Back to school: 3 African recipes for a colorful culinary journey

For this fall, I'm offering you a culinary journey to Africa through three simple, delicious, and soulful recipes. At Mapiqueen Design, we select patterns and colors that tell a story, that of a rich and generous continent that finds its way onto your plates.

Back to school often means returning to reality, to work, school, and the rhythms of everyday life. But it's also an opportunity to try new things. What if this year you took your taste buds on a journey?

The kitchen isn't just a place where meals are prepared. It's a living space, filled with memories, laughter, and discoveries. I hope these three recipes will bring a little warmth and joy to your sometimes hectic daily lives.

And because a cook always needs an ally, don't forget the apron. Donning an African fabric apron means preparing to reveal your culinary talents to your family, friends, or colleagues. It certainly protects you from splashes, but above all, it allows you to dare, invent, and share. At Mapiqueen Design, our aprons are designed as true kitchen companions, practical and full of stories.

1. Ivorian Garba – simplicity and energy

In Côte d'Ivoire, garba is more than just a dish—it's an institution. A plate of attiéké (cassava semolina) topped with crispy fried tuna, served with raw onions and a lightly spiced tomato sauce. It's quick, filling, and full of character. The kind of dish that replenishes energy after a long day.

✨ Decorating tip: To enhance your garba, serve it in colorful bowls or wooden plates. I have a soft spot for the African brand Diadota, which offers wooden pieces that are both authentic and modern. Your guests will be delighted by the taste and presentation.

2. Cameroonian skewers & plantains – generosity and sharing

In Cameroon, grilled skewers, also called soya, are a must-have. There's even a "Ministry of Soya" in Yaoundé, a testament to their importance in the local culinary culture. Soya is beef marinated in a blend of garlic, ginger, chili pepper, and local spices, then grilled until tender and fragrant. Served with golden plantains, it's a true sharing dish, perfect for gathering family and friends around the table.

🔥 Handy tip: No grill? No worries. A cast iron grill pan works perfectly. It will give your kebabs beautiful golden brown marks and a slightly smoky flavor that highlights all the spices.

3. Cameroonian doughnuts or puff-puffs – sweet and delicious

It's impossible to talk about African delicacies without mentioning doughnuts or puff puffs. These small, round doughnuts, golden on the outside and soft on the inside, are a staple in Central and West Africa. They're enjoyed for breakfast with a savory side, but what interests us today is their sweet side, which makes them an irresistible dessert for young and old alike.

👉 This summer, I shared a video on Instagram where I made puff puffs while wearing one of my Mapiqueen Design aprons. If you want to recreate them step by step, check it out!

🍓 Gourmet tip: serve them sprinkled with icing sugar or accompanied by an exotic fruit coulis for an even more festive touch.

The apron, companion on your culinary journeys

Cooking is about stepping into a role. When I tie my Mapiqueen Design African fabric apron, I feel ready to create, like a painter at their canvas. African fabrics aren't just simple things: they carry a symbolic meaning. The colors and patterns tell stories of family, culture, and tradition. Wearing a handcrafted apron in the colors of Africa adds an invisible dimension to your dishes: that of transmission and sharing.

This fall, I invite you to transform your kitchen into a place of travel and discovery. With Ivorian garba, Cameroonian kebabs, and beignets, every meal becomes a celebration. And to fully experience the experience, put on an apron that suits you: practical, elegant, and full of history.

Ida from Mapiqueen Design