Rice Beyond Jollof: 7 African Rice Dishes You Should Try
Let’s face it, when people think of African rice, their mind jumps straight to Jollof rice. And to be fair, Jollof deserves all the hype, it deserves the global stage it is at the moment. It has started wars (Naija vs Ghana anyone?), united parties, and even got Beyoncé’s attention. But Africa’s relationship with rice is much bigger than one dish. Across the continent, rice has been reimagined in ways that deserve their own spotlight.
So if you thought Jollof was the beginning and end of African rice dishes, get ready to meet its cousins. Here are seven rice meals that will make you fall in love with Africa’s culinary genius all over again.
1. Waakye (Ghana)
Think rice and beans, but with an attitude. Waakye is a Ghanaian classic where rice is cooked with beans and dried millet leaves, giving it a rich brown color and earthy flavor. Add spaghetti, fried plantains, boiled egg, shito (that fiery black pepper sauce), and you’ve got a breakfast that can carry you till dinner.
2. Tuwo Shinkafa (Nigeria)
In Northern Nigeria, rice takes a softer turn. Tuwo Shinkafa is made from soft, mashed rice, almost like fufu, and paired with rich soups like miyan kuka or miyan taushe. It’s proof that rice doesn’t always have to be grains in a bowl, sometimes it’s a smooth swallow that transforms how you eat.
3. Biryani (East Africa)
In Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, rice gets the royal treatment with biryani. Influenced by Indian and Arab traders, this dish layers spiced rice with marinated meat, potatoes, and herbs. The aroma alone could make neighbors knock on your door. It’s festive, colorful, and always a showstopper at weddings and celebrations.
4. Thieboudienne (Senegal)
If Jollof has a big brother, it’s thieboudienne (also called ceebu jen). Often considered Senegal’s national dish, it’s rice cooked with fish, tomato, and hearty vegetables like carrots and cassava. The flavors are layered, deep, and communal, usually served in one big bowl for everyone to share.
5. Arroz con Pollo (Equatorial Guinea)
This African-Spanish fusion makes rice dance with chicken, peppers, and saffron. While it borrows from Spanish cuisine, the African twist comes through in the seasoning and style. It’s comfort food with a global passport.
6. Yellow Rice (South Africa
Here, rice takes on a sunny personality. Cooked with turmeric and cinnamon, South African yellow rice is fragrant, slightly sweet, and usually paired with curries or stews. It’s simple yet unforgettable, proving that rice doesn’t need to be complicated to shine.
7. Palm Oil Rice (Nigeria & Beyond)
Red, rich, and smoky, palm oil rice is one of those underrated dishes that instantly feels like home. With a base of palm oil, crayfish, peppers, and sometimes dried fish, it’s hearty and satisfying. One spoonful, and you’ll wonder why this dish doesn’t get the same hype as Jollof.
Rice, the African Way
Rice in Africa isn’t just food. It’s history, migration, and creativity in a grain. From the smoky depth of thieboudienne to the soft comfort of tuwo shinkafa, rice has carried Africa’s stories across generations.
At MamaJones, we know rice is more than what’s on the plate, it’s a connection to home. That’s why we stock everything from palm oil to spices so you can recreate these dishes right where you are.
Ready to go beyond Jollof?