Food to Try in Tanzania – Updated 2021

Food to Try in Tanzania – Updated 2021

Tanzania is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries that travel lovers can visit. The stunning destination should be on every tourist’s wish list due to its scenic views, breathtaking tourist spots, spectacular wildlife, exotic flora and fauna, rich heritage, and mouth watering local cuisine. The food is influenced by Portugese, Turkish, Arabic, Indian, British, African, and Swahili cuisines, creating a unique and delicious blend of many beautiful cultures. Here are the top dishes you can try during your visit to Tanzania in 2021!

1. Ugali

Tasting a country’s national dish can enrich your visit, and help you connect with the local culture and lifestyle. Tanzania’s national dish, Ugali, is made with maize flour and water, which are cooked slowly till a dough like consistency is reached. It is often eaten with soup, stew, vegetables, beans, fish, or a Swahili dish called Nyama Choma, which is a tender barbecue of lamb, chicken, goat, or beef, marinated in lemon juice, turmeric, and curry powder, and roasted over hot coals.

Ugali with vegetables

1. Zanzibar Pizza

In Zanzibar, one of the most famous dishes is the local pizza. The dough is filled with onions, peppers, meat, raw egg and cheese, which are then fried to create one of the most delicious dishes of the region. The best place to eat it is in Stone Town’s lively food streets, such as the exciting Forodhani Night Food Market.

1. Mshikaki

Mshikaki is a delicious meat dish consisting of skewered pieces of marinated meat which are slowly cooked over open coals. You can try it in goat, beef, and mutton, and watch as your food is slowly grilled or barbequed, which adds to the experience. 

1. Mchicha

Vegetarians can try Mchicha which uses vegetables such as amaranth or spinach, coconut milk, onion, tomato, and coconut milk. This is often served with rice. 

1. Ndizi na Nyama

You should definitely try this stew during your visit. It contains bananas (ndizi) and meat (nyama) as well as curry powder, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, coconut milk, and onion. You can eat it with rice, or Ugali.

1. Rice

The local rice is aromatic and delicious. You can try pilao, an Indian inspired rice dish which is often eaten with meat or stew, or biryani, which is an exquisite blend of spices. Wali wa Nazi is a rich, creamy rice made with coconut milk. 

Biryani with chicken

1. Soup

You can find delicious soups in Tanzania, such as Mtori (plantain soup). You can try Urojo soup which is made with mango, ginger, lime, and tamarind. Coconut Bean soup is made with coconut milk, beans, shredded coconut, and tomatoes, and then seasoned with spices. Supu ya Ndizi is a plantain soup made with chicken stock.

1. Curry

Octopus curry is made with delicious spices such as coriander and turmeric, and creamy coconut gravy. Kuku Paka is a spicy curry made with chicken and coconut. You can also Mchuzi wa Samaki, which contains fish, coconut, ginger, and garlic! 

1. Chipsi Mayai

Chipsi Mayai is a dish that you should not miss during your visit. This consists of french fries served with eggs, which are enjoyed with tomato sauce, vegetables, and sauteed potatoes. The name is Swahili for “chips and eggs”! 

1.  Samosa

Samosa is an Indian snack that is flavored with aromatic herbs and spices. The fried triangles are filled with spiced potatoes, vegetables, or minced meat.

1. Uji

Uji is one of the best breakfast foods you can try in Tanzania. This staple food is a porridge made with black pepper, sugar and lime. 

1.  Drinks 

Your delicious food should be accompanied with drinks such as freshly squeezed fruit juices, avocado shake, sugarcane juice, coffee, chai (tea), and ginger tea!