Tanzanian Traditional Dishes to Try on your Safari
Tanzanian Traditional Dishes to Try on your Safari : Going for a safari in Tanzania, means you are entering a country with rich cultural diversities. These cultures differ in their traditional way of life but share a common national language, Kiswahili. There are many traditional dishes to try on your next adventure in Tanzania. The dishes differ due to different ways of preparation from one tribe to another.
Ugali
The main staple food in Tanzania is Ugali. We can say it is the national dish in Tanzania and several African countries. Ugali is mainly made of maize flour. Sometimes, cassava flour (udaga) and millet flour may be mixed with maize flour to add flavor. About half of the flour is mixed with water and is then heated while stirring the mixture until it becomes porridge. After this point, the rest of the flour is added and stirred with a flat wooden spoon until it becomes stiff.
Unlike other foods like rice, which can be eaten using a spoon or fork, ugali feels better with hands. During eating, ugali is put on a flat plate in the center of everyone. Everyone will take a bit from it using a hand. Ugali doesn’t stand on its own. It is usually paired with other delicious dishes. They include vegetables, soup, beans, dagga (small fish), and fish.
Ugali is always listed on the menus of most restaurants. Visit any close restaurant and order your ugali with any stew available. Enjoy the staple food of Tanzanians.
Wali na maha rage
This is one of the most common dishes in Tanzania. It takes a prominent in the dining table. Wali means “rice”, while maharage means “beans.” The dish is common in social gatherings like parties, graduations, weddings, religious festivals, funerals, etc. This dish comes second after ugali. Wali can also be paired with other dishes, like fish, soya beans, meat, etc.
The locals cook rice and beans separately, but they are united during eating to make a delicious dish. Traditionally, the beans are seasoned with carrots, onions, tomatoes, oil, and green peppers. This brings an aromatic mixture. In Tanzanian restaurants, Wali maharage is served with two side dishes of vegetables, such as mchicha and matembele.
Pilau
Pilau is a dish of spiced rice. Tanzanians use a wide range of spices, such as cumin, cinnamon, black peppercorns, cloves, and cardamom. These spices are mixed to make the famous pilau masala blend, which is commonly used in preparing pilau.
Pilau is common in social gatherings as well as everyday meals. This dish is usually accompanied by side dishes such as chicken, fish, beef, or lamb.
Mshikaki
Mshikaki isn’t a meal, but a snack option for a long time in Tanzania. Mshikaki is beef usually marinated in ginger, lemon, and chili peppers. It is then skewed and grilled over charcoal. The popular dish served with Mshikaki is roasted potatoes, making the so-called “chips mshikaki.” You can also make Mshikaki your side dish for ugali. It is delicious.
Mandazi
Mandazi is one of the favorite breakfast snacks in Tanzania. It is usually served with Tanzanian tea or coffee. A dough is prepared from a mixture of wheat flour, sugar, oil, bicarbonate of soda, and sometimes eggs. It is then left for a certain time to rise. The dough is then cut into small portions of various shapes say triangles, round, rectangles etc. These portions are deep-fried in cooking oil.
Mandazi doesn’t end up being a breakfast snack in Tanzania. If you happen to attend a traditional party like a wedding, or religious festive, Mandazi always makes a prominent appearance.
Chipsi Mayai
Chipsi Mayai is another traditional dish to try in Tanzania. It is made from chopped pieces of Irish potatoes, which are then deep-fried. Two eggs are added and the mix is cooked again to make “Chipsi Mayai.” Step into the street and enter the point of a chip to taste this dish. There are many vendors’ kiosks selling hot Chipsi Mayai. You can also add Mshikaki to this dish to cherish your taste buds. You can also flavor it with carbonated soft drinks, chili sauce, and tomato sauce.
Chapatti
This is a flatbread that resembles the Indian chapattis. Tanzanians like to use it as a breakfast bite together with tea. They are usually made from wheat flour, mixed with oil and salt, and may sometimes cooked with eggs which makes them so delicious.
Ndizi Kaanga
Ndizi Kaanga is another common food that is commonly consumed in Tanzania. This dish is made of green bananas fried in cooking oil. The main consumers of this dish are the Haya, Chaga, and some Nyakyusa. Green bananas are sometimes boiled with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and meat to make the delicious “mtori.” This dish can be supplemented with meat to make the so-called Ndizi Nyama.
Tanzanian traditional dishes differ from one region to another. Each tribe delivers unique delicious dishes. So, the experience of these dishes mainly depends on where you visit. No matter where you visit, you will be amazed by the way the food is prepared and served. Welcome! Come and discover meals with Focus East Africa Safaris.