One of the most common questions we receive from our clients is what sort of food they should expect to find in Tanzania.
After all, eating foreign food can be an intimidating prospect. However, it can also be exciting and eye-opening. Travelling is about embracing new ideas and stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying the local cuisine plays a huge role in the experience.
As a result of its rich history and diverse influences, Tanzania has a wide variety of traditional foods. Zanzibar, in particular, is famous for its street vendors and street food night markets. If you can translate the Swahili names for the dishes, some of the items of the menu may be more familiar than one would expect!
Here are just five of our favourite dishes to eat when visiting Tanzania:
Chapatti (Fried Flatbread)
Chapatti originated in India but Tanzanians have created their own version. It is one of the most commonly consumed foods among locals as it can be eaten at any time of the day. This unleavened pan-grill bread goes well with tea and coffee, as well as soup, stew and vegetables.
Ndizi Kaanga (Fried Bananas or Plantains)
Plantains grow in abundance in Tanzania, and Ndizi kaanga, meaning fried plantain, is a very popular Tanzanian snack. It can be enjoyed sweet, savoury, as a snack or even as a side dish with a meal.
Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat)
Nyama Choma can be goat, chicken or even fish, that has been slow roasted to perfection and is served with lemon wedges and a chilli sauce called pili pili. This is a firm favourite with locals.
Mahindi ya Kuchoma (Grilled Corn)
Mahindi ya kuchoma is a grilled corn on the cob, often drizzled with lime and pepper. For the tastiest version, buy it from a street vendor!
Mandazi (East African Donuts)
Mandazi is a form of fried coconut bread made with coconut milk, flavoured with cardamom and grated fresh coconut or coconut flakes. These fluffy sweet treats can be eaten at breakfast with tea, as a snack, or as dessert.
Is your mouth watering for Tanzania safari yet? Contact us and we’ll make you drool over our safari packages.
