The fundamental aspect of Tanzania’s history is the mix of cuisines that developed from the native, Arabian, and Indian communities indicating that food lovers will, in essence, have a wide range of interesting and exotic dishes to explore. This is regardless of what part of Tanzania you visit.
Mechanically, the eastern littoral zone people, for example, those who go to spice bazaars in Zanzibar, are guaranteed to have their taste satiated by the multitude of diversity in the culinary culture.
From rich sauces in stews to meaty Shashliks Tanzanian cuisines tell a story of East African food culture.
This article will focus on exploring ten most mouthwatering Tanzanian meals that one ought to grab when they visit the country. Each of these meals comprises a complex pattern of appetizing taste.
1.Ugali
Ugali is labeled as the most widely practiced of Tanzania’s staple foods since it has no high contents of proteins, but is rather made of maize or cassava flour with water. If you have had polenta before or seen it, then you ought to expect something close to it as ugali, a rather thick slushy mixture, compliments any kind of meat, vegetables, or simmered lentils.
For its blandness, ugali is popular with many and is appropriately combined with yamachoma or other types of meat or vegetables. It is one of the meals that can be seen in every corner of this country, irrespective of where one is located.
2.Pilau
This fragrant rice dish is usually regarded as one of Tanzania’s delights, especially during weddings, among the people. Traditionally, pilau is prepared with spicy eastern delicacies such as, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, with beef or fish or green vegetables. It is perfect along the coastal line of Tanzania, especially in Dar es salaam and Zanzibar because the dish stands out from other rice dishes with its striking spice richness.
3.Nyama Choma
Nyama Choma, which means "grilled meat,” is a mainstay of Tanzanian social cooking that is mainly enjoyed during events. Goat, beef or chicken meat is commonly used, the meat parts are seasoned with some local spices and grilled over fire. A piece of kachumbari salad goes great with this dish ideally. For the best results, go to the street side restaurants around Dar es Salaam Mikocheni Center.
4.Mshikaki
Mshikaki are decent pieces of beef/chicken/goat meat cut in small pieces and stuck onto sticks, then grilled around heated coals. This type of mouth watering delicacy is perfect for evening street hawkers when one feels like having spicy smokey flavour. Mshikaki goes well with ripe plantains or fries, especially around the Coco Beach area, Msasani Peninsular in Dar es Salaam.
5.Chapati
Originating from India, chapati is a flatbread highly appreciated in Tanzania that complements various stews and curries. It consists of flour, water and a little oil in dough form, which is then rolled into circles and cooked on a pan over heat. Chapati can be seemingly purchased from breakfast outlets and Fast Food joints next to business centres in Dar es Salaam city.
6.Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)
Urojo, also known as Zanzibar Mix, is a beautiful dish like a soup with a spicy funge as a base with several components inclusive of deep fried pastes, boiled eggs, or fried cassava. This dish originated from Zanzibar and is commonly sold in the night food markets. The Urosho mix can also be found at the Forodhani Night Market, which is situated in Stone Town, and is also considered to be the best place for it.
7.Samosas
Samosas in Tanzania are stuffed and fried pockets mostly comprising meat either flavored or spiced, potatoes, or lentils.
Indian samosas came into this country and with them assume the standard street food character. Almost everywhere samosas can be found on market aisles and in take aways.
8.Kachumbari
Kachumbari is a tangy salad composed of tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers which is usually served with grilled meat like nyama choma or mshikaki. It provides a cool and sharp complement to the strong tastes of the Tanzanian barbeque.
This uncomplicated yet delicious meal is a staple in restaurants and fast food businesses all over the nation.
9.Vitumbua
Vitumbua can be described as small pancakes made with rice and coconut, firm on the outside but moist on the inside. This popular breakfast snack, complemented with tea, can be found at street stalls all over Tanzania, mainly in coastal towns of Dar Es Salaam and Tanga.
The mildly sweet taste of vitumbua has gained so much popularity among residents and visitors alike.
10.Zanzibar Pizza
Zanzibar Pizza is the name of the pizza while in real sense there is nothing comparable to it in Italy. Pancakes stuffed with minced meat, vegetables, eggs, and cheese and deep fried, this snack makes a great quick bite sandwich and can be classified under the street food category.
For a sweeter variation, there are choices stuffed with Nutella or fruit. This is a must have while at the Forodhani Night Market in Zanzibar.