When you visit Cameroon, exploring traditional Cameroonian drinks, landscapes and languages will make your tip to Cameroon worth it! The soul of the country lives in its traditions, and one of the tastiest ways to dive in is through its local drinks. Allotraveller.com team of Cameroonian locals has put together a must read list of 4 best traditional Cameroonian drinks, these generational drinks are crafted from simple, natural ingredients like fruits, roots, grains, and spices. But they offer more than refreshment—they carry stories, create bonds, and fill the air with laughter during family gatherings, community festivals, and everyday moments.
Here are some of Cameroon’s most beloved traditional drinks you’ll want to sip and savor:
- Palm Wine – Nature’s Own Brew
Palm wine is perhaps the most iconic traditional drink in Cameroon. Tapped mostly by villagers directly from palm trees, this slightly sweet sap is collected fresh. The skilled Cameroonian farmers who know exactly how to coax it from the tree without harming it, receive knowledge from their ancestors. When freshly tapped, it’s naturally light, sweet, and bubbly. Leave it to ferment for a few hours, and it becomes stronger and tangier—some say with a gentle buzz to match.
Palm wine isn’t just a drink—it’s a social ritual. Picture elders and youth gathered under a mango tree, sharing laughter and stories over a calabash of freshly tapped palm wine. It’s a common sight at weddings, naming ceremonies, or even after a long day’s work. Some even say it’s packed with nutrients and a little good for the soul too. Palm wine is the number one on allotraveller.com’s list of 4 best traditional Cameroonian drinks due to its natural and generational ambience.
- Cameroonian Chai – A Ginger-Lemon Wake-Up
Cameroon has its own take on chai, and while it shares a name with its Indian cousin, the recipe here is simple, bold, and healing. Brewed from black tea, fresh ginger, and a squeeze of lemon, Cameroonian chai warms you up with every sip. One of the 4 best traditional Cameroonian drinks with a touch of sugar turns it into a soothing treat, but many enjoy it as is—especially in the cooler seasons when it’s known to ease digestion and chase away the chill.
It’s a staple in homes and roadside stalls alike. Whether you’re starting your morning or winding down your evening, a glass of this zesty tea pairs perfectly with conversation and calm.
Read on Best Cameroonian hotels in Bamenda where you can get these best traditional Cameroonian drinks
- Ginger Drink – A Fiery Favorite
If you like your drinks with a little kick, then the Cameroonian ginger drink is right up your alley. Made from freshly crushed ginger, water, sugar, and sometimes pineapple or lemon for extra flavor, this drink can be both fiery and refreshing. Served chilled or warm, it awakens your senses and is often enjoyed after meals or during get-togethers.
Ginger drink made it to allotraveller.com list of 4 best traditional Cameroonian drinks not just about the taste—ginger is treasured for its health benefits. Many believe it boosts energy, relieves colds, and aids digestion. In many households, you’ll find bottles of homemade ginger drink lined up in the fridge, ready to share when visitors drop by.
- Corn Beer – The Village Classic
Locally known by most Cameroonians or villagers as bili-bili or sha’a, corn beer is a fermented drink with deep cultural roots. This top traditional Cameroonian drink is made by soaking and fermenting corn, it can surprise you with its slightly sour, cloudy taste and its strong alcoholic punch—especially if it’s been fermenting for a day or two. And yes, sometimes the pressure from fermentation makes the bottles pop unexpectedly, adding a bit of excitement when it’s served!
Corn beer is a communal drink, often shared during village festivals, traditional rites, or casual hangouts. More than just alcohol, it represents unity and joy—because no one drinks sha’a alone. this top 4 traditional Cameroonian drinks is a symbol of togetherness and local pride.
A Sip of Cameroonian Culture
Whether you are visiting Cameroon for the first time or you are a local, trying these allotraveller.com list of 4 best traditional Cameroonian drinks isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s about embracing a way of life. Each one tells a story, carries a memory, and invites you to be part of a centuries-old tradition. So, if you ever find yourself in Cameroon, don’t miss the chance to raise a glass (or calabash) and toast to the culture, the people, and the taste of homegrown hospitality.
