It's almost here! Just a few more days, and we'll be in the midst of some of the most important holidays of the year. Almost everyone is caught up in the Christmas and/or year-end rush: buying gifts for themselves and loved ones, decorating the home, preparing year-end reports – the to-do list seems endless, and time is running out.
And then there's the big question: What should I cook during the holidays?
Luckily, I don't have to ask myself that question this year! I'm letting someone else cook for me – with the most delicious and authentic ingredients Cameroonian cuisine has to offer. And the best part: it's all happening right in Cameroon, at my mother's house. Yes, this year I'm finally spending the holidays back in my old homeland.
It's been a really long time since I last celebrated Christmas and New Year's in Cameroon. I couldn't be more excited! Just the thought of spending this special time of year with my family (albeit only part of it, as my children can't be with us this time) and my relatives fills me with happiness.
But what excites me even more are the culinary delights that are simply indispensable on such occasions in Cameroon. The traditional festive dishes that my mother and I love so much are an essential part of this time for me.
That's why I've compiled a selection of my 6+2 favorite Cameroonian festive dishes – I simply couldn't decide! These dishes are part of the most important celebrations in Cameroon and are an absolute must at every festive table.
Tell me in the comments which of these dishes you absolutely want to try! And what do you eat during the holidays?
No. 1: Ndolè
Ndolè is one of Cameroon's most famous and beloved dishes. This national dish consists of bitter leaves (ndolè leaves or spinach as a substitute) cooked with a rich peanut sauce, meat or fish, and shrimp—for the Royale version. The combination of bitter, sweet, and savory flavors makes ndolè an essential festive dish. Traditionally served with steamed or fried (missolè) plantains, bobolo/miondo (a type of potato dumpling), or rice, it symbolizes community, as it is often prepared in large quantities to entertain family and friends.
No. 2: Koki
Koki is a delicious bean cake made from black-eyed peas (cowpeas) and wrapped in banana leaves. Enriched with palm oil, koki gets its characteristic orange color and distinctive flavor. This dish is often served at festivals and special occasions and is a symbol of tradition and authenticity in Cameroonian cuisine. It pairs perfectly with steamed yellow plantains or bobolo/miondo.
No. 3: Kondrè
Kondrè is a hearty dish of braised plantains, originally from the Bamiléké tribe in western Cameroon. It is slowly cooked with a mixture of spices, meat (usually beef or goat), and broth. Kondrè is often served at large celebrations or ceremonies, as it symbolizes tradition and togetherness. The soft texture of the plantains, combined with the aromatic sauce, makes this dish a highlight of any festive meal.
No. 4: Eru
Eru is a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables, fish, meat, and sometimes snails. This traditional dish is especially popular among the peoples of southwestern and northwestern Cameroon and Nigeria. Its rich and spicy flavor, enhanced by a generous amount of palm oil, makes eru a true delicacy. It is usually served with fufu.
No. 5: Achu
Achu is a cultural symbol of the people of northwestern Cameroon. This dish consists of a soft taro root purée served with the typical "yellow sauce." This sauce is made from palm oil and spices, its characteristic emulsion texture resulting from the interplay between the palm oil and rock salt. Achu is traditionally eaten with the hands and is an integral part of celebrations such as weddings and baptisms.
No. 6: Chicken DG
Poulet DG (Poulet Directeur Général) is a festive chicken dish combined with vegetables and fried plantains. Originally a luxury dish, it is now popular for many occasions. The name "DG" emphasizes its status as a "chef's dish," as it was originally enjoyed only by wealthy or high-ranking individuals. With its harmonious combination of flavors, it is a true highlight of modern Cameroonian cuisine.
No. 7: Poisson braisé
Poisson braisé , or grilled fish, is a favorite among street vendors and at festive meals. The fish is marinated in an aromatic blend of herbs and typical Cameroonian spices, then cooked on a grill. It is often served with spicy sauces, fried yellow plantains, or bobolo/miondo. This dish is a symbol of Cameroon's vibrant street food scene and the way people come together to enjoy good food.
No. 8: Mets de pistache
Mets de Pistache is a traditional Cameroonian dish, especially popular at festive occasions such as weddings, baptisms, and holidays. Its main ingredient is ground pistachio seeds, which give the dish its unique flavor and fluffy texture. Traditionally, this dish is often steamed with meat (chicken or beef) or smoked fish in banana leaves and served with bobolo or miondo. It symbolizes prosperity, hospitality, and the joy of sharing. It is a prime example of Cameroonian cuisine, which delights with its diversity and intense flavors. A bite of Mets de Pistache is like an invitation to experience the warmth and community of Cameroonian culture – perfect for the holidays!
Tell me in the comments which of these dishes you absolutely want to try! And what do you eat during the holidays?
