Anastasia Smith
Mozambique is a Southeast African country famous for its beautiful coastal regions. With its palm-fringed islands and pristine beaches, it is a wonderful tropical beach getaway for travellers. Adding to its charm is its exotic cuisine. Thanks to five hundred years of Portuguese influence, its gourmet fare is bursting with unique flavour combinations. With a mixture of native and foreign influences, and the use of ingredients such as seafood, coconut and cashews, it’s a cuisine not to be missed for foodies. Let's take a closer look at the top dishes and drinks to try out.
The name translates to roast chicken in Portuguese. One of the most beloved dishes in Mozambique, there are several ways to prepare this chicken dish, including grilling and roasting over an open fire. Peri-peri style is the most popular, with lemon juice, garlic and the special sauce which lends it a mouth-watering flavour. Served with a side of french fries, this dish can be found in humble eateries, or served in luxury hotels like Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. The variety of ingredients used differs according to region and may comprise chilli, onion, green peppers, and coconut milk.
Mozambique is iconic for its fresh seafood due to its coastal location, and prawns are one of the most sought-after ingredients. Restaurants in Mozambique serve up juicy prawns prepared either grilled, fried, or slathered with peri-peri sauce. Lemon and garlic are used to enhance the flavour, and Prawns Nacional is a favourite, being served with a creamy beer sauce.
This is a traditional Mozambican dish, named after an ancient African kingdom. Though not a popular offering at fancy restaurants, it is consumed by locals and considered a staple in the country's cuisine. This dish is made from stewed Cassava leaves, ground peanuts, garlic and coconut milk. It is usually served with rice as the main dish, with meat or prawns, and can also be eaten on its own.
This Portuguese bread roll is eaten in every part of Mozambique, from the capital to remote villages. Short for Paozinho, this is not your typical bread roll. It is made in wood fire ovens and dusted with a layer of white flour. The result is a fluffy and light roll that is also very filling, and the perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes.
This is a popular and delicious street food item in Mozambique and can be found in several roadside stalls. Similar to a burger or sandwich, it is a snack made up of steak slices covered in peri-peri sauce, nestled between two halves of a pao bun.
Beer is affordable in Mozambique, and there are diverse beer brands available. A great accompaniment to any meal, it is widely served and enjoyed ice cold, the perfect way to combat the heat. By far, the best is Laurentina, the oldest beer brand. 2M is another beloved brand, followed by Raiz, Manica and Impala.
This is possibly one of Mozambique's most famous liquor - a dark, locally brewed rum. It has a distinctive taste and is quite strong, so drinking it neat is not recommended. Most locals and tourists mix it with a local berry-flavoured soda known as Sparberry, but it also goes well with Coke or any other type of soda.
