Kilichi
The dried, spiced meat of Ngaoundéré
Aussi écrit : kilishi, kilisi (fulfulde)
What is it?
Thin strips of beef dried in the sun, coated with a seasoned peanut paste, dried again and then grilled. The finished product is dry and brittle, reddish-brown from the chilli.
Where does it come from?
It is eaten across the whole country.
Associated people(s) : Hausa: the word comes from Hausa, and production in Ngaoundéré is dominated by Hausa families
A preparation found from Niger to Chad; Wikipedia places its origin in Niger. One proposed etymology traces it to Arabic via Chadian Arabic ("strip of dried meat").
Main ingredients
- Beef, cut in thin strips
- Peanut paste
- Red chilli, ginger, garlic, onion
- Salt
What to eat it with
Eaten as it is, with no side; the Cameroonian press describes it as travellers' favourite food.
Origin and tradition
A speciality of Ngaoundéré, in Adamaoua, where it has become one of the city's emblematic products; it is found throughout the country. Ngaoundéré kilichi is among the Cameroonian products put forward for a geographical indication with OAPI. Sales rise during holidays and school breaks.