Tanzania is a large, tropical country in the Central East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. And, of course, a long stretch of Indian Ocean Coast. It’s cuisine not only celebrates the best of African cooking, it also adds some unique and surprising treats!
Mchuzi wa samaki: A popular fish dish enjoyed along
the full length of Tanzana’s Indian Ocean Coast.
On our menu today…
Mchicha: This delicacy described by those in the know as Tanzania’s favourite meal. It’s a thick, creamy vegetarian stew usually prepared with leafy vegetables such as amaranth or spinach, with grated coconut, coconut milk, peanut butter, tomatoes and onions. It’s usually served with a starchy accompaniment – usually rice or Tanzanian Ugali – a polenta-like dish. (See below).
Mchuzi wa samaki: Celebrates Swahili tradition and features a whole fish cooked in onions, oil, garlic, curry powder, tomatoes, water, lemon juice and freshly chopped coriander. It’s got everything you’d want, flavour-wise, with fish. It’s a favourite along the Tanzanian coast and can be made with any white fish such as sea bass, cod or snapper. Serve with fluffy white rice to sop up every last drop of the delicious sauce! (See photo, above.)
Mchemsho: Here is a classic ‘everyday’ dish from Northern Tanzania whose name is its game: ‘Mchemsho’ literally translates as ‘something boiled’. ‘Something’ can consist of: potatoes, green beans, carrots, bananas, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant and/or sweet peppers, with a variety of spices. It’s a veggie dish and is usually served as a ‘one dish’ side with some kind of grilled meat.
Ugali: Goes with everything. Often dipped in a savoury sauce or gravy. As mentioned above, it’s like soft polenta, shaped into a small oval in the palm of the hand and then given a central indent with the thumb. It’s resemblance to the bowl of a spoon is not unintentional; a ball of Ugali is often used as a ‘spoon’ when eating soups or stews.
Mshikaki: It’s the Tanzanian homage to the ubiquitous skewered meat dish. Skewered pieces of meat such as beef, goat, or mutton are marinated in a blend of various herbs and spices that is popular along Africa’s eastern coast. Mshikaki is most often bought from street vendors who set up after dark and sell on through the eve3ning. It’s often served with dips or sauces.
Mandazi: This is another Tanzanian street food, a pastry made from sugar, flour, water, yeast, and milk or coconut milk. These form a dough that can feature additions such as ground peanuts or almonds. The dough is formed into a round, flat loaf and cut into four wedges, which are deep fried until they attain golden brown colour. Serve for breakfast, before lunch as a savoury appetizer, at supper as a dessert, or as a late-night snack. (See photo, top of page.)
Chipsi mayai: A fun-fusion street food dish with echoes of Europe! It’s literally ‘Chips and Eggs’. Beaten eggs are fried part way on one side like an American (thick, fluffy) omelette.
Pre-cooked French Fries are sprinkled over the top along with sweet peppers and onions, and the ‘omelette’ is left to cook until the top surface is set. This yummy-sounding dish is described as a staple of Tanzanian street food, and it’s something I’ve never seen or heard of before!
And, last but not least…
Zanzibar Pizza: Resembling it’s distant Italian cousin more in appearance than in taste or composition, this flatbread concoction is actually more like a Calzone or a Mexican Chimichanga. It’s essentially two layers of flatbread dough stuffed with just about anything you want, crimped tightly around the edges, then fried in Ghee until golden brown and crispy.
Savoury fillings may include: meat such as beef or chicken, seafood, various vegetables, cheese, mayonnaise or eggs; or any combination thereof that turns your crank. Sweet fillings may include combinations of bananas, chocolate spread, mangoes or peanut butter.
Many thanks!
To that wonderful – no, entrancing! – culinary master source, TasteAtlas.com, where you’ll also find additional info, similar dishes from other countries, and recipes… And their food photography is absolutely mouthwatering!
Cheers!
~ Maggie J.