Food is an interesting thing. It’s the quickest way to get to know a different culture and no matter where you’re from, you can always find similarities when it comes to food from different cultures.
Last week we took a look at the similarities between Chinese and Korean cuisine, and this week, we’re taking a look at the food similarities between Chinese and Cameroonian cuisine.
Although they are far in distance, the similarities are close by heart.
At the top of our list, we have meat pie and dumplings (饺子 jiaozi). In comparison to dumplings, which are especially popular during Chinese New Year, meat pies are less of a traditional dish. The key ingredients in making these dishes are quite similar, even though the making process is a bit different. For example, they both include need dough and can be enjoyed fried.
Next on our list, we have one of the most famous dishes, not only in Cameroon but also in most parts of Africa –– Jellof rice. Similarly, we have Yangzhou Fried Rice in China, which is easy to make and usually consumed for breakfast. Unlike other dishes, these two sides are more similar than different because both of their base ingredients are rice mixed with various vegetables. One of the differences is that Cameroonians enjoy it with meat, but in China, the preference is adding seafood like shrimp.
Last but not least, we have lamb kebab (羊肉串 yangrouchuan’r) and Soya. Soya is the local term, but the French name is Le brochettes. A similarity is that both can be heavily spiced, and Cameroonians and Chinese people all really enjoy them spicy. Lamb kebab is often cooked on coal and a variety of meat can be added, such as mutton, beef, pork, or chicken, and this is also the same for soya. Furthermore, lamb kebab can be found in both restaurants and street food stalls, whereas soya is not normally found in restaurants.
Despite the cultural variations in some cuisines, you might find more similarities than differences –– you just have to pay attention.
Images: Pexels
