20 Traditional Foods of Tanzania

Tanzanian cuisine is a rich blend of flavours influenced by the country's history, diverse communities, and the resources it offers. Its main ingredients are maize, cassava, rice, and a variety of vegetables, complemented by locally sourced meats like beef, goat, and fish. Tanzanian food is a fusion of indigenous traditions and global influences, shaped by its Swahili, Arab, and Indian connections.

In this article, we'll explore 20 beloved dishes of Tanzania that define the country’s vibrant culinary scene:

1. Ugali (Maize Porridge)

Ugali, a staple in Tanzanian cuisine, is a simple porridge made from maize or cassava flour. This versatile dish, often enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serves as a versatile base for various Tanzanian accompaniments. To prepare Ugali, the flour is mixed with boiling water and stirred until it reaches a dough-like consistency, making it a quick and easy addition to any meal.

2. Mchemsho (Mixed Stew)

Mchemsho is cooked by boiling ingredients like potatoes, green beans, carrots, bananas, and spices. It's named "Mchemsho" because of this boiling method. While it's loved in Tanzanian cuisine, it's not an everyday meal because it can be a bit expensive. People usually enjoy it on special occasions. Meat and fish can be added to turn it into a complete meal. Mchemsho is versatile and can be eaten at any time of day.

3. Mshikaki (Grilled Meat)

Mshikaki is a beloved Tanzanian street food that's often referred to as a flavour-packed delight on a stick. It consists of skewered and grilled meat, typically either beef or chicken, marinated in a blend of spices that infuse it with a burst of aromatic goodness. These meat skewers are a common sight at street food stalls and open-air markets throughout Tanzania, sizzling on the grill. Often served with a spicy sauce, Mshikaki is a popular choice for those craving a savoury and satisfying snack.

4. Wali na Maharage (Rice & Bean Stew)

Wali na Maharage is a classic Tanzanian meal that combines rice and a flavorful bean stew. It's simple, filling, and popular across the country. The rice is cooked to perfection, and the beans are seasoned with spices for a delicious combination. It's a dish that brings people together and reflects Tanzania's diverse food culture. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner, making it a comforting and satisfying choice for many Tanzanians.

5. Nyama Choma (Barbequed Meat)

Nyama Choma is a popular Tanzanian barbecue dish, famous for its tasty simplicity. It's mainly made with grilled meat, like beef or goat, cooked to smoky perfection, and served with different sauces and sides. You can easily find it in local restaurants and street food stalls, with that mouthwatering grilled aroma in the air.

6. Zanzibar Pizza

Zanzibar Pizza is a one-of-a-kind Tanzanian street snack. It's not your typical pizza but a crispy, stuffed bread. Vendors prepare it by filling the thin dough with sweet or savoury ingredients and grilling it to perfection. It's a quick, delightful taste of Tanzanian street food, with options ranging from chocolate and fruit to cheese and vegetables, offering something for everyone.

7. Mchuzi wa Samaki (Fish Curry)

Mchuzi wa Samaki is a favourite Tanzanian dish—a tasty fish stew often served with rice or coconut rice. It's known for its flavorful blend of spices that give the fish a delicious kick. This dish is a mix of Indian and Swahili culinary traditions, making it unique and aromatic.

8. Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice)

Wali wa Nazi or coconut rice, is a delightful side dish prepared by cooking rice with creamy coconut milk. It pairs beautifully with various main dishes. It's well-liked for its subtle coconut flavour that enhances the rice. This dish embodies the influence of tropical ingredients in Tanzanian cuisine, offering a unique and comforting taste.

9. Mandazi (Tanzanian Doughnut)

Mandazi is a type of fried dough pastry that is often described as similar to doughnuts. Mandazi is typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar, coconut milk, and spices, which is then deep-fried until it turns golden brown. It can be flavoured with ingredients like cardamom, cloves, or coconut, and it's enjoyed for its sweet and slightly savoury taste. Mandazi is a versatile snack that can be found in various shapes and sizes and is commonly served as a street food or as a treat with tea or coffee.

10. Chipsi Mayai (Egg Omelette with Fries)

Also known as "chips mayai," Chipsi Mayai is a unique omelette that includes french fries (chips) within it. To make chipsi mayai, thinly sliced potatoes are fried to create crispy french fries, and then they are mixed into a beaten egg mixture. This combination is then fried to create a thick, savoury omelette with the added crunch and flavour of the french fries. It's a unique and satisfying street food option.

11. Maharage ya Nazi (Coconut Bean Soup)

Maharage ya Nazi is a Tanzanian soup featuring beans cooked in coconut milk with spices, offering a creamy texture with a mild coconut undertone. It's often served with rice or flatbreads and showcases the influence of Indian and Swahili culinary traditions in Tanzanian cuisine.

12. Supu Ya Ndizi (Plantain Soup)

Supu Ya Ndizi, or Plantain Soup, is a traditional Tanzanian dish prepared by cooking ripe plantains until they're soft and then mashing them with ingredients like coconut milk and spices. This results in a creamy and slightly sweet soup with a hint of coconut and a touch of warmth from the spices. It is served with bread or rice. Often enjoyed as a comforting and filling meal, it showcases the creative use of local ingredients in Tanzanian cuisine, highlighting the abundance of plantains in the region.

13. Ndizi Kaanga (Fried Banana)

Fried bananas, known as Ndizi Kaanga, offer a delightful contrast of sweet and savoury flavours, commonly enjoyed as a snack. These bananas are sliced or cut into rounds, seasoned with various spices, and deep-fried until they become crispy and golden brown. The seasoning may include ingredients like salt, black pepper, chilli, or even a squeeze of lemon juice, adding a savoury or tangy kick to the sweet bananas. Ndizi Kaanga is often enjoyed as a snack or side dish.

14. Mtori (Banana & Meat Stew)

Mtori is a creamy stew made with plantains and beef, offering a unique blend of flavours. It is particularly popular among the Chaga people of the Kilimanjaro region. This dish is primarily composed of mashed green bananas and beef or goat meat, although other meats can also be used. The bananas and meat are cooked together and then mashed to form a thick stew-like consistency. The dish is known for its rich and hearty flavours, with the bananas providing a creamy texture and the meat infusing the dish with savoury notes. Mtori is often seasoned with spices like ginger, garlic, and black pepper, which add depth to the flavour.

15. Urojo (Zanzibar Mix)

Urojo, also known as Zanzibar Mix, is a popular Tanzanian street food originating from Zanzibar. It's a flavorful and tangy soup/stew that combines ingredients like potatoes, lentils, vegetables, fried snacks, and spices in a savoury broth, often garnished with toppings like potato sticks, peanuts, and cilantro. It's celebrated for its unique blend of sweet and spicy flavours.

16. Biriyani ya Kuku (Biryani)

Biriyani ya Kuku is a Tanzanian version of the famous Indian biryani, with "kuku" meaning chicken. This dish features spiced rice cooked with marinated chicken pieces and aromatic spices, creating a flavorful and hearty meal that reflects the influence of Indian culinary traditions in Tanzanian cuisine.

17. Pilau Nyama na Kachumbari (Pulao with Salad)

Pilau Nyama na Kachumbari is a popular Tanzanian dish that combines two main components: "pilau," which is spiced rice, and "nyama," which means meat, often beef or chicken. The rice is prepared with a fragrant blend of spices like cumin, cardamom, and cloves, giving it a rich and aromatic flavour.

Kachumbari, on the other hand, is a fresh tomato and onion salad typically served as a side dish or condiment. The combination of pilau and kachumbari offers a delightful contrast of flavours and textures, with the spiced rice complemented by the crisp and tangy salad. This dish is a favourite at special events.

18. Ndizi na Nyama (Banana & Meat) 

Ndizi na Nyama is a traditional Tanzanian dish that combines ripe plantains with meat, usually beef or goat. The dish is prepared by cooking the plantains and meat together in a flavorful sauce made with spices and, at times, coconut milk. The result is a hearty and savoury meal with a pleasing mix of sweet and savoury flavours. Ndizi na Nyama is a common dish in Tanzanian homes and local eateries.

19. Sukuma Wiki (Collard Greens) 

Sukuma Wiki is a leafy green vegetable dish commonly eaten in East Africa, especially in places like Kenya and Tanzania. It's known for its affordability and is often used to extend meals. The dish is typically stir-fried with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and spices, creating a tasty and nutritious side dish. It's often served with staples like ugali (maize porridge) or rice and is an important part of East African cuisine.

20. Kuku wa Mchuzi (Chicken Stew)

Kuku wa Mchuzi translates to "chicken in sauce." It's a flavorful chicken stew, typically prepared with a variety of spices, vegetables, and sometimes coconut milk. The dish is known for its rich and aromatic flavor, making it a favorite in Tanzanian cuisine. It's often served with rice or flatbreads, offering a satisfying and hearty meal option.

Tanzanian cuisine is a delicious blend of various flavors and culinary traditions. The dishes listed here are just a glimpse of what Tanzania has to offer in terms of food. To truly explore Tanzanian cuisine, be sure to visit local restaurants, markets, and street vendors where you can sample a wide range of dishes. Whether you're enjoying Nyama Choma or savoring Mchuzi wa Samaki, Tanzania's diverse food scene will leave you wanting more.