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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

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Liberian Cassava Chip Fries Recipe | The African Gourmet

Liberian Cassava Chip Fries Recipe

Liberia’s name means “Land of the Free” because it was founded by freed slaves from the United States. The food of Liberia reflects this fusion of African, Americo-Liberian, and Congo influences. Bong fries—seasoned cassava fries—are a beloved snack in Liberian bars and restaurants, eaten much like potato chips.

Liberian cassava chip fries made from thinly sliced cassava roots

Crispy Liberian cassava chip fries—known locally as bong fries.

Prep time: 30 minutes   |   Cook time: 10 minutes   |   Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh cassava roots
  • Oil for deep-frying
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  1. Heat about 2 cups of oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer.
  2. Peel the cassava and slice into paper-thin rounds.
  3. Wash, dry thoroughly, and fry in hot oil until light brown and crisp.
  4. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and serve warm.

Did You Know?

Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, was named after U.S. President James Monroe. The Liberian flag’s single white star symbolizes Africa’s first independent republic. Liberia’s coastline—lined with lagoons and mangrove swamps—is now gaining fame for its pristine surfing beaches and cultural tourism.

More recipes to make right now so you never have to eat plain meals again.

  1. Curry Roti Bread Recipe
  2. African Veggie Bread Bowl Recipe
  3. Vetkoek South African Fat Cake Recipe
  4. Boerewors Sandwich Recipe
  5. South African Amasi Scones Recipe

Explore more African street food and snack traditions in the African Snacks & Street Food Hub and the Everyday African Meals Hub.

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DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

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Ivy, founder and author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the founder and lead writer of The African Gourmet. For over 19 years, she has been dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the rich culinary heritage and food stories from across the African continent.

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The African Gourmet is preserved as a cultural resource and is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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The labor and love that feeds a continent

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Slow Food Disappearance

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.