Food Adventures: Zambia

        Home to Victoria Falls and some of the best safari opportunities in Africa, Zambia is a great country for your next African adventure.  To complement your adventure be sure to try some of Zambia's local cuisine.  Traditional Zambian food revolves around the country's main staple crop, maize which usually comes in the form of a thick corn porridge.  Today, we'll check out some of the best local foods to try when you visit Zambia.


Nsima with Stew:

        Nsima is a thick corn porridge which is often rolled into balls with the right hand and dipped into stew.  The stew is generally called ndiwo and it can be made with any variety of available foods including meat, fish, and vegetables.  This meal is a daily staple for many Zambians.


Baobab White:

          Baobab White is a local beer crafted by the Zikomo Brewing Company in Lusaka.  The micro-brewery sells several varieties of beer including Livingstone's Lager, Zikomo Copper Ale, and Safari Stout.  The most intriguing beer they sell however is Baobab White which is brewed from the fruit of the Baobab tree.  For your best chance at finding this craft beer head to Lusaka, the capitol city of Zambia.

Fried Locusts:

       Fried locusts are a seasonal delicacy in rural Zambia.  Using the fried locusts as food started as a necessity.  Locusts usually arrive in massive swarms and the resulting damage to local crops leaves people in need of a new food source, so they turn to collecting locusts and frying them.  The bugs serve as an excellent source of protein.  Other commonly fired insects in the region include caterpillars and termites.

Ifisashi:

        Ifisashi is essentially greens cooked in a peanut sauce.  The traditional Zambian stew usually consists of greens, cabbage, tomato, onion, and powdered peanuts.  It is a good option for vegeterians since it does not usually come with meat.  The bowl of stew is most often served with Nsima.

Curried Gazelle:

        Zambia is known for its prolific wildlife and large game animals.  Take advantage of the local hunting market to try out new and different game dishes.  Gazelle is a popular meat in this part of africa and is worth a try.  This traditional meat dish is usually cooked with plantains in a tomato and coconut milk and curry sauce.