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The fusion of African and Chinese cuisines might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of global food trends, but in recent years, African food has started to carve out a place for itself in China’s food scene. From rich, aromatic stews to bold and fiery pepper dishes, spicy African food is now becoming increasingly popular in various Chinese cities. Whether it’s the vibrant flavors of Nigerian Jollof rice, the tangy heat of Ethiopian berbere, or the mouth-watering zest of Kenyan sukuma, food lovers in China are discovering the joy of African spices.
In this feature, we explore the growing influence of African food culture in China, highlighting several towns and cities where spicy African food is making its mark, along with the reasons behind this exciting culinary exchange.
Why Spicy African Food is Gaining Popularity in China
The rise of African food in China can be linked to several factors, including migration, globalization, and the increasing popularity of international cuisines. African migrants, students, and entrepreneurs have been bringing their culture and cuisine to China for decades, and over time, their food has piqued the curiosity of local Chinese populations.
One of the most notable influences on African food in China is the spice factor. African cuisine is known for its bold use of spices—whether it’s the hot chilies used in West African dishes or the fragrant cumin and coriander in North African food. For many Chinese people who enjoy spicy dishes, African food offers a new and exciting flavor profile to explore.
Moreover, the cultural exchange between Africa and China, driven by both diplomatic ties and business ventures, has also contributed to the rise of African food in Chinese cities. The African diaspora in China is growing, and many have opened restaurants or street food stalls that offer traditional African dishes. As more Chinese people travel to African countries for work or tourism, the taste of African food is becoming more familiar and desirable.
Where to Find Spicy African Food in China
If you’re craving spicy African food in China, here are a few towns and cities that have embraced the rich, fiery flavors of African cuisine.
1. Beijing: The Epicenter of African Cuisine in China
Beijing is home to the largest concentration of African expatriates in China, and as such, it has become a hub for African food lovers. The city boasts a variety of African restaurants, ranging from those that focus on specific regional cuisines to those that serve a broader selection of African dishes.
One restaurant that stands out is Nigerian Food House located in the Chaoyang district. The eatery offers an authentic Nigerian menu featuring dishes such as Jollof rice, Suya (spicy grilled meat), and Pounded Yam with Egusi soup. The restaurant is well-loved for its rich, flavorful dishes that pack a punch when it comes to spice. The chef, originally from Nigeria, insists on using imported spices and fresh ingredients to create a truly authentic African experience for the local Chinese community.
Another popular spot in Beijing is Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe. Here, diners can enjoy spicy stews like Doro Wat, a flavorful chicken stew cooked with a blend of spices and Berbere—a signature Ethiopian spice mix. Served with Injera, a sourdough flatbread, Ethiopian food in Beijing has become a favorite for those seeking heat in their meals.
2. Shanghai: Where East Meets West Africa
Shanghai, known for its cosmopolitan nature, is also becoming a hotbed for African cuisine. The city’s vibrant expat community has been instrumental in introducing African flavors to the local population. Shanghai’s diverse food culture has provided a welcoming environment for African restaurants to flourish.
The Africa Restaurant in Shanghai offers a variety of African dishes with a special focus on the spicy and rich flavors of West Africa. Their Pepper Soup, made with goat meat or fish, and their Jollof Rice have received rave reviews. Locals and tourists alike flock to the restaurant for a taste of authentic African spices in a city that is usually dominated by Chinese and Western cuisine.
In addition to West African flavors, Tastes of Africa in Shanghai brings the heat of North Africa to the city with Moroccan tagines and spicy stews. Their Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons and Harira (a rich Moroccan soup) are perfect examples of how spicy and savory flavors blend to create unforgettable dishes.
3. Guangzhou: A Gateway to African Cuisine in the South
Located in southern China, Guangzhou has long been a trading port and an important gateway for African immigrants and businesses in China. Over the years, the city’s connection to Africa has given rise to a number of African restaurants that showcase the continent’s diversity in food, with an emphasis on spicy dishes.
Mama Africa in Guangzhou is one such spot where spicy African dishes have found a home. The restaurant specializes in East African cuisine, with a strong focus on dishes from Ethiopia and Somalia. Their Sambusas (fried pastries filled with spicy meat or vegetables) and Spicy Fish Stew are popular among locals who are drawn to the heat and complexity of these African flavors.
For those craving a different kind of heat, African Kitchen in Guangzhou serves a variety of dishes from across the continent, including Ethiopian Tibs, a sizzling beef dish cooked with garlic, ginger, and chili, as well as the famous Nigerian Pounded Yam and Ogbono Soup, a dish packed with flavor and spice.
4. Chengdu: The Spice Capital Meets African Flavors
Known as the “Spice Capital” of China due to its famous Sichuan peppercorns, Chengdu is an ideal place for Africans seeking a home for their spicy cuisine. The city’s love for hot and numbing flavors has created a perfect environment for the introduction of African spices. The combination of Sichuan’s famous spice culture and the fiery flavors of African dishes has sparked a unique culinary blend.
The Africa Spice House in Chengdu offers dishes that blend both Sichuan and African flavors. Here, diners can enjoy Jollof Rice with Sichuan Pepper, combining the bold and aromatic African rice dish with the numbing spice of Sichuan pepper. The fusion of these two cultures offers a new way to experience spice.
Chengdu African Kitchen is another popular restaurant that focuses on dishes from West Africa, especially Nigerian cuisine. Their Peppered Goat Meat and Spicy Plantains have become local favorites. The spice levels in these dishes are often turned up to satisfy the heat-seeking Chinese palate.
5. Shenzhen: A City on the Rise
Shenzhen, a booming city known for its economic development, is also becoming a hotspot for African cuisine. The city’s large immigrant population has given rise to African restaurants that serve some of the most authentic and spicy dishes from across the continent.
Kilimanjaro African Restaurant in Shenzhen is one such place where locals and tourists alike can indulge in the bold flavors of Africa. Known for its Spicy Ugandan Chicken, the restaurant serves a variety of dishes that showcase the heat and intensity of African spices. Their Cassava Leaves Stew and Fried Fish with Ugandan Sauce are also crowd-pleasers.
The Future of African Food in China
The growing popularity of spicy African food in China signals a cultural shift towards more diverse culinary experiences. As the African community in China continues to grow, and as more Chinese people travel to Africa and experience the continent’s rich culinary traditions firsthand, African food will continue to gain recognition and appeal in China’s cities.
Moreover, as the Chinese public becomes more open to trying new flavors, the integration of African spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques into the Chinese food scene could open up exciting opportunities for culinary innovation. African food, with its vibrant, bold, and spicy flavors, is a culinary experience that many people in China are ready to embrace.
While spicy African food might have once been a rare find in China, today, it’s part of an exciting food movement sweeping through the country. From Beijing to Shenzhen, these cities are home to restaurants that offer a taste of Africa’s rich, flavorful, and spicy dishes, marking a new chapter in the global exchange of food cultures.
