Noodles are a versatile and popular food staple enjoyed in many cultures around the world. 
They come in various types, such as instant noodles, rice noodles, egg noodles, and glass noodles, and can be served in soups, stir-fries, or salads. They’re often paired with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, meats, seafood, and sauces, making them a base for countless delicious dishes. Africa has a growing
appreciation for noodles, with various local adaptations and fusion dishes inspired by its diverse culinary traditions. Few ingredients are as versatile (or satisfying) as noodles so it’s no wonder that they’re used in many different dishes across global cuisines and cultures. You’ll find buttery egg noodle floating in chicken soup or tucked into kugel, rice noodles serving as the basis of flavorful stir-fries and curries and even store-bought as the star ingredient for some shortcut recipes. And that’s barely scratching the surface of what’s available when it comes to noodles.
No matter which is your favorite, you’re bound to need a little bit of recipe inspiration from time to time. That’s where this roundup comes in. We’ve gathered some of our favorite uses for a handful of different noodles so that, no matter what you’ve got on hand in your pantry you can cook up something delicious — starting with this comforting classic. Ree bolsters egg noodles and canned tuna with fresh mushrooms, bell peppers and parsley for a casserole that’s hard to beat.
They come in various types, such as instant noodles, rice noodles, egg noodles, and glass noodles, and can be served in soups, stir-fries, or salads. They’re often paired with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, meats, seafood, and sauces, making them a base for countless delicious dishes. Africa has a growing appreciation for noodles, with various local adaptations and fusion dishes inspired by its diverse culinary traditions. Few ingredients are as versatile (or satisfying) as noodles so it’s no wonder that they’re used in many different dishes across global cuisines and cultures. You’ll find buttery egg noodle floating in chicken soup or tucked into kugel, rice noodles serving as the basis of flavorful stir-fries and curries and even store-bought as the star ingredient for some shortcut recipes. And that’s barely scratching the surface of what’s available when it comes to noodles. No matter which is your favorite, you’re bound to need a little bit of recipe inspiration from time to time. That’s where this roundup comes in. We’ve gathered some of our favorite uses for a handful of different noodles so that, no matter what you’ve got on hand in your pantry you can cook up something delicious — starting with this comforting classic. Ree bolsters egg noodles and canned tuna with fresh mushrooms, bell peppers and parsley for a casserole that’s hard to beat.Here are some popular types of noodle dishes across Africa:
1. Indomie Stir-Fry (Nigeria and Ghana)
Indomie instant noodles are popular in West Africa. They are often stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, chicken, or beef, and seasoned with a mix of spices for a quick, flavorful meal.
2. Chakalaka Noodles (South Africa)
Chakalaka, a spicy South African vegetable relish, is mixed with noodles to create a hearty and flavorful dish. This is often served as a side or a main meal.
3. Spicy Somali Noodles (Baasto)
In Somalia, spaghetti or noodles are prepared with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, often served with goat or chicken.
4. Tunisian Harissa Noodles
In North Africa, noodles are often flavored with harissa paste, olive oil, and garlic. They may include seafood, lamb, or roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean twist.
5. Kenyan Vegetable Noodles
Noodles are stir-fried with fresh vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and spinach. Soy sauce and local spices give the dish a uniquely Kenyan flavor
6. Jollof Noodles (West Africa)
Inspired by the popular jollof rice, this noodle dish incorporates similar ingredients—tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices—creating a vibrant, spicy flavor.
7. Ethiopian-Inspired Noodles
Noodles are sometimes cooked with Berbere spice blend, adding a signature Ethiopian flavor, and served with lentils or spiced vegetables.
8. Seafood Noodle Soup (Coastal Regions)
In coastal areas of Africa, noodles are prepared in a light broth with fish, shrimp, or other seafood, flavored with coconut milk, lime, and local spices.
The nutritional value of a noodle dish depends on the type of noodles, ingredients, and cooking methods used. Here's a general breakdown of the components:
Base Nutritional Value of Noodles
1. Instant Noodles (1 cup cooked, ~43g):
Calories: ~190-220
Protein: ~4-6g
Fat: ~7-10g (higher in fried varieties)
Carbohydrates: ~27-32g
Sodium: ~600-1,000mg (depends on seasoning packet)
2. Rice Noodles (1 cup cooked, ~43g):
Calories: ~190
Protein: ~2-4g
Fat: ~0.3g
Carbohydrates: ~43g
Sodium: Low, unless salted or seasoned.
3. Egg Noodles (1 cup cooked, ~40g):
Calories: ~200
Protein: ~7g
Fat: ~2g
Carbohydrates: ~38g
Sodium: ~10mg (plain, unsalted).
Common Additions in African Noodle Dishes
1. Vegetables (e.g., carrots, spinach, peppers):
Adds fiber, vitamins (like A and C), and antioxidants.
Low in calories but nutrient-dense.
2. Proteins (e.g., chicken, eggs, fish):
Chicken (100g): ~165 calories, ~31g protein.
Eggs (1 large): ~70 calories, ~6g protein.
Fish (100g): ~200 calories, ~22g protein (varies by type).
3. Spices and Sauces:
Spices (low-calorie, nutrient-rich).
Sauces (e.g., soy or harissa): Adds flavor but may increase sodium and calorie content.
4. Oils and Fats:
Vegetable oil (1 tbsp): ~120 calories.
Nutritional Profile of Popular African Noodle Dishes
1. Indomie Stir-Fry with Egg (1 serving):
Calories: ~350-400
Protein: ~12-15g
Fat: ~10-15g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
2. Chakalaka Noodles (1 serving):
Calories: ~300-350
Protein: ~8-10g
Fat: ~7-10g
Carbohydrates: ~40-45g
3. Seafood Noodle Soup (1 serving):
Calories: ~250-300
Protein: ~15-20g
Fat: ~5-7g
Carbohydrates: ~35-40g
For a healthier dish, you can:
Use whole-grain or gluten-free noodles.Add more vegetables and lean proteins.Limit added oils and high-sodium seasonings.
Here’s a simple recipe for West African Indomie Stir-Fry—a popular and flavorful noodle dish:
Ingredients (Serves 2)
2 packs of instant noodles (e.g., Indomie or any other brand)
1 small onion, sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
2 eggs (optional, for added protein)
1 cup shredded cooked chicken or beef (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 small chili pepper (optional, for spice), chopped
Seasoning (from the noodle packet or homemade: salt, pepper, curry powder, and paprika)
Soy sauce (optional)
Fresh cilantro or spring onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Boil the noodles in water for about 2-3 minutes or until just tender.
Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of the noodle water.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
Whisk the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
Slice all vegetables into thin strips for quick cooking.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat.
Add the garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté until fragrant.
Toss in the carrots, bell peppers, and chili pepper, stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly soft but still crunchy.
4. Scramble the Eggs (if using)
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the whisked eggs.
Let them cook for a minute, then scramble and mix with the vegetables
5. Add Noodles and Protein
Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with the chicken or beef (if using).
Pour in the reserved noodle water and season with the noodle seasoning packet or your homemade blend. Add soy sauce if desired.
6. Combine and Serve
Mix everything well, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Cook for 2 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro or spring onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Vegetarian Options
1. Vegetable-Packed Noodles
Add a variety of colorful vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, and broccoli.
Toss in chickpeas or kidney beans for added protein.
2. Peanut Butter Sauce Noodles (West African-Inspired)
Make a creamy sauce with peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili.
Stir it into the noodles for a nutty, rich flavor.
Spicy Variations
3. Jollof Noodles
Use a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, and spices like paprika, thyme, and curry powder.
Mix with noodles and top with fried plantains.
4. Chili Beef Noodles
Stir-fry beef strips with chili powder, garlic, and soy sauce.
Add to noodles with sautéed bell peppers and carrots.
Seafood Variations
5. Coconut Shrimp Noodles
Simmer coconut milk with ginger, garlic, and lime juice for a creamy sauce.
Add shrimp and toss with noodles.
6. Fish and Harissa Noodles
Marinate fish in harissa paste, pan-fry, and serve over noodles tossed with roasted vegetables.
7. Ethiopian Berbere Noodles
Mix noodles with a sauce flavored with berbere spice, tomato paste, and caramelized onions.
Pair with spiced lentils or chickpeas.
8. Moroccan Spiced Noodles
Use a blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon
Toss noodles with raisins, almonds, and roasted chicken.
Street Food Inspired
9. Noodle Wraps (Ghanaian Kebab Style)
Stir-fry noodles with spicy sauce, vegetables, and kebab spices.
Wrap in flatbread or tortillas for a street-food twist.
10. Indomie Burger
Use cooked and fried Indomie noodles as a bun replacement.
Fill with spiced minced meat and vegetables for a creative burger.
Traditional Ingredient Twists
11. Egusi Noodles
Prepare an egusi sauce (melon seed-based) and mix it with noodles for a hearty meal.
12. Noodles with Biltong (South Africa)
Toss noodles with thinly sliced biltong, sautéed onions, and creamy cheese sauce.
