National cuisine of Tanzania for gourmets. Authentic recipes, delicacies and specialties

The local cuisine of Tanzania is surprisingly diverse. It reflects the national features of African, Arabian, and Persian cuisines. The colonial influence of Europe, as well as the actively developed tourism added some European dishes to the Tanzanian menu. So, it became even more exotic and unique. There are no exquisite refined dishes in the traditional cuisine. The main idea of African food to be as hearty as possible. Most of the recipes use poultry and goat as a meat ingredient. Pork and beef are much more expensive, and therefore are less used. Plants, vegetables, and fruits play a huge role. They often make dishes unique.

The names of all meat dishes have a prefix, nyama. It is very convenient for foreigners who are not familiar with the Swahili language. One of the traditional dishes of Tanzania is nyama-kuku, which is fried chicken. It is served with traditional Tanzanian side dishes, minced legumes. The local taste is also expressed in a duck stewed in the coconut milk. Figs are served as a side dish. In restaurants, tourists are offered unique treats, including elephant stew, antelope fillets, ostrich fries or crocodile meat. Local chefs know the secrets of cooking this exotic meat. You should definitely taste it to appreciate the culture of African people. Fried termites and locusts are among the most extreme dishes.

Besides meat, seafood occupies an important place in the diet of Tanzanians. Fish baked in banana leaves, octopus stew, shells, lobsters, shrimps and other seafood have a special taste. They are served with vegetables or seaweed seasoned with various spices. The latter enjoy a special attention in the country. There are plantations of cloves and other spices in Tanzania. they are added to many dishes to make the taste even more saturated and unique. Different types of crops, including corn, peas, and rice, are used as a side dish. Tanzanians grow unsweetened bananas that somehow resemble potatoes. These fruits are also widely used in cooking. One of the most delicious treats of Tanzanian cuisine is nyama-na-ndizi, which is meat stewed with bananas. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A special attention should be paid to sweets in Tanzania. Arab culture has deeply changed this sphere of cooking. Among the culinary recipes, dishes made on the basis of honey are of great importance. Tanzanian honey is appreciated by fans of this product due to its saturated taste. Fruit ice cream, cakes with a custard of bananas, and samosa pies are worth mentioning. The coffee and almond dessert, Halo, is very tasty too. That's a sweet mass with the addition of cereals. Fresh fruits, which are sometimes served with honey, as well as maandazi cakes similar to candied cakes, are very popular.

Coffee and tea are the main among drinks in Tanzania. It's customary to drink tea with milk. This tradition has been set by English colonists. Coffee in Tanzania is considered one of the best in the world; it is definitely worth a try. You can quench your thirst with freshly squeezed juice with ice. The light local beer, Konyagi gin, and Cross tonic are popular among alcoholic beverages. Guests of the country are always offered cutlery in restaurants and cafes. However, the local population usually eats with their fingers. Locals put three fingers together to take food. There are always shoots of a young carnation. They are not added to the food. They can be chewed for a few seconds before the start of the meal. This will help to refresh your mouth and reveal all the taste characteristics of dishes. Special dough cakes are served. They are used to replace bread.