INSIDER’S GUIDE TO TANZANIA: EATING LIKE A LOCAL
We are sure your safari to Tanzania has got you all excited for the wildlife, action-filled game drives, the Maasai and all the signature experiences of Africa. But let’s not forget the most important- Food! Besides the continental menus at lodges, we are here to remind you of sampling or even better, indulging in the local ‘swahili’delicacies during your travels. Here is a special insider’s guide to Tanzania, some must try specials from the local menu.
Morning Specials
So what do the locals have for that am boost? Lingering steel pots with fresh coffee brew and peanut bars are an all-day attraction on the street. A delicious mandazi (fried donut) or vitumbua (fluffy, round rice cakes), freshly made chapattis (flat breads) accompanied with warm cup of ginger tea are always available in most restaurants and hotels. Roasted peanuts, corn cobs and fresh fruits are available the whole day, just in case you have missed your breakfast.
All-time Favourite
Some snacks, or we would say the many yummy nibbles, have no particular time to binge. Roasted or deep fried Mihogo and Viazi Tamu (cassava and sweet potato), served with a dash of fresh salad and spicy sauces, chips mayai (Omelet cooked with French fries), Nyama Choma (grilled meat served in barbeque style) and Mishkaki (skewered, marinated meat) are simply irresistible temptations, most enjoyed locally with a bottle of chilled beer or coke!
A Feast
Surely, Tanzanians are big foodies and a heavy lunch is the happiest meal of the day. Often referred to as something simple, the signature Ugali, (cornmeal porridge), maharage (beans cooked in coconut and tomato sauce), spinach and changuu fish, is a staple, favorite. Sometimes a bowl of cow meat soup and some slices of chappati, do wonders, for a quick, cheap meal. Kuku Paka (chicken coconut curry) and Pilao (spiced rice) make for a weekend special meal.
Drink it All!
Irresistible and refreshing, Tanzania has some perfect thirst quenchers to beat the tropical heat. Kilimanjaro beer is not only famous with its tag line, if you can’t climb it, drink it, but the local flavours, is a pleasant surprise for tourists, who will love to sip it at least once a day! If you are on a walking city tour in Arusha, Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, some madafu (coconut water) is just what you need in the sunny streets. Passion Juice, Ginger Tea and Kahawa are freshly made are particularly famous with the locally grown produce in Tanzania.
Zanzibar Must Have
Visiting the spice island while on a safari to Tanzania? The evening food market set up in Stone Town will tempt you with all local flavours; Hot Urojo, a fresh broth of boiled with mango and ginger and assorted hot peppers, mixed with cassava crisps, fritters and chutneys, is simply an irresistible combination. The varied seafood options, Zanzibar Pizza, made in unique style with the freshest of ingredients and a big glass of sugarcane juice, are perfect for a filling dinner meal.
Be it on a walking tour, during your safari or while spending your day at leisure, it is possible to savour local flavours conveniently during your holiday. Did you enjoy reading our insider’s guide and are excited to experience a foodie journey to Tanzania? Write to us and we will share some tempting deals with you.
Cover Image Courtesy: Jchar Photography