Angolan cuisine, plates you must try
Written by Ornella Bressan
On 22 May 2024

Located in between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia is the 7th largest country in Africa, Angola. 

With a population of 35 million, this country is well known for its oil and diamond resources, traditional Kizomba dance and on a smaller scale one of their traditional foods: funge.

We asked 36 year old Angolan, Leonora Junior, what are five plates she would recommend travellers to try out and she said:

Mufete

Mufete

This dish includes different ingredients including: 

  • Grilled fish, usually Mackerel, Rooster, or small Tilapia, locally known as cacusso
  • Beans with palm oil
  • Plantains
  • Cassava 
  • Baked yam, commonly known as sweet potato in the UK but the potato used in Angola is a different one
  • A type of local flour called musseque
  • Fresh sauce made of onions, vinegar, olive oil and salt

Upon ordering it you should have one plate with the fish and the sauce spread all over it followed by smaller plates that contain each of the side dish mentioned above. 

Galinha de muamba com funge de milho e feijão de óleo de palma

Galinha de muamba

This dish can be literally translated as: Muamba chicken with corn funge and beans with palm oil.

Known as the national dish of Angola, it is a creamy chicken dish made from a blend of local ingredients such as Okra, Jindungo sauce (which is mild), and abóbora (pumpkin). 

Alongside the chicken you’ll have boiled beans and their common funge,  which is a type of porridge made of cassava flour whisked in boiling water and has a sticky-like consistency.

Picanha à brasileira

Picanha Brasileira

Having influences from Brazil, Angolans love picanhas, which is a dish made of a cut of beef with feijoada (the Brazilian black bean stew), rice, farofa, and a juicy salad of cucumber.

Check out our related stories

French fries, the fascinating history behind the global obsession

French fries, the fascinating history behind the global obsession

French fries, often simply referred to as 'fries', are a beloved snack and side dish enjoyed worldwide. Despite their name, the origin ...

Cedar Plank Salmon, a culinary delight in the northwest Pacific

Cedar Plank Salmon, a culinary delight in the northwest Pacific

Cedar plank salmon is a popular cooking method and dish in the Pacific Northwest region, especially in areas like Washington and Oregon

Damper bread, a bite of Australian history

Damper bread, a bite of Australian history

Australia's food industry is known for its inventive cuisine and colourful flavours, yet hidden among these gourmet treats is a simple ...

New Orleans Po’ Boy, from humble beginnings to culinary masterpiece

New Orleans Po’ Boy, from humble beginnings to culinary masterpiece

As you walk through the lively streets of New Orleans, the smell of freshly baked French bread and sizzling meats fills the air, inviting you to try one of the city's most iconic dishes - the mighty Po' Boy.

Bak Kut Teh, the culinary treasure steeped in Malaysian heritage

Bak Kut Teh, the culinary treasure steeped in Malaysian heritage

Bak Kut Teh, a tasty pork rib soup, is at the center of Malaysia's lively food culture.

Discover the humble delights of Hong Kong’s Cart Noodle

Discover the humble delights of Hong Kong’s Cart Noodle

The Cart Noodle is a quintessential Hong Kong street food that has become a beloved part of the city's vibrant culinary culture.

GET ON BOARD WITH OUR NEWSLETTER

For our cultural travellers looking for a deeper and detailed insight, this is for you.

Join our mailing list to receive our first newsletter edition filled with exclusive features. From local events in Corsica, to Hong Kong best hiking spots.

Welcome on board the Global Odyssey flight