The Best Vegan African Cookbooks in 2025: My Guide

Let me share my guide for the best vegan African cookbooks for 2025.

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I’ve always been fascinated by how food connects us to culture, history, and tradition. African cuisine offers rich depth, variety, and flavour. You can’t help but love it.

Many people think African food is just meat-heavy stews and grilled meats.

The truth?

Many of the tastiest and healthiest dishes from the continent are plant-based.

That’s why I’m so excited to explore the world of vegan African cookbooks. These books are great for exploring new flavours, connecting with your roots, or adding more plant-based meals to your diet.

They each offer something unique. They capture the essence of African cooking, making it easy for everyone, from experienced cooks to those just starting with veganism.

In this guide, I’ll introduce you to some of the best vegan African books, each offering something unique.

Some highlight classic dishes with a plant-based touch. Others embrace fusion flavours from African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisines. Along the way, I’ll highlight what makes each book worth adding to your collection.

Ready to add bold African flavours to your meals?

Let’s dive in without compromising your plant-based lifestyle!

Afro-Vegan: Family Recipes from a British-Nigerian Kitchen by Zoe Alakija

When I picked up Afro-Vegan: Family Recipes from a British-Nigerian Kitchen, I knew it was more than a cookbook—it was a journey.

Zoe Alakija, the author, shares her British-Nigerian roots. She does this with lively flavours, personal tales, and beautiful photos.

She grew up between two cultures. Zoe mixed traditional Nigerian dishes with modern, plant-based twists, showing that vegan food can honour heritage while feeling fresh and exciting.

What I love most about this book is how it blends classic British dishes with the bold, spicy flavours of Nigerian food.

Zoe reimagines dishes in fun ways. She adds roasted veggies to jollof rice, replaces meat with hearty mushrooms in pepper soup, and gives the classic Scotch egg a vegan twist. Each recipe feels like a celebration of culture without sacrificing taste or tradition.

Beyond the recipes, the book is a visual feast. The vibrant and engaging photography makes you eager to eat at a beautifully set table.

Zoe also weaves in personal stories that make every dish even more special. If you want a cookbook that adds warmth, nostalgia, and bold African flavours to your kitchen, this is the one!

The South African Vegan Cookbook by Leozette Roode

I wanted to see how Leozette Roode’s The South African Vegan Cookbook changes South Africa’s rich cuisine to plant-based dishes.

And let me tell you—she nailed it!

Leozette began her journey to veganism because she loved animals. This love made her rethink her food choices. Instead of seeing it as a restriction, she embraced veganism as an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.

What I love most about this cookbook is that it stays true to South African flavours while giving them a fresh, plant-based twist. Think vegan bobotie, bunny chow with spiced lentils, and even a dairy-free take on milk tart. These are the dishes many South Africans grew up with. Now, they use wholesome, plant-based ingredients but still keep their authentic taste.

I also appreciate how practical and accessible the recipes are. Most ingredients are available at grocery stores; anyone can follow the directions.

This book makes exploring South African flavours easy and fun, whether you’re new to veganism or just curious!

Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed by Bryant Terry

Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry is the cookbook that changed my view on vegan cooking.

From the start, it’s clear this is more than just food. It’s about culture, history, and telling stories through flavours.

Bryant’s philosophy honours the roots of African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisine. He makes it fresh, accessible, and entirely plant-based. He’s not just changing meat; he’s rethinking classic dishes, honouring their roots, and moving them forward.

One of the things I love most is the way he blends flavours from different regions to create something truly unique.

His Coconut-Cashew Rice with Peas is comforting and rich with Caribbean flavours. His Collard Greens with smokey shallots offer a plant-based twist on Southern soul food. And the Berbere-Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Cakes? They’re full of warm Ethiopian flavour and spice.

This book offers terrific recipes and has dramatically influenced modern vegan cooking. Plant-based food can have a rich flavour, cultural meaning, and boldness without holding back. If you’re looking for a cookbook that brings soul and history to your plate, this is the one to get!

In Bibi’s Kitchen

This vegan African Cookbook features recipes and tales from grandmothers in eight countries by the Indian Ocean.

Some cookbooks are about food, and some are about people. Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan and Julia Turshen are both unique.

This book is more than just recipes. It honours the grandmothers, or “bibis,” from eight African countries along the Indian Ocean. These countries are Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, South Africa, and Eritrea. The book shares their stories and dishes. It offers a glimpse into their lives, traditions, and how food shapes their cultures.

This cookbook shines because each recipe is paired with personal stories.

For example, Umm Muhibu makes Digaag Qumbe. This Somali chicken and coconut stew brings back fond memories of cooking for her family. Or Ma Vicky’s Mchuzi wa Samaki, a rich Tanzanian fish curry, where she talks about growing up near the ocean. These aren’t just meals—they’re pieces of history passed down through generations.

I also love how the book highlights the diversity of African cuisine. Every country has unique flavours shaped by local ingredients, trade routes, and history.

This cookbook shows that African food is rich and diverse. From coconut and tamarind in Madagascar to spicy curries in Zanzibar, this food shows the lively cultures of its makers.

The Ghana Cookbook by Fran Osseo-Asare

If you’re curious about Ghanaian food, Fran Osseo-Asare’s The Ghana Cookbook is a great starting point.

Ghanaian food boasts bold flavours and rich spices. Its hearty ingredients are often plant-based, perfect for vegan twists, from nutrient-rich stews to hearty grain dishes.

I love that this cookbook makes classic Ghanaian dishes easy for everyone. Plant-based eaters can enjoy them, too!

For example, Fran makes a vegan version of red-red, a tasty stew made with black-eyed peas and plantains. She replaces the usual palm oil with a healthier option.

She highlights groundnut soup, a tasty peanut delight filling even without meat. Waakye is a delicious choice. It’s a simple dish made with rice and beans. People often enjoy it with spicy shito sauce.

Fran’s work goes beyond recipes. It focuses on preserving and sharing Ghana’s culinary heritage. She has spent many years documenting and celebrating Ghanaian food. This helps ensure that future generations receive traditional dishes.

If you’re new to Ghanaian food or want plant-based ideas, this cookbook is a treasure!

Flavours of Africa: Discover Authentic Family Recipes from All Over the Continent by Evi Aki

When I first picked up Flavors of Africa by Evi Aki, I knew I was in for something unique.

Evi is a first-generation Nigerian American. She grew up with the vibrant traditions of African cooking all around her. She created this cookbook from her family’s recipes and her love for food. It highlights the incredible variety of African cuisine.

What I love most about her approach is that she explores the whole continent, taking you on a flavorful journey through many countries.

One of the things that immediately stood out to me was the variety of plant-based dishes.

You can find many naturally vegan dishes in Africa. For example, Ethiopian lentil stew (Misir Wat) and West African jollof rice are great choices. They both showcase rich and diverse flavours.

She includes dishes like spiced coconut chickpeas from East Africa. She also offers North African harira, a comforting tomato-based soup. Each recipe is like a passport stamp. It introduces you to new ingredients, techniques, and traditions.

What makes this cookbook even better is how accessible it is. Evi explains each recipe with simple steps and handy ingredient swaps, making it great for home cooks of any skill level. This book is a must-have to explore the vibrant world of African cooking!

Hibiscus by Lope Ariyo

From the moment I opened Hibiscus by Lope Ariyo, I could tell it was something special.

Lope is a British-Nigerian chef. She draws inspiration from her Nigerian roots and adds a modern twist. Her culinary journey reimagines traditional West African flavours. She blends classic ingredients with new techniques for exciting results.

What I love most about this book is her fresh take on Nigerian cuisine. She shows it can be light, vibrant, and plant-based while keeping its bold identity.

Even though the cookbook isn’t entirely vegan, plenty of plant-based gems stand out. Take her hibiscus-infused stews, which are rich, tangy, and packed with depth. Her spiced yam and coconut curry warms up a classic Nigerian dish with creamy goodness.

She has a fresh take on zobo (hibiscus tea) that feels traditional and modern. Each recipe celebrates the flavours of West Africa. They are exciting and easy to try.

Since its release, Hibiscus has made a splash in the food scene. Many people love Nigerian cuisine. Modern African cooking is evolving, and traditional flavours are being preserved and reimagined. If you’re looking for a cookbook that bridges heritage with innovation, this is the one to explore!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vegan African Cookbooks

Exploring a new cuisine, like African food, brings many questions.

If you’re new to vegan African cooking or seeking the perfect cookbook, I can help!

Here are common questions about vegan African cookbooks and what you should know.

1. Are African cuisines naturally vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! Many African dishes are mainly plant-based. They often use staples such as beans, lentils, yams, plantains, cassava, and leafy greens. Many traditional meals have meat, but there are also many tasty vegan options in African cooking.

2. What are some must-have ingredients for vegan African cooking?

A few essentials will go a long way if you’re exploring vegan African recipes. Consider palm oil, or try a substitute like coconut oil. You can also use peanuts, black-eyed peas, and hibiscus flowers. Include grains like sorghum and millet. Don’t forget okra and a mix of aromatic spices such as berbere, suya spice, and peri-peri. These ingredients add rich flavours and depth to plant-based African dishes.

3. Which African countries have the most vegan-friendly dishes?

Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa have some of the best plant-based foods. You can find great vegan dishes all over these countries. Ethiopian cuisine has a rich vegan tradition, thanks to religious fasting. Staples include misir wat, spiced lentils, injera, and fermented teff bread.

4. Are vegan African cookbooks beginner-friendly?

Yes! Many vegan African cookbooks offer simple instructions and tips. For instance, Bryant Terry’s Afro-Vegan and Leozette Roode’s The South African Vegan Cookbook provide beneficial ingredient swaps and cooking tips. Even if you’re new to African cuisine, these books make it approachable.

5. Where can I find the ingredients for vegan African recipes?

You’d be surprised—many ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or farmers’ market.

For speciality items like teff flour, baobab powder, or berbere spice, try these places:

• African markets
• International grocery stores
• Online retailers

6. Can I adapt traditional African meat-based dishes into vegan versions?

Definitely! You can make many classic dishes vegan by replacing meat with hearty plant-based options. For example, you can swap fish in Senegalese Yassa for mushrooms or tofu. Try vegan bobotie! It’s a South African spiced casserole made with lentils instead of minced meat.

7. What makes vegan African cookbooks different from other vegan cookbooks?

Vegan African cookbooks highlight bold flavours and vibrant dishes. They use old cooking methods and rich ingredients. These have existed for centuries.

African vegan recipes focus on whole foods, legumes, and ancient grains. This differentiates them from Western cookbooks, which often use processed meat substitutes. As a result, these recipes are flavorful and wholesome.

8. Which vegan African cookbook should I start with?

That depends on what you’re looking for! Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry is an excellent choice if you want a mix of African, Caribbean, and Southern flavours. Try The South African Vegan Cookbook by Leozette Roode to explore South African cuisine. And if you love stories along with your recipes, In Bibi’s Kitchen by Hawa Hassan is a must-read.

Vegan African cookbooks offer a fun way to find new flavours. They also celebrate the continent’s rich culinary traditions. No matter which book you choose, you’ll be in for a flavorful, plant-based adventure!

Conclusion

Explore the rich, diverse world of vegan African cuisine through these exceptional cookbooks!

Enjoying these plant-based twists on classic recipes lets you savour tasty meals. You’re also linking to centuries of culinary knowledge and cultural history.

If you enjoy spicy stews from West Africa, Ethiopian injera, or Moroccan tagines, a vegan African cookbook inspires your plant-based cooking.

Ready to transform your kitchen with authentic African flavours?

Pick up one of these outstanding cookbooks and start your culinary adventure today!