Thumpy Rose West Africa food is some of the most delicious and diverse out there. And today we will be looking at Western and Central African food as we take a look at Congolese food recipes. To be specific: DRC drinks. Food in Congo, like many other African foods, is primarily made from plants. Their best Congolese drinks are no different. But DRC culture includes a lot of alcohol so if you’re like the Congolese, you’ll enjoy this article. Yet, if you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, we have recipes for everyone. And, you can also sample Central African flavors.
DRC culture and background
Did you know that the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo are two separate countries? Still, they share a lot of Congolese food recipes and drinks. West Africa food can be very similar after all. Only with a few variations here and there to suit the different preferences.
DRC is the second largest African country, coming second to Algeria. It is also known as Congo-Kinshasa, as Kinshasa is its capital city. DRC culture varies, but nothing unites people like food. But, DRC culture typically involves traditional normalcy and influences from the outside.
Related: Kivu Congo Coffee & White Elephant Drink
Original and traditional DRC drinks to try
As mentioned above, the Congolese love their beer. But we will start our list with non-alcoholic Congolese food recipes. Let’s get to it!
- Congo Kivu Coffee
First, for our coffee lovers, we have (not sponsored) Congo Kivu Coffee . Try saying that five times in a row. It originates from the Congolese province of Kivu. It’s fertile, and volcanic soils make it perfect for coffee bean growing. The coffee is zesty and herbaceous. If you love coffee, Congo Kivu Coffee is more than worth a try.
Next, we want to cater to our tea lovers. Some great teas consumed in Congo are from the leaves of the Lantana montevidensis plant. Their leaves are often made into teas. Although some Congolese people may not actually know this. These teas have various health benefits. Examples are their antioxidant properties. According to studies, most people use them to cure cold symptoms, headaches, and indigestion. Their berries are also used in other Congolese food recipes.
You can also make your delicious tea from Lippia multiflora. This West African plant creates a strong and aromatic tea that is a popular stress reliever. It is also traditionally used against hypertension and for fevers.
Lastly, the Ocimum gratissimum, or less complicated: African Basil. Studies show that it is rich in Vitamin A, which benefits the eyes. It can also help in reducing bloating as brewed African Basil leaves can be soothing to the stomach.
For more readily available ingredients in African tea recipes, you can try this Kenyan Chai ya mkandaa.
What are Congolese food recipes with no alcohol?
3. White Elephant
An all-time favorite food in Congo. It is mainly made of coconut and rum; you can even make it at home. Just blend a cup of fresh or canned coconut, a cup of coconut milk, and some sugar and rum. Enjoy!
2. Palm Wine
A cheap option for those who cannot afford beer like the DRC favorite Primus beer. You can enjoy palm wine from Dates Palms, Coconut Palms, or oil palm trees (Nectar of the Gods!). Although it is cheap, it comes in different flavors that are worth a try. But, locals may be pleasantly shocked to see foreigners drinking it.
3. Banana Beer
This local drink is basically part of DRC culture. It brings people together, allows them to enjoy the atmosphere and forget their worries for a while.
4. Tangawisi
Tangawisi is a popular ginger drink. Locals love it because it soothes dysentery discomfort, as well as help with haemorrhoids. It is basically ginger and mango tree sap. Simple and delicious.
West Africa food for the win
No doubt African food can get creative with its various vegetable foods and recipes. We have seen it in the drinks and food in Congo. Try some of these DRC drinks at home or take a vacation to DRC and experience the real thing. And if you love the food in Congo, you can read more on vegetables in Congo. Now go enjoy, it’s five o’clock somewhere!
