Central Africa · Breakfast
Makara (Fried Cassava Flour Beignets)
Crispy golden fritters made from fermented cassava flour, boasting a crunchy crust and a chewy, satisfying interior.
The story
In the bustling morning markets of Bangui and towns throughout the Central African Republic, the sizzle of Makara in wide iron vats marks the start of the working day. These savory, slightly tangy fritters are the classic quick breakfast for workers and school children, commonly eaten alongside spicy peanut sauces or washed down with strong black coffee. The secret to their unique texture lies in combining fermented cassava flour with warm water and leavening, producing a crisp exterior shell that yields to a distinctly chewy, elastic crumb.
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