Best things to eat in Mozambique - So much more flavour beyond peri peri chicken!

Matapa is a beloved dish in Mozambique that truly represents the country's gastronomic heritage. It is made from cassava leaves, which are ground into a paste and cooked with peanuts, garlic, and coconut milk. Sometimes, the dish includes seafood such as shrimp or crab, adding a rich, oceanic flavour. The combination of creamy coconut milk and the slightly bitter cassava leaves creates a complex taste profile that is both comforting and exotic. Often served with rice or xima (a local maize porridge), matapa is a staple in many Mozambican households and served in almost all restaurants in Mozambique. The dish is a perfect example of how local ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary through traditional cooking methods.

Feijoada is a hearty stew that reflects Mozambique's colonial history and the influence of Portuguese cuisine. This dish is typically made with black beans, pork, sausage, and sometimes beef. The meat is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and bay leaves until tender, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully. Although feijoada is commonly associated with Brazilian cuisine, the Mozambican version often includes locally available ingredients and spices, giving it a distinctive taste. Served with rice and sometimes accompanied by orange slices and farofa (toasted cassava flour), feijoada is a comforting and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by families across the country, especially during gatherings and festive occasions.

Chamussas, known elsewhere as samosas, are a popular snack in Mozambique, highlighting the country's historical trade connections with India. These triangular pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients such as spiced minced meat, potatoes, peas, and sometimes fish. The dough is crispy and golden, providing a delightful contrast to the savoury, aromatic filling. Chamussas are often enjoyed as street food or as an appetizer at social gatherings. The spices used in the filling, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, reflect the Indian influence on Mozambican cuisine, while the method of preparation and local ingredients make them uniquely Mozambican. They are usually served with a side of chilli sauce, adding a spicy kick to each bite. You can find these everywhere, including luxury resorts such as Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort!

Galinha à Zambeziana, also known as chicken from Zambezia, is a famous dish from the Zambezia province of Mozambique. This dish features chicken marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, lime, garlic, and peri-peri sauce, then grilled to perfection. The marinade imparts a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavour to the chicken, which is complemented by the smoky char from the grill. Galinha à Zambeziana is often served with coconut rice or matapa, making it a hearty and flavorful meal. The use of coconut milk in the marinade is a nod to the tropical climate and abundant coconut trees in the region, while the peri-peri sauce adds a touch of the fiery heat that Mozambican cuisine is known for.

Pãozinho, or Mozambican bread rolls, are a testament to the Portuguese influence on the country's baking traditions. These small, crusty rolls are similar to Portuguese pão and are a common sight in bakeries and homes across Mozambique. Pãozinho is often enjoyed fresh out of the oven, sometimes with a spread of butter or jam. However, it can also be used to make sandwiches, often filled with meats like ham or chouriço (Portuguese sausage), cheese, and vegetables. The bread's soft interior and crispy crust make it a versatile and beloved part of Mozambican daily life. In addition to being a popular breakfast item, pãozinho is also a staple at family gatherings, where it is often served alongside stews and other main dishes.