Joanna James
Boasting a shoreline of 1500 miles Mozambique is rich in its supply of seafood which complements its abundant harvests of agriculture enabling a varied cuisine peppered with influences of Portuguese and Arabic cuisine blending well with cuisines of the vibrant ethnic mix represented in Zimbabwe.
This dish is similar to a hearty porridge and is prepared using corn or maize flour as the base. Generally bland in flavour this is a staple food of Mozambique served along with rich vegetable or meat stew to add flavour and make it a wholesome meal. Available at many restaurants in Mozambique, it is richly white and has a stiff texture when prepared to complement the flavourful stew.
A traditional cake made for special occasions, this golden brown cake has a rich and nutty flavour enjoyed by many. Mashed potatoes, eggs, ground cashew nuts, zest of lemon and orange, butter and sugar are mixed and the beaten egg whites are folded in, then baked until golden brown with a dash of vanilla essence. This delicious cake is served garnished with roasted cashew and relished by guests at hotels such as Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. It is named after Polana the suburb of Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique.
Also known as piri piri chicken with peri or piri meaning pepper, this popular Mozambican dish is influenced by Portuguese cuisine and is made with grilled or roasted chicken served with a creamy and spicy (even hot) coconut sauce. Request the level of spice to be adjusted to your taste so that you don't end up with a burning tongue. the flavoursome chicken is so heavenly as it is marinated well with garlic, cumin, lemon juice, paprika and hot chilis before tenderising it.
Being one of the countries of Africa with a large population of Indians probably due to the ties between Mozambique and the Indian state of Goa, Chamussas, the Mozambican version of the triangular samosas of India are enjoyed all over the country. These savoury, Chamussas are filled with fish, meat, potato and cheese flavoured with a unique blend of Mozambican spices.
Yet another Portuguese dish creatively made Mozambican. Although the Portuguese version uses white butter beans, chickpeas and chorizo, In Mozambique due to the lack of these ingredients, Dobrada are made with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, chillies and green peppers. This tasty dish is served with steamed rice as the staple or even with Xima making it a filling meal.
Thanks to the wonderful stretch of shoreline, Mozambique is rich in seafood, making the seafood dishes the favourites among the locals and visitors. Grilled fish, crumbed calamari and the delicious octopus dishes made with garlic and mashed potatoes are quickly ordered and relished. However, the grilled prawns are the star dish, the prawns are huge, grilled with garlic and lemon for a milder taste and grilled with peri peri sauce for a more spicy taste this dish is ordered frequently by visitors.
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.
