Food in

Zimbabwe

What to eat in Zimbabwe? From worms to chicken stew, peanut butter, and cornbread, the variety of flavors and textures is surprising. As in almost all African countries, Zimbabwe's cuisine is characterized by its intense and well-defined flavors thanks to the use of spices and herbs in most of the recipes they prepare. This country has a very rich and tasty culinary culture whose dishes stand out, in addition to their flavor, also for the ease of their preparation. The trick is to use high-quality raw materials. 

Meat products of all kinds predominate in the diet of the people of Zimbabwe. Chicken, pig, cow, goat, and sheep are used to cook different types of stews which are accompanied by various ingredients of vegetables and cereals. The simplest version of these dishes is preparing them fried or grilled. 

Another main ingredient in the diet of the Zimbabwean people is fish. Especially freshwater fish. Usually, they are cooked on the grill and eaten with rice or corn. Sometimes they are also prepared with different types of vegetables, both cooked and raw. Another of the most striking features of the cuisine of this country is the result of a balanced combination of British and traditional Zimbabwean cuisine. Vegetarian travelers will find a variety of sub-tropical products and very high-quality options.

 

Main Dishes 

 

Sadza

It is a star food for the people of the country, essential for them. It is a kind of bread prepared with corn flour. The mixture is molded with the hands to form balls. They can be cooked alone or with peanut butter, one of the most-used products in the region. They are usually accompanied by beef stew and covo. Covo is a type of vegetable which resembles chard and is cooked with onion, garlic, and peanut butter.

 

Sadza rezviyo

A variation of Sadza made with millet flour instead of maize. It has a slightly nutty flavor and is rich in nutrients, offering a more traditional twist on Zimbabwe’s staple dish. Commonly paired with meat or vegetable stews.

 

Mopane Worms

One of the foods to try in Zimbabwe are worms. This dish is the one that most tourists tend to reject and only some are encouraged to try it. However, it is considered a real delicacy. Mopane worms are a very particular species which are only found in the tree of the same name. They are prepared in various ways and can be eaten as a stew, fried and crispy. Their percentage of proteins is higher than that of veal, so they are a highly nutritious food.

 

Peanut Butter Rice

A creamy and flavorful dish made by mixing cooked rice with peanut butter, often with a touch of salt or sugar. It is a comforting side dish, ideal with stews like Dovi or as a standalone meal.

 

Muriwo Unedovi

This consists of a plate of green cabbages prepared with a rich peanut butter sauce. In addition to cabbage, you can use any other green soybean vegetable such as spinach, pumpkin leaves, etc. Sometimes it is accompanied by rice or Sadza. It is a recipe which is very simple to prepare and very cheap.

 

Dovi (Peanut Butter Stew)

A popular dish featuring meats like chicken or beef simmered in a savory peanut butter sauce. Vegetables such as tomatoes and onions often complement the rich, nutty flavor. Best served with Sadza or rice. 

 

Mabhonzo emombe

One of the dishes which is most appreciated by Zimbabweans. It is a stew prepared with beef bones. It is cooked with other ingredients such as vegetables or beans and is accompanied by the ever-present Sadza.

 

Nyama

One of the typical dishes of Zimbabwe based on meat, in this case, veal. It is usually cooked with leaves of different vegetables or with beans. It has a delicious flavor and its preparation is very simple. It is served with rice or sadza.

 

Kapenta

It is known as kapenta, a fish of Lake Tanganyika, although it is also frequently found in the Zambezi River, which extends its waters between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a very small fish which is eaten as a snack while walking through the streets of the city. It can also be included in sauces and served with rice and sadza.

 

Muriwo na Nyama

This recipe of Zimbabwe's cuisine is also known as "highland stew" or "highfields stew".The idea of this dish was born in one of the high districts of Zimbabwe, hence its name. It is a very popular and homemade dish which consists of a tasty stew of meat and green leaves.

 

Traditional chicken stew

Another traditional stew of Zimbabwe's cuisine. It is characterized by its enormous variety of flavors since it is prepared with a lot of different spices. The chicken is cooked in a rich tomato sauce and thus acquires all its flavors. It is almost always accompanied by rice.

 

Guru (Cow Tripe)

A dish made from cow stomach (tripe), cooked until tender with spices, onions, and tomatoes. Guru has a distinctive flavor and is often enjoyed as a main dish with Sadza.

 

Kariba Bream

A freshwater fish native to Lake Kariba, often grilled or fried. The fish is seasoned with spices and served with Sadza and vegetables for a wholesome meal.

 

Muboora

Muboora is a soup which is cooked with meat and pumpkin leaves and is a delicious first course to eat in Zimbabwe. The meat and vegetables are prepared as a curry made with fresh cream or peanut butter. It is accompanied with Sadza.

 

Snacks

 

Biltong

A dried and cured meat snack, similar to beef jerky but with a Zimbabwean twist. It’s seasoned with vinegar, salt, and spices, making it a flavorful and protein-rich treat for on-the-go snacking or appetizers.

 

Chibage (Roasted Corn)

Grilled maize, a popular street snack.

 

Mutakura

A mix of boiled maize, peanuts, and bambara nuts, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal.

 

Chimodho

A type of cornmeal bread or cake, slightly sweet and often steamed or baked. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with tea for breakfast or as a snack.

 

Side Dishes

 

Derere (Okra)

Cooked okra, often prepared with tomatoes, onions, and a touch of salt. Its slimy texture is embraced in Zimbabwean cuisine, where it’s served as a side dish with Sadza or rice.

 

Gango

A mixed meat dish traditionally prepared by grilling or stewing a combination of meats, such as chicken, beef, or offal, often with vegetables. Gango is a communal dish, celebrated during gatherings.

 

 

Vegetarian Option

 

Mufushwa

Dried leafy vegetables, such as pumpkin leaves, rehydrated and cooked with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes peanut butter. It’s a resourceful and nutritious dish enjoyed year-round.

 

Drinks

 

Maheu

This is the most well-known and common drink in Zimbabwe. It is made of corn and prepared with the leftovers of Sadza, which is called Munya. It is, therefore, a very cheap drink which can be bought or prepared at home. It brings energy and vitality.

 

Chibuku

A traditional beer brewed from sorghum or maize, enjoyed during social gatherings.

 

Desserts and Sweets

 

Chikenduza

Zimbabwean sweet buns, often glazed with sugar or honey for a shiny finish. These buns are fluffy and slightly sweet, making them a favorite snack or dessert.

 

Mapopo Candy

A sweet treat made from papaya cooked with sugar and water until it becomes a chewy candy.