- Dried mint
- Ground pepper and salt
- Cilantro coriander
Chorba Frik is more common during the month of Ramadan, thanks to its filling and nutritious nature. The soup has almost all your body needs in a meal and indigenes eat it all year round.
In case you are wondering, this soup is known around the world. However, it remains one of the most popular soups in Northern Africa.
While you can have it with some bread, Chorba Frik also goes well on its own. This shouldn’t be a surprise seeing that the soup looks filling, thanks to its ingredients.
Pèpè Soup
Picture source: La Vie Bami
Alias: Pepper Soup
Country: Cameroon
General Ingredients:
- Njangsa
- Onions
- Hot peppers
- Garlic
- Meat (Beef, Mutton, or Chevon) or fish (e.g catfish)
Pèpè Soup lives up to its name thanks to its spiciness and taste. So much so that I will only recommend it to anyone used to spicy foods. However, this doesn’t take away from the soup’s inviting smell and taste.
Commonly known as Pepper soup, it is not restricted to Cameroon only. People love this dish from all over West Africa, including Nigeria and Ghana.
Of all the soups on this list, Pepper soup goes best as a standalone. Bars commonly serve it with bottles of beer or drinks.
Afang Soup
Picture source: iStock
Country: Nigeria
General Ingredients:
- Water leaves
- Afang leaves (Okazi/Ukazi)
- Palm oil
- Maggi
- Pepper
- Dried and stock fishes
- Periwinkles
- Cow tripe and cow skin (pomo)
- Onion
- Crayfish
- Beef
Afang soup originates from the Ibibio tribe of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria’s south-south region. Not only is it a popular favorite among the people, but they also perceive it as a special dish for special occasions (sometimes).
Interestingly, Wikipedia states that the Efik people of Cross River adapted this soup as a part of their cultural identity. Also, you can always tweak the soup’s content to suit your preference and pocket.
Afang soup has a variant in Cameroon. However, people have reported that the Nigerian version remains tastier and more filling. You will enjoy Afang soup the most when having it with Pounded Yam or Fufu (cassava).
Bissara
Picture source: Cuisinons en Couleurs
Countries: Egypt and Morocco
General Ingredients:
- Fava beans (small)
- Ground red pepper
- Cumin
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
Bissara makes this list of popular African soups because of its fame in both Morocco and Egypt. While most people prefer it during winter, locals consume it regardless of the season or time.
If you crave a North African soup that feels filling and delicious, you should try Bissara. Since you make it from beans, the dish remains a good source of protein and other nutrients.
Fun fact: The Egyptian variation of Bissara contains fresh herbs and spinach while the Moroccan one omits it.
Bonus….Cos, Why Not?!
Edikaikong Soup
Picture source: Lagos Grill and Bar
Countries: Nigeria
General Ingredients:
- Scent leaves (Ntong/Efirin)
- Palm oil
- Ugwu leaves (pumpkin leaves)
- Cow skin (pomo)
- Water leaves
- Periwinkles
- Assorted meat
- Black pepper
- Stock cubes
- Ground yellow pepper
- Onions
- Fishes (stock, and smoked)
- Crayfish
- Salt
- Shrimps (ground)
Seeing this soup for the first time gives the impression of a full meal. This is mainly because of how loaded it looks. Edikaikong is not only popular, but it also ranks high on the list of delectable Nigerian soups.
Don’t let its look fool you, this absolute unit of a soup goes well with Pounded Yam or Fufu (cassava). However, feel free to pair it with other swallows, depending on your preference.
The Efik people of Cross River and the Ibibio tribe of Akwa Ibom lay claim to this soup. Note that Edikaikong falls on the expensive side and as such, is mostly served during special occasions.
