While Tanzanian cuisine is essentially African, it also reflects English and Indo-Arab influences, with numerous dishes perfumed with spices. To whet your appetite and give you an idea of what awaits you during a trip to Tanzania, we've put together a list of traditional and typical dishes from Tanzania!

1. Ugali

This is THE emblematic dish of Tanzania! It's a kind of polenta made from several flours: corn flour, millet flour, and cassava flour. Ugali is typically presented in the form of a ball and is served with a stew of stewed meat and vegetables. It's an affordable dish you'll find in most restaurants throughout the country.

2. Biryani

This is the second most popular dish in Tanzania and can be found on restaurant menus everywhere. This traditional dish from Indian cuisine consists of chicken or lamb meat, eggs, rice, and numerous spices.

3. Pilau Rice

As its name suggests, pilau rice is a preparation made from rice spiced with cloves, paprika, saffron, curry, cinnamon, and more. It's a wholesome and highly aromatic dish that can be eaten with meat, fish, or vegetables. It's particularly enjoyed in the Great Lakes region and along the coast.

4. Kachumbari

If you're looking for a typical Tanzanian dish that's both fresh and light, you can try Kachumbari. It's a salad made from finely chopped onions and spices. Some locals add vegetables to it and enjoy it with grilled meats or fish.

5. Samosas and Sambusas

Originally from India, samosas are triangular-shaped filled pastries. You'll find them with meat or in a vegetarian version with vegetables and masala rice (sambusas). Very affordable, samosas and sambusas are widely consumed in Tanzania. They're perfect for a quick meal or a light snack.

6. Soups

Among Tanzania's culinary specialties, there are two very popular soup recipes found throughout the country. The first is a soup made from red beans, coconut, rice, tomatoes, onions, curry, green pepper, and butter. It's served as a main course and will delight all palates, whether vegetarian or not!

There's also the iconic Kilimanjaro banana soup prepared from small green bananas, carrots, peppers, red and white onions, coconut milk, and curry. It's an original sweet and savory soup that you absolutely must try during your trip to Tanzania!

7. Mishkaki

Tanzanians are very fond of skewers and meatballs. In many street food stands, you'll find skewers of marinated meat that are then cooked on a charcoal barbecue. You'll mainly find them made with beef, chicken, goat, and lamb, but also fish-based varieties.

8. Fish

If you love fish, you'll have a feast in the coastal regions, particularly on Tanzania's eastern coast and in Zanzibar. You'll find plenty of fresh fish such as lobsters, scampi, octopus, and crab. Fish is prepared in various ways: grilled, with spices (curry or masala), in stews, and more. As for inland regions, you'll be able to taste freshwater fish such as tilapias.

Florine Dergelet