Tanzania is home to a rich culture, which includes an interesting history, diverse heritage, and a delicious cuisine. The local cuisine has influences of African, Portuguese, Turkish, Arabic, and Indian tastes, and uses a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, pepper, cloves, garlic, ginger, vanilla, lemongrass, cumin, and nutmeg! For tourists in Tanzania, it is a must-have experience to try the local food. Here are 10 delicious and mouth watering dishes that every traveler must try in Tanzania!
- Ugali & Nyama Choma
Ugali and Nyama Choma is a must-have dish, which includes bread and a pairing of tender meat. Ugali is the national dish of Tanzania, and is made with maize flour and water. It is eaten with soup, stew, beans, vegetables, fish, or Nyama Choma, a Swahili dish which includes a barbecue of lamb, chicken, goat, or beef, marinated in lemon, turmeric, and curry powder, and roasted over hot coals. Many eateries and street food stalls allow tourists to watch their food being made so the experience is memorable!
- Mshikaki
Mshikaki is a popular dish in the region. It includes marinated meat skewers that are cooked over open coals. Tourists can choose between goat, beef, or mutton, and watch as their food is slowly grilled.
- Urojo Soup
Urojo Soup is a unique dish that is not found in most cuisines around the world. It offers an amazing blend of tastes as it is made with mango, ginger, lime, and tamarind. It is one of the best soups found in Tanzania!
- Biryani
Much of Tanzanian culture and heritage is influenced by Indian culture. Tourists can try Biryani, an Indian inspired dish that is made with spiced rice, meat, vegetables, or chutney (sauce). The spicy rice is prepared with many aromatic spices such as clove, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Octopus Curry
Also known as Pweza wa Nazi, Octopus curry is a must have dish for those who love seafood, or trying new tastes. Made with delicious spices such as black pepper, garlic, turmeric and coriander, and creamy coconut gravy, the mouth watering dish offers an extraordinary and unforgettable way to enjoy seafood in Tanzania.
- Mandazi
Tanzanian cuisine also includes delicious sweet foods. For tourists with a sweet tooth, Mandazi is a great dish, as it includes deep fried doughnuts that are topped with sugar or syrup!
- Wali wa Nazi
Wali wa Nazi is a famous Swahili dish that consists of rice boiled in coconut milk and then topped with a garnish of vegetable leaves. It can be paired with meat, fish, chicken, or curry, creating a fulfilling, healthy, delicious, and balanced meal.
- Deep Fried Cassava
Muhogo, or deep fried cassava, is a popular street food that foodies must try in Tanzania. It is made with coconut milk, green chillies, garlic, and onions, and is often served with tasty beef stew.
- Mtori
Soup lovers can also try Mtori, another traditional soup that is made with a range of fresh and delicious ingredients including meat, cream, onion, potatoes, garlic, cumin, coriander, tomato, coconut milk, carrots, herbs, and plantains. The dish is one of the best tasting foods in Tanzania.
- Ndizi na Nyama
Ndizi na Nyama is another traditional Tanzanian dish that travel lovers must try. It contains meat (nyama), and bananas (ndizi), and uses pepper, coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, and curry powder. The flavorful dish is often eaten with a side of Ugali, bread, or rice.