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Tanzania may be widely known for being home to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, or for its other numerous natural wonders, but what do you know about the country’s cuisine? Tanzanian cuisine is flavorful and diverse, influenced by the country’s various cultures and regions. From the spicy streets of Zanzibar to the hearty meals of the mainland, Tanzania’s cuisine has something for everyone. In this article, I briefly describe the popular dishes in Tanzania that are a must-try for anyone who sets foot in the country. In Swahili, they say, kosa uchekwe (miss out and you’ll be laughed at). These dishes offer a wonderful taste of Tanzanian flavors and cooking traditions.
Main Dishes: Popular Dishes in Tanzania
#1. Pilau
Pilau is a fragrant rice dish that’s perfect for special occasions as well as daily meals. It is not only popular in Tanzania but also in Kenya and Uganda. Cooked with spices like pilau masala which is a blend of cumin, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper, this dish often includes meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or goat) and sometimes vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s usually served at celebrations and festive gatherings. In other words, a wedding is not (really) a wedding without pilau in Tanzania. Oh! Are you planning to go get married on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro? Now you know one dish that you cannot afford to leave out of that list. Check out my two easy-to-make and absolutely tasty pilau recipes: (1) beef pilau, and (2) chicken pilau in case you wish to make this at home (which I totally recommend).
#2. Ugali
Ugali is at the heart and soul of Tanzanian cuisine, just as it is in much of East Africa. This simple dish is made from maize, sorghum, or millet flour and water, cooked until it forms a thick, doughy consistency. It pairs perfectly with vegetables or meat stews and is commonly served for lunch or dinner. So, while you are in Tanzania, grab a chunk of ugali, scoop up your favorite stew, and enjoy! Note that just as with pizza in the West, it is seen as weird to eat ugali using cutlery. I mean, you can use your fork and knife, but you’ll get the side eye. A lot.
How to make Ugali
To prepare ugali, you will need to bring water to a bubbling boil, then add flour, a little at a time while stirring until it thickens into a firm, dough-like consistency. You must stir continuously to prevent lumps. You know what, let me just link my ugali recipe here to make things easier and safer. The recipe includes all the details on measuring water and flour, the precautions to take so you are not scalded by hot porridge, and numerous suggestions on
what to serve with ugali. There is a recipe video at the end of that ugali recipe post to clarify the whole ugali-making process even more. Also, I have this second post with additional details on what kind of cooking pot, cooking stick, and even flour to buy for the best Ugali results. The post will be especially helpful if you live away from East Africa. Now you’re all set to try Ugali before you go to Tanzania.
#3. Chapati
Chapati is a type of flatbread that’s soft, sometimes crispy, sometimes a little chewy depending on the cook, but overall, perfect for scooping up stews and sauces. It is a versatile staple in Tanzania as well as the rest of East Africa that’s great for any meal of the day. You can enjoy chapati for breakfast with milk tea or coffee, for lunch with a bowl of kidney beans stew or pinto beans stew, and for dinner with beef stew or chicken stew. Precisely put, the options are endless. Check out my three chapati recipes for different versions of chapati: (1) breakfast chapati (very buttery and soft), (2) regular chapati,(made with flour, water, and vegetable oil), and (3) carrot chapati (very carroty, beautiful, and yummy). In Tanzania, you can also grab chapati on the go as it is commonly sold as street food.
#4. Biryani
Tanzanian Biryani is a flavorful rice dish with roots in the Indian subcontinent, but it’s taken on a distinct Tanzanian twist. Made with a fragrant spice blend called biryani masala, it often includes meat (like chicken, beef, or goat), potatoes, and sometimes raisins for a touch of sweetness. It’s a festive dish typically served during special occasions and gatherings, but it is also commonly made in households as a daily meal. Here’s my recipe for chicken biryani that you are guaranteed to love.
#5. Samosas (sambusa)
Popular not only in Tanzania but across East Africa, samosas are savory pastries filled with spiced meat (like minced beef or chicken), legumes like green grams, or vegetables. They’re usually deep-fried until golden and crispy, making them a delicious and popular snack or appetizer. You can easily find samosa being sold as street food across the country or in restaurants as an appetizer or side to other dishes.
I love samosa so much myself, and of course, I have a recipe for them! I will admit though that when it comes to making samosa, preparing the wraps from scratch is often what lengthens the whole process. So, in my recipe for ground beef samosa, we cut the required time to make samosa down from two hours to just 30 minutes by using tortillas as wraps. Believe me, the results are marvelous! I mean look at the picture below!
#6. Maandazi
Maandazi is a sweet, fried dough pastry that is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or snack, these golden goodies can be plain or flavored with coconut or spices. Maandazi is great with a cup of tea or coffee, but you can also enjoy it with a cold beverage like soda or fruit juice. You guessed it, I have a recipe for maandazi too – made with butter, milk, eggs, and baking powder. The resulting maandazi simply melts in your mouth. You have to try it, whether before or after you go and enjoy Tanzanian maandazi.
#7. Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice)
As the name suggests, wali wa nazi is a rice dish cooked with creamy coconut milk. Need I add, freshly made coconut milk? Ah huh. People down there (especially in the coastal region) will not be happy if they find you using the canned varieties. You have to crack the coconut and do the needful. The rice absorbs the rich coconut flavor, creating a dish that’s both aromatic and absolutely delicious. Coconut rice pairs wonderfully with fish, chicken, or just about any stew.
#8. Mchicha
Mchicha is a dish made from amaranth – a leafy green that is mildly flavored and super quick to cook. A one-minute sauté with onions is usually enough, but this dish can also be cooked with tomatoes and sometimes coconut milk, dairy milk, or groundnut paste. It’s a tasty, nutritious option that’s perfect with plain rice, biryani, or ugali among other starchy dishes. The combination of spices and greens makes for a flavorful and healthy meal. I strongly recommend that you try mchicha while in Tanzania, especially with ugali or biryani. You will love it!
#9. Ndizi Nyama
Ndizi Nyama (bananas and meat) is a flavorful dish featuring green bananas cooked with meat (often beef or goat) in a rich, spiced sauce. The bananas absorb the savory flavors of the meat and spices, creating a satisfying and unique meal that’s beloved in not only Tanzania but many other regions of East Africa, especially Uganda, albeit with a different name.
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Meats: Popular Dishes in Tanzania
#10. Nyama Choma
If you love grilled meat, you’ll want to try Nyama Choma in Tanzania. This classic typically involves marinating chunks of meat, often beef or goat, and grilling them on hot charcoal. Nyama choma is commonly enjoyed with a side of ugali and kachumbari (fresh tomato-onion salad) or leafy greens like sauteed kale or sauteed cabbage for lunch or dinner. It may also be served with cold drinks, especially during social gatherings or in entertainment joints.
#11. Pweza (Octopus)
Pweza is definitely on the top list of popular dishes in Tanzania. For seafood lovers, this is a must-try. This Tanzanian dish features octopus cooked in a flavorful sauce with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s often served with rice or ugali and is a great way to enjoy the fresh seafood from the Indian Ocean. By the way, songs have been sung about this particular dish and its aphrodisiac powers. I will leave it at that.
#12. Kuku Paka
Whenever you see anything on the menu in Tanzania (or East Africa for that matter) that ends with ‘paka’, just know that it is loaded. Kuku Paka (kuku wa kupaka) is a luscious coconut curry chicken dish. The chicken is simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk sauce with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and sometimes green chilies. This dish offers a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s often served with rice or chapati, making it such an indulgent meal.
#13. Samaki wa Nazi (Coconut Fish Curry)
For a seafood treat, try Tanzania’s Coconut Fish Curry. This dish features fish cooked in a coconut milk-based curry sauce, often spiced with turmeric, coriander, cumin, and other spices. The result is a creamy, aromatic curry that pairs beautifully with rice or ugali. It’s a coastal classic that highlights the rich seafood available in Tanzania.
#14. Kiti Moto
Kiti Moto, or roasted pork, is another Tanzanian favorite. The name literally translates to ‘hot seat’, so there you go. This dish is unbearably awesome! The meat is marinated in a blend of spices and then slow-roasted until it’s juicy and tender. It’s often served with a spicy sauce and a side of ugali or plantains.
#15. Mchemsho
Mchemsho is a hearty traditional Tanzanian stew made with meat (usually beef, goat, chicken, or even fish), vegetables, and spices. Commonly used vegetables in mchemsho are tomatoes, onions, and potatoes The meat and vegetables are simmered until tender, and the flavors are well-blended. Mchemsho is often served with ugali, rice, or chapati, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
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Snacks and Street Food: Popular Dishes in Tanzania
#16. Chipsi Mayai
Whenever one mentions popular dishes in Tanzania, Chipsi Mayai comes to my mind first. This is a fantastic fusion dish that combines French fries and eggs into a delicious omelet. The fries are prepared from scratch, then mixed with beaten eggs and cooked together on the stovetop. The dish is pan-fried on low heat until the eggs set and hold the fries together. Chipsi mayai is a popular street food or casual meal, often eaten for breakfast or lunch. This dish is extremely popular in Tanzania. You cannot afford to not taste it while there.
#17. Zanzibar Pizza
Well, Zanzibar pizza isn’t your average pizza. It’s a crispy, stuffed flatbread loaded with savory fillings like meat, onions, peppers, and sometimes even an egg or two. This ‘pizza’ is then pan-fried until crispy. Often enjoyed as a snack or street food, this Zanzibar favorite is perfect for grabbing on the go or sharing with friends in casual gatherings. Next time you’re in Zanzibar, don’t say I didn’t tell ya.
#18. Mabuyu
Mabuyu, also known as baobab fruit, is a unique snack commonly found in Tanzania and the coastal region of Kenya. The baobab seeds are roasted and coated in a mix of sugar, spices, and a little bit of food color (often red or pinkish purple) making for a sweet and slightly tangy treat. It’s a popular snack enjoyed on the go. You will find mabuyu being sold in piles along the streets of almost any city in Tanzania. Grab some and suck on them as you go about your business. So good!
#19. Bajia
Bajia is one of the popular dishes in Tanzania that are of Indian origin (learn more about Indian influences on East African cuisine in this article). There are several types of bajia in Tanzania just as with Kenya: (1) bajia za dengu – made with gram flour, (2) bajia za kunde (made with cow pea flour/paste), and (3) sliced and deep-fried potatoes, which some especially in Kenya refer to as viazi karai (wok potatoes). The recipe for each type of bhajia is different. With the first two, diced vegetables are added into gram or cow pea paste and then fried. With the last type, potatoes are first boiled, then sliced and dipped into a seasoned wheat flour batter, then deep-fried until they are crispy on the outside. Bajia is enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They’re perfect with a tangy chutney or tamarind sauce (ukwaju in Swahili) or as a side to a main meal.
#20. Mahindi Choma
Mahindi Choma is grilled corn on the cob, a popular street food in Tanzania and the rest of East Africa. The corn is often roasted over an open flame, giving it a smoky flavor. It’s sometimes seasoned with salt or chili powder and lime juice for an extra kick. When seasoned like that, it is referred to as mahindi ya kupaka. Think of it as ‘loaded’ corn.
#21. Mshikaki
Mshikaki is Tanzania’s kebabs. These marinated skewers of beef or chicken are grilled to perfection and often served with a spicy sauce or kachumbari. They’re a popular street food and make for a tasty snack or party treat.
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Salads and Condiments: Popular Dishes in Tanzania
#22. Kachumbari
Kachumbari is a refreshing tomato-onion salad with a tangy kick. Often mixed with fresh herbs like cilantro, chili peppers, and a squeeze of lime, it’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats (nyama choma), pilau, or even just a bowl of ugali. You may be tempted to look down upon this salad for its simplicity but wait until you try it. Actually, you don’t have to wait until you get to Tanzania to do so. I got you with this easy-to-put-together kachumbari recipe. Such a burst of fresh flavors.
#23. Pilipili
The final on this list of popular dishes in Tanzania is pilipili, which means “chili” in Swahili. It is a spicy condiment that’s a staple at Tanzanian meals. You know, Tanzanians love their food hot and spicy most of the time (as I also mention in this article where I compare the cuisines of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda). Made from hot peppers, garlic, and vinegar, this fiery sauce is used to add an extra kick to dishes like nyama choma, rice, and even vegetables. Just a few drops will turn up the heat! Be careful if you’re not into spicy food.
Conclusion
That’s it for my list of must-try Tanzanian dishes! It is quite a broad overview of Tanzanian popular cuisine, but by no means is it exhaustive. From spicy condiments like pilipili to unique snacks like mabuyu and hearty stews like mchemsho, Tanzania’s cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and ready to impress. Should you visit the country, now you know where to begin, or at least what to expect. Enjoy the feast!
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