Joanna James
Renowned for its filling meals and meat-based dishes, the Zambian cuisine is mainly focused on maize. This is featured in many dishes along with vegetables, greens, seafood and meat that have been seasoned with local spices. Here are some must-try dishes to watch out for in this nation.
Since nshima (maze) is the staple food in Zambia, it is on the menu in many of the Livingstone, Zambia restaurants. This delicacy resembles a thick porridge which uses finely ground maize flour as its key ingredient. Balls of this are consumed dipped in sauces and relishes. For the majority of Zambians, nshima is not just a daily meal but also a cultural icon. It stands for sharing and hospitality. It can also be eaten at any mealtime, paired with vegetables, meat, or seafood varieties.
If you are someone who loves your greens, then you need to try ifisashi. This dish sees greens blended with peanuts. Some of the most popular greens included in dishes are cassava leaves, pumpkin leaves, or sweet potato leaves. Although it emerged as a vegetarian dish, you get verities which include meat and seafood in it today. It is a perfect example of the country’s cooking techniques showcased in a single dish.
African eggplants, or impwa, are a staple in Zambian gardens and a key component of traditional cooking. This vegetable is frequently cooked in stews until it becomes soft and luscious. It is combined with other vegetables like spinach or okra. Impwa has a milder flavour than its Mediterranean or Asian cousins, making it a good candidate to absorb the tastes of the spices and other components used in its preparation.
Having a braai, or BBQ is a normal part of the daily lifestyle in Zambia. We often see chicken, goat, or beef being grilled in the roadside stalls. However, kapenta, a dried fish variety, is also equally popular. It is a great source of protein, which is found in Lake Tanganyika. Known as Limnothrissa miodon, this fish is lightly roasted and is often served with grilled vegetables at local eateries. For a unique experience, try fireside African dining like what is offered at the Mukuni Boma restaurant at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. There you will be able to sink your teeth into some barbecued meat and flavourful dishes.
This is a plant-based meal, though it may resemble meat as it looks like a sausage. It uses ground peanuts and wild orchid tubers as its ingredients. This comes in bite-sized pieces and makes a great snack you can fish for on the go. It is often spiced with chilli and can be located at many of the eateries dotting the streets. It can also be found at gatherings as it is a favourite among the locals as well as foreigners.
Anyone who feels adventurous and does not find eating insects gross needs to sample inswa. These are flying termites, which are a great source of protein. The insects are prepared as a snack after sub-drying, roasting, or frying them. This may seem like a strange food practice for some but in truth, this delicacy has been there for generations in Zambia. Inswa may offer a window into future global culinary trends as the globe turns to more and more to plant-based alternatives for meat. Ifinkubala (caterpillars) are another delicacy in the country. These are usually submerged in hot water for a span and then cooked in oil with tomato and onion.
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.
