Zambian cuisine offers a variety of Zambian food dishes that make it a must-try for food lovers. In this article, we will take a closer look at 8 traditional Zambian dishes that can be enjoyed with nshima and a side dish of green vegetables that you must try when you visit the country. Among the most popular ones are:
Dry Fish Stew
Dry fish stew is a traditional Zambian food dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
The dried fish used in this stew is typically a type of freshwater fish, which is sun-dried or smoke-dried and then stored for later use.
The stew is made boiling and adding onions, tomatoes and salt until it forms a thick and rich sauce.
This savory and hearty stew is perfect to serve with Nshima and a side of vegetables. You can find the recipe here.
Beef Tripe/Offals
Beef Tripe/offals or beef stomach, is a popular dish in many African cuisines, including Zambian food dishes.
It is a rich source of protein and nutrients and is often used in stews and soups.
To prepare Beef Tripe/Offals, the beef tripe is first cleaned thoroughly and then boiled until it is tender. It is then cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices until it forms a delicious and flavorful stew.
While it may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth trying for the more adventurous eaters out there. You can find the recipe here.
Beans and Vimbombo (Cow hooves)
This pair or combo makes a perfect accompaniment for nshima that is sure to satisfy.
Beans and Vimbombo are usually cooked separately but some cook them together. The cow hooves/feet are slow-cooked with beans, tomatoes and onions until they are tender and flavorful.
This dish is often served with a side of vegetables. You can find the recipe here and here
Kapenta
Kapenta is a small freshwater fish that is abundant in Zambia’s rivers and lakes.
The fish is sun-dried and then fried with tomatoes and onions.
Kapenta is a popular Zambian food dish and is often served with Nshima and a side of vegetables. You can find the recipe here.
Village Chicken Stew
Village Chicken Stew is a traditional Zambian food dish that is made with free-range chicken.
The chicken is slow-cooked in a savory broth made with tomatoes, onions, and spices until it is tender and flavorful.
This dish is often served with Nshima and a side of vegetables. You can find the recipe here.
Fried Fish
Fried fish is a simple yet delicious dish that is popular in Zambia.
Whole fish is seasoned with salt and then fried until crispy and golden brown. The most commonly fish that is used is Tilapia fish.
T-bone
T-bone steak is a juicy and tender cut of beef that is a popular meat dish in Zambia.
It is typically grilled over an open flame and served with a side of Nshima and a vegetable side dish. This dish is perfect for meat-lovers.
Ifisashi
Ifisashi is a delicious vegetarian dish that is made from groundnuts and a variety of vegetables such as pumpkin leaves, Chinese cabbage and cassava leaves etc.
The groundnuts are ground into a powder and then cooked with the vegetables until it forms a thick and savory dish.
This dish is often served with Nshima and is a favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. You can find the recipe here.
These are just a few among the many dishes that can be ejoyed with nshima. Zambia’s culinary scene is indeed a must-try for any foodie looking to explore new flavors and cuisines.
From tasty stews to succulent meats, Zambian food dishes are sure to satisfy.
So why not plan your next food adventure and give these 8 Zambian dishes a try? You won’t regret it
