Joanna James
The food in Zambia is representative of its cultural heritage, with strong and flavourful dishes that are a combination of indigenous traditions and local ingredients. If you ever get to visit Zambia or try the food from Zambia, here are six traditional dishes that you really must try.
Livingstone has great food, where traditional cuisine and fine dining are combined. For an exceptional dining experience, the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara offers local and international cuisine set in a beautiful riverbank setting with its focus on blending Zambian flavours with modern gastronomy being a treat that food enthusiasts cannot miss. For less formal settings, try the lively atmosphere at Livingstone Zambia Restaurants, with their selection of local restaurants serving traditional foods such as nshima and ifisashi in a laid-back setting that allows one to enjoy the flavour of tradition, mingling with the culture of Zambia.
Nshima is more than a dish- it's a cultural phenomenon in Zambia. This starchy staple of maize flour forms a concoction similar to polenta or fufu, with some other relish on the side. It's eaten by breaking off a chunk, forming into a ball using the hands, and then swirling into savoury accompaniments such as stewed meat, vegetables, or beans. Eating nshima with friends and/or family is eating it with companions at home or at a small local restaurant as communal dining, like part of this essential Zambian food tradition.
Ifisashi is a green vegetable dish of spinach or pumpkin leaves, and it is full of flavour as it is complemented with groundnuts that give it a creamy texture. Being a relish, it may be served as a side to nshima for a meal quite rich in flavour and nutrients. The overall nutty, earthy feel of this simple dish makes for a comforting familiarity. Many local variations exist-according to both region and resources, but the dishes always highlight the local love for groundnuts.
Kapenta is comprised of small dried fish from either Lake Tanganyika or the Zambezi River. These little fishes are usually fried in a crispy manner and served as a snack or with relish with nshima. Rich in protein, kapenta is preferred because it is cheap and easy to prepare. Sometimes, it is enjoyed with just salt or cooked in tomato and onion sauce for that tangy taste. It should be paired with fresh vegetables to give one that true taste of Zambian coastal flavours.
Chikanda, also known as "African polony," is a type of food prepared with wild orchid tubers, peanuts, and chilli. It has the texture of meat and is both a snack and a delicacy, mostly eaten during social gatherings. Preparation includes drying and grinding the tubers, which are mixed with groundnuts and water and cooked into a solid, loaf-like consistency. It is a very rare type of dish with a peculiar taste; thus, it's a must-try for the adventurous foodie.
Munkoyo is a refreshing traditional Zambian drink made of fermented maize meal and munkoyo root. With its slightly sour and sweet taste, munkoyo gains appeal during hot days and is partaken mostly during celebrations. The natural fermentation of the beverage gives it its mild sparkling, while it is more than just a sipper because of its cultural implication. Munkoyo ranks amongst the best in experiencing Zambia's traditional brewing methods and authentic taste.
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.
