Big hitters like Mexico and Japan may top the list for their world-renowned culinary scenes, but these countries throughout Africa are worth exploring.  If you love food enough to travel the world for it, here are some destinations in African that are known for their food scene as well as traditional, local dishes.

Cape Town, South Africa

South African culture and food are greatly influenced by the indigenous population. If you are in Cape Town be sure to try a local favorite, Cape Malay curry, known for combining sweet and pungent flavors, using sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger. This beef stew is usually served with rice and is also great over mashed potatoes. Explore the area and these excellent food options: Mama Africa, GOLD Restaurant, and The Africa Café.

Photo via africacafe.co.za

Nairobi, Kenya

Nyama choma, Kiswahili for roasted meat is only seasoned with salt and slow-grilled over hot coals until it’s tender and ready to eat. While everything from chicken to beef makes for good nyama choma, the favorite is always goat meat, which also pairs well with a cold local Tusker beer. Here are a few spots to check out: Mama Oliech Restaurant, Carnivore, and Talisman Restaurant.

Photo via tamarind.co.ke

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Accra, Ghana

According to Africa.com, “if you want to experience the best tastes of Ghana, ditch the five-star hotel and try the street food. Chichinga, probably the most popular street food in Ghana, is a kebab similar to the Nigerian suya. Made from beef, chicken or sausage with a peanut-spice rub or ground spices, the chichinga is a true embodiment of Ghanaian taste.” If you are looking for a sit-down meal, you can’t go wrong with these options: Buka Restaurant Osu Accra, Chez Clarisse, and Azmera Restaurant.

Photo via azmerarestaurant.com

Maputo, Mozambique

Although this coastal city is best known for its prawns, the classic Mozambican dish, piri-piri is actually made with chicken. The dish consists of chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic, coconut milk, and spicy piri-piri sauce. It’s usually accompanied with French fries or matapa, a dish of cassava leaves prepared in peanut sauce and coconut milk. When it town, head to these local favorites: Kwetu, Mundo’s Maputo Mozambique, and Txhapo Txhapo Restaurante.

Photo via txhapo-txhapo-restaurante.business.site

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Cairo, Egypt

The pyramids, monuments, and ancient history may draw most travelers to Egypt, but tourists also take note of the delicious cuisine that is influenced by many different cultures.  Considered the Egyptian national dish, koshari is a vegetarian meal consisting of rice, lentils, and macaroni, topped with crispy onions and spicy tomato sauce. When in town, be sure to check out these restaurants offering traditional, local cuisine: Zööba, Zitouni, and Felfela.

Photo via fourseasons.com