Joanna James
The best way to truly experience a country like Zambia is through its food. Food is a big part of their culture. Here are a few dishes you need to try when you're there!
This dish is primarily made with corn, which has been ground/processed to a fine powder known as 'mealie meal' and is a staple in Zambian cuisine. The dish is made by mixing the cornmeal together with water and bringing it to a boil until the mixture reaches a porridge-like texture/ consistency. In certain instances, the corn is substituted for sorghum, cassava or millet. Nshima is locally known as Ubwali and is usually eaten with curries, mainly fish, alongside a vegetable or two. This dish is served at most Livingstone Zambia restaurants, or you can even make a special request at your hotel, the likes of Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara if you want to truly try a Zambian staple.
In Zambia, caterpillars are called Ifinkubala. Yes, you heard that right! Caterpillars are a delicacy in this country and are prepared in several different ways. This local favourite comes mostly from the Northern parts of the country and is looked forward to by many. In the rainy months between November and March, the caterpillars are handpicked, drained of any insides and dried to make them available throughout the rest of the year! Fried in oil, they are served with onions and tomatoes as an accompaniment to Nshima. Ifinkubala is quite easily found in markets and can also be eaten simply as a snack. If you're ready to expand your gastronomic experience, this is one delicacy you must try!
Kapenta is simply dry sardines and is known to be one of the most eaten foods in Zambia. You'll find a huge variety of dry sardines freely available in Zambian markets, but the most common ones are chisense and siavonga. The most common way to prepare this dish is to fry them, and then add tomatoes and onions. Kapenta is usually sold dried to preserve it.
Often referred to as 'African Polony', this is a popular delicacy enjoyed in Zambia. Originating from the northern region of the country, from the Bempa people, this dish is entirely vegetarian. Made from baking soda, chillies, peanuts and orchid tubers, this delicacy is served either warm or cold. The wild orchids used to make this meatloaf like dish are dried and pounded before the nuts are added. Chikanda is also a famous street food sold in Zambia, sold by women with chikanda loaves on their heads.
This term is used for any dish that contains or is mixed with groundnuts. There are several types of Ifishashi one can try, some even with just vegetables. In certain instances, ground peanuts are also combined with mealie meal (cornmeal) to create a porridge-like consistency. Ifisashi is another dish that should definitely be a part of your must-try list!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
