8 Delicious African Lunch Ideas for the Whole Family

Lunchtime is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to connect, laugh, and enjoy flavors that remind you of home. African cuisine is full of tasty flavors, spices, and wholesome ingredients that bring warmth to any table. Here are eight mouthwatering African lunch ideas you can cook for your family this weekend.

Jollof Rice with Grilled Chicken

Jollof rice is a West African classic, bursting with smoky tomato flavors, tasty spices, and just the right amount of heat. Pairing it with juicy grilled chicken makes it a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings where everyone wants “just one more spoon.”

Image from: Eatrite

 

The Jollof Magic

• Blend tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mix.
• Heat oil in a pot, add chopped onions, then stir in tomato paste and the blended mix.
• Season with thyme, curry, bouillon, and salt, then stir in washed rice.
• Add chicken stock, cover, and cook until the rice is fluffy and red-orange in color.
• Serve with perfectly grilled, seasoned chicken.

 

Efo Riro with Steamed Rice

Efo Riro is a rich Nigerian spinach stew packed with vegetables, smoked fish, meat, and bold seasonings. When served over steamed rice, it’s a nutrient-rich and flavorful lunch. The vibrant green color and savory aroma make it irresistible.

A Nutritious Meal

• Heat palm oil in a pot and sauté onions until golden.
• Mix in the blended peppers and tomatoes, cooking gently until the flavors combine and the oil separates from the sauce.
• Add assorted meats, fish, and seasoning cubes, letting the flavors combine.
• Stir in washed spinach and cook briefly to retain its color.
• Serve hot with white rice.
  
  

Coconut Rice with Grilled Prawns

Coconut rice brings a mild, creamy sweetness to the table, enriched with coconut milk and subtle spices. When paired with smoky grilled prawns, it becomes a tropical feast. This dish is light yet satisfying, perfect for a sunny weekend lunch.

Image from: Floating Kitchen 

The Island Feast

• Heat oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger.
• Add washed rice, coconut milk, and chicken stock; cook until fluffy.
• Season the prawns with chili, garlic, and lemon juice; grill until they are pink and slightly charred.
• Serve rice with prawns on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Beans and Plantain (Ewa Riro)

Ewa Riro is a Nigerian beans stew with a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet, golden fried plantains. It’s hearty, high in protein, and surprisingly easy to make. This combo will keep the whole family full and happy for hours.

The Sweet & Savory Duo

• Boil beans until soft, then set aside.
• Fry onions in palm oil, then stir in blended peppers and tomatoes.
• Add beans to the sauce with seasoning cubes and let them simmer.
• Slice and fry ripe plantains until golden brown.
• Serve beans with a generous helping of plantains on the side.
  
  

Waakye with Fried Fish

A Ghanaian favorite, waakye is a wholesome mix of rice and beans cooked together with a subtle, earthy flavor. Served with fried fish, it’s a balanced meal with textures that keep you coming back for more. Add a spicy shito sauce for an extra kick.

Image from: Postmates 

The Waakye Wonder

• Boil beans until half-cooked, then add rice and waakye leaves for color.
• Cook until rice and beans are soft and well mixed.
• Season fish with spices, salt, and lemon juice; fry until crispy.
• Serve waakye with fried fish and a side of shito sauce.
  
  

Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam

Egusi soup is a nutty, thick melon seed soup that’s rich and flavorful, cooked with vegetables, meat, and spices. Pounded yam is its perfect match, offering a smooth, stretchy texture to scoop up every drop of soup. It’s a traditional Nigerian lunch that never goes out of style.

Image from: Desire Recipes

 

The Egusi Embrace

• Blend melon seeds with peppers and onions into a thick paste.
• Heat palm oil, add the paste, and fry until aromatic.
• Stir in meats, fish, stock, and leafy greens.
• Serve with freshly pounded yam for dipping.
  
  

Yam Porridge with Efo Riro

This creamy yam porridge is comfort food at its best—soft yam chunks simmered in a rich pepper sauce until they melt in your mouth. Topping it with Efo Riro takes the dish to a whole new level, adding a leafy, savory layer. It’s a wholesome, filling lunch that feels like a warm hug.

The Comfort Bowl

• Peel and cut the yams into chunks; rinse and set aside.
• Blend peppers, tomatoes, and onions, then fry the mix in palm oil.
• Add yam chunks, seasoning cubes, and water; cook until the yam is tender.
• Mash some yam pieces for a creamy texture.
• Serve topped with fresh, steaming Efo Riro.
  
  

Bobotie with Yellow Rice

Bobotie is a South African baked dish made with minced meat, spices, and a savory custard topping. Paired with bright yellow turmeric rice, it’s a flavorful, slightly sweet lunch that’s comforting and unique. It’s a perfect choice when you want something special yet easy to prepare.

Image from: Foodie on Board

The Golden Bake

• Fry onions, garlic, and minced meat until browned.
• Stir in curry powder, bread soaked in milk, raisins, and seasoning.
• Transfer to a baking dish, top with an egg and milk mixture, then bake until set.
• Serve with turmeric-seasoned yellow rice.

Shop All Your African Lunch Ingredients in One Place

At Joe’s African-Caribbean Market, we know that the key to a delicious African lunch is having the right ingredients—fresh, authentic, and bursting with flavor. Instead of running from store to store, you can find everything you need in one spot, whether it’s yams for your porridge, egusi seeds for your soup, or ripe plantains for your beans. 

Our online store makes it easy to shop from home, stress-free, with your pantry staples and fresh produce delivered to your doorstep across Canada. Plus, while picking up your lunch ingredients, you can explore other favorites—from African-Caribbean drinks to sweet treats—so you’re always ready for the next family meal.