The Best African Restaurants in Toronto, Ontario

African cuisine is elegant in its simplicity. Many of its dishes served at authentic Sfrican restaurants are distinct in their use of natural flavouring and local ingredients like fruits, vegetables, grains and milk products. For the most part, much of their traditional dishes remain untouched by Western influence, despite centuries of colonization. European or Asian countries may inspire dishes, but food is strictly made using locally grown produce, making it authentically African. However, because of this, it is nearly impossible to accurately describe African cuisine, as each region has access to its own unique game and crops.

Northern Africa, situated close to the Mediterranean Sea, it is one of the most diverse regions on the continent. Influenced by centuries of trade and immigration, the food is slightly less traditional. Most dishes infuse Arabian spices like saffron, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Couscous, potatoes, and lentils are staple ingredients in most meals, while meat stews and bean salads are also popular options.

Southern Africa is considered "rainbow cuisine," because it blends traditional ingredients with dishes inspired by Europe and Asia. Ground maize, a corn-like grain substance, is used as a base for most meals, whether it is a breakfast porridge or it's molded into a dough that can accompany stewed or barbequed meats. Traditional dishes include Boboti, which is made with spiced or curried ground beef and topped with an egg-based dough, and Potjiekos, a stew with meat and vegetables, typically cooked in a cast iron pot over an open flame. South Africa is also known for its world-renowned wineries.

Meat is rarely consumed in both Eastern and Western African cuisine. Much of their dishes are dependent on starches and spices. Meals are flavoured naturally with vegetables like tomatoes, and accompanied with fruit sides. A popular example from Uganda is steamed green bananas. Much of the exotic game in Africa is found in the central countries. This includes less traditional forms of meat like monkeys, warthogs, and crocodiles-although they are typically reserved for special occasions.

MenuPalace features restaurants in Toronto and its surrounding areas that offer authentic African cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.