Soya: traditional recipe, origin and ingredients

Where does Soya come from?

Soya are beef skewers grilled and dusted with kankan (suya) spice. Born in the Muslim north, they are now a fixture of every city in the country, from Ngaoundéré to Douala, bought at street corners in the evening, wrapped in paper with onions and chili.

Other signature dishes of the Adamawa region: Corn fufu & okra sauce.

What are the ingredients for Soya?

For 6 people:

• Kankan (suya) spice
• Dried chili
• Ground ginger
• Beef (buy locally)

How do you make Soya? Step-by-step recipe

1. Slice the beef thinly and thread onto skewers.
2. Mix the kankan spice, chili, ginger and salt.
3. Brush the meat with oil and roll it in the spice mix.
4. Grill over high heat 3 to 4 min per side, dusting again.
5. Serve with sliced onions and tomatoes.

Tips for a perfect Soya

• Slice the beef into very thin strips.
• Dust with kankan spice before and after grilling.
• Very hot coals sear the meat without drying it out.

What to serve with Soya

Traditionally it is served with onions, tomatoes and chili. It is a dish for evenings and parties.

Where to buy Soya ingredients in Europe and North America

Outside Cameroon, the dry and frozen ingredients for Soya are often hard to find. Our kit gathers them, checked and packed in Douala, and delivers them across Europe, the UK, the US and Canada, including Paris, Brussels, London, Montreal.

Frequently asked questions