The following highlights some of the popular Traditional Zimbabwean Foods. If you manage to be in an Zimbabwean restaurant or you are visiting Zimbabwe, I recommend the following
1. Nhedzi
It refers to a mushroom soup made from a wild mushroom that grows in the wetter areas of the country, so it can be difficult to find on restaurant menus in the country’s larger cities. The Nhedzi mushroom has a pulsating flavor that some have described as similar to that of green beans and asparagus.
2. Game Meat
Some believe that ‘game meat’ has a special flavor. Wild boar, zebra, caiman and buffalo are commonly used. This meat is popular in some restaurants, mainly in tourist areas. However, due to strict laws and regulations, restaurants that consistently supply wild game meat will, of course, be closely scrutinized.
3. Bota
A porridge made from cornmeal that is usually eaten for breakfast. A popular ingredient in several Zimbabwean dishes that is added to this porridge is peanut butter. If it is delicious on its own, you can top it with slices of fresh fruit or nuts. Another option is to add milk for extra creaminess.
4. Biltong
The dish also has Dutch influences and originated in South Africa, but is very popular in Zimbabwe. It is a type of dried meat that is cut into strips, marinated in cider or balsamic vinegar, seasoned with spices such as sugar, salt, black pepper and coriander, and dried for several hours to infuse the meat with flavor. It can be eaten as a snack or crushed and used as an ingredient in other dishes.
5. Dovi
It is a traditional Zimbabwean dish made with roasted chicken meat, bell bell pepper, garlic and chilies, bathed in tomato sauce with peanut butter and some vegetables.
6. Mapopo Candy
Papaya, known as mapopo in Zimbabwe, is one of the most commonly used fruits in the country and people like it sweetened, which is why we make sweet mapopo. It is commonly eaten as a dessert after a hearty meat meal or as a recreational snack.
7. Mupotohayi
Also known as chimodho, it is a Zimbabwean cornmeal bread. It is traditionally eaten with butter, margarine or jam. It used to be traditionally prepared on a stove or in a potjie (cauldron) over the fire. Then it started to be baked.
8. Sadza
Sadza is the star dish of Zimbabwean cuisine, an essential dish. The mixture is molded with the hands to form small balls. It is usually served with meats (red, white), sauces (gravy), vegetable stews or beans.
9. Whawha
It is a traditional beer made from corn. Unlike most industrial beers, whawha is opaque and, in its most basic form, can retain some corn, which gives it a slightly gritty texture on the tongue. It also has a sour smell, which is normal and should not be an impediment to enjoyment.
10. Mopane Worms
Mopane worms are edible caterpillars that live in southern Africa. These worms can be eaten raw for a crunchy texture, or cooked and served with sadza (mentioned above). This dish usually elicits the most rejection from tourists and few dare to try it. However, it is considered a real delicacy.
If you found this list useful, here are some more Traditional African Foods to try out on my Pinterest channel.