Joanna James
Although known for being somewhat time-consuming to prepare, Zambia’s traditional food scene is well worth indulging in, regardless of whether you stop by a local restaurant or dine at a five-star hotel. Penned down below are 6 of the finest cravings that warrant your attention.
Packed with plenty of carbohydrates is the nation’s staple dish which is called Nshima. Though in appearance, the dish can be more of a paste, it is in fact far more solid than your average bowl of porridge as it is made from a mealie meal (cornmeal) which is a type of corn grown in these parts. In terms of preparation, the cornmeal is mixed well with water and brought to boil accordingly. During the course of this stage, additional cornmeal is included until a thick consistency is reached. Habitually accompanied with fish or meat together with vegetables, Nshima is traditionally eaten with your hands. However, if you find yourself seated at any of the Livingstone Zambia restaurants belonging to Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, then you may resort to using a fork and knife.
Referred to as ‘African Polony’ is a serving that has shed its former self of solely being a street food variant and currently, can be found across local supermarkets and hotel establishments. As a vegetarian offering, Chikanda sure does pull out all the stops in affording diners with one of Zambia’s most loved culinary specialties that is made with the help of baking soda, chilli, peanuts and orchid tubers. Cooked up until the point where it looks like a meatloaf, Chikanda is served either hot or cold.
A common sight at Zambian restaurants is Tilapia. Found throughout all the rivers that nourish Zambia, this type of fish can be prepared in multiple ways and therefore, is a tasty and spice-infused dish which is associated with a greater degree of flexibility than most others in the country. Notably Tilapia can be boiled, fried or grilled and works excellently well with Nshima and a few vegetables.
The perfect partner to a bottle of well-chilled Mosi which is Zambia’s local beer, Michopo would surely tempt all those of you who have a soft spot for succulent, grilled meats. Rated as one of the finest forms of roasted meat, the main ingredient of Michopo can be a choice between goat meat or beef which is carefully grilled to perfection and served with an assortment of sides. These range from tomatoes, potatoes, chillis and onions.
Often included in a host of Zambian servings in the calibre of Chikanda and Kapenta which is based on a small type of fish, Ifisashi is brought to life by pounding nuts and thereafter, mixing same with fresh veggies. What you end up with is a healthy vegetable stew which can be enjoyed with the staple – Nshima.
While strolling through a local market or two, if you encounter fried dough balls made of flour, yeast, water and sugar, know that you are in the company of what the locals fondly call Vitumbuwa. Ideal for those travellers who seek a mouthwatering snack, Vitumbuwa can easily pass off as fritters and will be offered to you skilfully wrapped in a newspaper.
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.
