Top 15 Irresistible Must-Try Dishes in Tanzanian Cuisine

Tanzania is not just known for its breathtaking views and diversity of wildlife; it also boasts of rich blend of cuisine. Influenced by the country’s unique culture and history, Tanzania has a diverse cuisine that reflects the practices of over 120 tribes that inhabit the country. Tanzanian cuisine is a blend of indigenous traditions and influences from cultures like Arab, Swahili, and India. The main ingredients include maize, rice, cassava, and vegetables, which are completed by meats like beef, fish, and goat. In this article, we explore the top 15 Tanzanian cuisine dishes, including popular dishes and where to try them.

Ugali Maharage

As a staple, ugali is at the center of Tanzanian cuisine and is considered the country’s national meal. To the locals, ugali is not just a dish. It is the cornerstone of the nation’s cuisine that is deeply ingrained in the everyday life of the Tanzanians. For people working in areas that demand physical endurance, such as construction workers, fishermen, farmers, and factory laborers, ugali is considered a vital source of energy and sustenance. On average, a Tanzanian family will indulge in a meal of ugali four times a week. 

You can try ugali maharage (ugali with beans) in any neighborhood restaurant as it is always listed on the menu. It is often accompanied by other flavorful side dishes like soup, vegetables, beans, dagaa (small fish), or fish. You will love the firm consistency that comes with combining hot water and maize flour to achieve a flavorful taste. Other grains commonly used to prepare ugali include cassava, millet, and sorghum. 

Wali na Maharage

Another popular dish that is also made with beans is rice. The wali (rice) and maharage (beans) is a popular dishes on Tanzanian dinner tables and often served at a social gathering. For any form of event, including religious gatherings and weddings festive holiday celebrations, and even somber occasions like funerals, rice is always on the table. 

Although the rice is cooked separated from and beans, the two are eaten together as a single meal. The rice is cooked with simple seasoning with just salt, coconut, and oil although with modern rendition a few spices may be used. On the other hand, the beans are added ingredients such as oil, onions, tomatoes, and carrots for flavor. You may also add green pepper and a bit of seasoning to achieve a rich taste. The rice is served on a plate and the beans are in a bowl, giving you a decent meal that is consumed with your hands. 

This meal is also found in most restaurants, and it may be accompanied by delectable side dishes. This could either be green vegetables (mchicha or matembele) or a special meaty-infused sauce (mchuzi wa nyama).

Mandazi

Mandazi is a common snack that can be consumed at any time of the day. The versatility of mandazi makes it a great choice for a morning kick-start with a cup of tea. It can also be paired with comforting oatmeal if you want to be fuller. 

Since cooking mandazi is easy, it is a common delicacy in Tanzania. You start by making a simple dough by mixing wheat flour, eggs, sugar, fresh milk, and bicarbonate of soda. Let the dough rest for a while and then shape it into triangles, rectangles, or even spheres. Deep fry the small shapes to get the crispy, golden brown bread that is called mandazi. 

Mandazis are not only a morning delight, but they become a beloved snack as the day transitions into the evening. You can them with street vendors and restaurants across the country, and often enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or a side of beans. 

Pilau

You cannot visit Tanzania and not have a taste of Tanzanian pilau dishes. The signature pilau masala includes a blend of spices like cloves, black peppercorns, cinnamon, and cardamom, which gives the dish a rich flavor and aroma. 

Widely cherished in Tanzanian cuisine, pilau is a culinary heritage that forms part of every national occasion. You will love the versatility of pilau with several options to choose from for every plate. Whether you love a one-pot wonder or your pilau paired with succulent chicken, lamb, or beef, this hearty meal has options for both. 

Mchuzi Wa Biringani

A popular dish in Tanzania, mchuzi wa biringani is not only quick but also simple to prepare. It includes thinly sliced eggplant that is sautéed in oil until perfectly tender. It is then complemented with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and carrots to achieve a rich flavor and texture. Sometimes, chefs also incorporate potatoes into the dish to enrich the sauce and enhance its consistency. 

Mchuzi wa biringani is a versatile dish that can be served either as a flavorful eggplant curry or hearty soup. The choice depends on personal preference, with options to add coconut or dairy milk to elevate the flavors of the vegetables. You can have a taste of this unique dish in most restaurants across Tanzania. 

Mchuzi Wa Samaki

This popular coastal dish is a delectable fish stew with a rich versatile taste. The fish used to make the stew will usually depend on the region, but the same consistency is achieved. For instance, kambale fish is popular in northern Tanzania while the central region mainly uses migebuka fish. If you visit the Lake zone locations, you will likely find Nile perch and tilapia. 

In addition to the fish, mchuzi wa samaki has some tomatoes, green peppers, coconut, onions, and carrots. Some chefs also infuse the stew with the aromatic warmth of curry powder and zesty tang of lemon juice. You can have a taste of this stew in restaurants along the Tanzanian coastal region. 

Octopus Coconut Curry

Octopus is a delight that is greatly loved by Tanzanians. As one of the special seafoods in Tanzanian cuisine, Octopus (pweza) is used as a base for culinary creativity. With octopus coconut curry, you get one of the favorite traditional dishes from Zanzibar that delivers a deep satisfying taste of Tanzania’s coast. The octopus is occasionally substituted with locally sourced fish or seafood offering a variety of options. 

The traditional way of preparing pweza wa nazi began with the fishermen gently beating the octopus on the beach after the catch as a way of tendering the meat. It would then be incorporated into the curry to create this unique dish. However, culinary experts now incorporate other methods such as pre-boiling it for optimal tenderness. You can enjoy this meal on the Tanzanian coast and in Zanzibar where fresh seafood is abundant. 

Urojo

Another beloved dish of the Tanzanian cuisine is Urojo. With roots in Zanzibar, this dish holds a cherished place in the homes and hearts of the locals, often incorporated into weekly menus. The dish is quite versatile with every household infusing their own unique flair, including the selection of ingredients, cooking methods, and even seasoning.

The brimming soup can be prepared with a variety of ingredients, including tender potatoes, boiled eggs, flavorful mishikaki, and crispy kachori. It can also be added crunchy fired cassava pieces or vegetables to further enhance the flavors. Urojo is a delight that can be found with street vendors, especially in the evening. You can also order urojo as a hearty meal in most Tanzania’s restaurants. 

Mtori

This banana and meat stew is popular among the Chaga people found in the Kilimanjaro region. Mtori is made as a creamy stew of plantains and beef by mashing green banana and goat meat or beef. This combination is first cooked together and then mashed into a thick stew-like consistency. 

With a rich and hearty flavor, mtori is a dish you will want to try. The bananas provide a creamy texture while the meat infuses the dish with savory notes. It is then seasoned with spices like garlic, ginger, and black pepper for a deeper flavor. 

Mshikaki

Mshikaki or grilled meat will capture your taste buds with the tantalizing flavor of a blend of beef, ginger, chili peppers, and lemon. The beef is skewered and grilled over charcoal to achieve the perfect taste.

Mshikaki is not just a loved and famous food in Tanzania, but part of the nation’s cultural experience. Mshikaki is also often served with roasted potatoes or eaten with cassava and roasted or smoked plantains. 

An evening walk in the streets of Tanzania is often met with the aroma of sizzling mshikaki from street food vendors who actively sell to bypassers. In bars and music venues, you can enjoy mshikaki with beverages like wine or beer. 

Nyama Choma

If you enjoy barbecue, you will want to try the Tanzanian nyama choma. The meal is famous because of its tasty simplicity without any addition of spices. Nyama choma simply means grilled meat, made of beef or cooked. The meat is smoky to perfection and then served with different sides and sauces. Most local restaurants and street food stalls serve nyama choma, with an inviting mouthwatering grilled aroma. 

Red Snapper

Red snapper is one of the few delicacies that holds a special place in Tanzanian cuisine. The fish is usually prepared simply, lightly marinated, and grilled to perfection. However, it is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed in several ways, including being the main ingredient in a fragrant curry or with a side dish like rice and vegetables. 

Red snapper is readily available at food stalls across the country. However, most people prepare it at home to achieve their own desired flavor and texture. 

Zanzibar Pizza

Among the snacks you really need to taste during your Tanzanian trip is Zanzibar pizza. The snack is not your typical pizza, but specially prepared with crispy, stuffed bread. The vendors often prepare Zanzibar Pizza by filling the thin dough with savory ingredients and then grilling it to perfection. This gives it a delightful taste, unique to Tanzanian street food. You also get options such as fruit and chocolate or vegetables and cheese to suit individual preferences. 

Chipsi Mayai

Chipsi Mayai (chips mayai) is simply an egg omelet with fries. The preparation includes an omelet with French fries within it. The chef takes thinly sliced potatoes and fries them to create crispy French fries. They then mixed the fries into a beaten egg mixture. The combination is fried to create a thick omelet with added flavor and crunch of the French fries. 

Mchemsho

Cooked by boiling ingredients, mchemsho (mixed stew) is a popular dish across Tanzania. The meals involve boiling potatoes, carrots, green beans, bananas, and spices together. The word mchemsho means food that has been boiled together. 

Despite being a simple meal to make, it is a bit expensive for the locals. They may not cook it every day, but is a delight in many local homes. However, it is a popular meal during special occasions. You can also incorporate fish and meat into the ingredients for a more complete meal. 

Book Your Safari with Us

A well-planned Tanzania trip itinerary allows you to explore and experience local cuisine. From the coastal region and Zanzibar to the cities and national parks, you can experience different types of cuisines as you explore rich Tanzanian culture. Get in touch with us today at Bobby Tours for a customised itinerary tailored to you.

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