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Food & drink in Tanzania
World-famous for its thrilling game drives, stunning national parks and wild African landscapes, but what about the food? Tanzanian food is colourful, starchy, wholesome and rich in nutrients. With the base of many meals being cornmeal, beans, rice or millet, dinner will always satisfy your hunger. Tanzanians cook with a wide range of vegetables, fruits and meats with multiple variations to a dish. Tasting your way around the country is an excellent way to experience the Tanzanian culture. Here's a few delicious treats to look out for.
What is Tanzania's national dish?
Ugali
Ugali is considered to be the national dish of Tanzania. It's cooked with maize flour and water until it resembles the consistency of dough. Usually, Ugali is served with either a meat or fish sauce containing chunks of meat, fish, vegetables or beans. While it may be an acquired taste for some, you better get used to it as it’s served alongside almost every meal.
Top tip!
Tanzanian’s eat with their hands - but only the right one! Always keep your left off the table.
Vegetarian food in Tanzania
While there is a lot of meat in a typical Tanzanian diet, the country has become increasingly aware that many tourists have vegetarian and vegan diets. More veggie-friendly restaurants are popping up in cities and towns and safaris almost always have vegetarian options during your excursions.
Many local Tanzanian meals are vegetable-based so you shouldn’t have too much trouble in finding some decent food. A few of our favourite vegetarian dishes in Tanzania are ugali, pilau, maharagwe, samosa, bhaji, chipsi mayai, vitumbua, ndizi kaanga and mandasi.
Drinks in Tanzania
Chai
No matter what time of the day it is, it is always a good idea to drink chai. It’s often served at social gatherings alongside sweet treats.
Konyagi
Local beers fall under the umbrella term of konyagi. Ones to try are mbege, which is banana beer and uraka, which is cashew beer.
Mtindi/mgando
Popular in the Tanga region, mtindi is a cultured milk drink, similar to yoghurt. It is usually served out of small plastic bags and a straw.
Lager
Tanzania is a big consumer of beer. Some of the best ones to try are Safari, Kilimanjaro and Castle Lager.
Where's good to eat in Dar es Salaam?
On a Budget
- K’Chef’s Pride
(Chagga St. | Mchafukoge, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) - Wild Flower Cafe & Bakery
(Chole Road, Masaki, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) - Chapan Bhog
(Kisutu Street | Next to Tanganyika Batteries, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
Won’t Break the Bank
Treat Yourself!
- Akemi Revolving Restaurant
(Ohio St | 21st Floor, Golden Jubilee Towers, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) - Oriental Restaurant
(Kivukoni Street | Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) - The Palm Brasserie
(24, Kivukoni Rd | Hyatt Kilamanjaro Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)
*Please note that these recommendations are a current guide only.
What food should I try in Tanzania?
Nyama Choma
Literally translating to ‘grilled meat’, nyama choma is a Tanzanian barbeque. The most common meat used is goat, which when grilled slowly over hot goals turns into wonderful smokey, tender steaks. The cooking process can take up to an hour, so don’t be in a rush.
View tours to Tanzania
Coconut Bean Soup
This sweet and spicy coconut soup is a popular dish in Tanzania. Made using lots of coconut milk and shredded pieces of coconut, mixed with blended kidney beans, tomatoes, rice and spices.
Urojo
A must-eat in Zanzibar is Urojo. It’s essentially a chunky soup made from a mix of kachori (spicy potatoes) limes, cassava chips, coconut, hot peppers and mango. A unique taste, but incredibly filling and delicious!
Mishikaki
A popular street food snack in Tanzania, mishikaki are skewers of marinated goat, beef or mutton meat which has been slowly roasting over hot coals. Often served outside late-night bars and clubs.
Mchuzi wa Samaki
This Swahili dish, originating from Zanzibar, has a strong southern-Indian influence. Essentially, mchuzi wa samaki is a fillet of any fish, cooked in onions, garlic, curry powder, tomatoes, lemon and fresh coriander.
Irio
Irio is a popular dish in Tanzania as well as Kenya and Uganda. Essentially, irio is a pile of creamy mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables. It’s delicious and can be eaten as a side or as the main meal.
Chipsi Mayai
Translating to ‘chips and eggs’ chipsi mayai is a popular fast food meal in Tanzania. Essentially it is a chip omelette and usually comes with tomato ketchup and fresh vegetables.
Zanzibar Pizza
A popular street snack on the island of Zanzibar is their pizza. Zanzibar pizza is dough filled with peppers, meats, onions, vegetables, eggs and sometimes cheese, then wrapped up and fried.
Mandazi
Mandazi are small, round pockets of fried bread, eaten at any time of the day, as a side or as a snack. They're often served alongside tea or to dip into sauces. They can be likened to doughnuts without the sweetness.
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