Mozambique Food and Drink

The cuisine in Mozambique is predominately African, but heavily influenced by the Portuguese with some Far Eastern influences. As you might expect from a coastal country, seafood is a speciality. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day. Soup is often served as a starter followed by main dishes usually accompanied by rice, potatoes or both. Restaurants are found in main towns and hotels, but street food is available in most places.

Specialities

Piri-pirichicken: Chicken marinated in lemon juice, garlic and a spicy chilli sauce (made of lemon juice, garlic, chilli, and oil). Usually served with chips.
Shellfish: All shellfish is good in Mozambique and the country is famous for prawns often grilled with piri-piri sauce.
Matapa: Sauce of ground peanuts and cassava leaves served with rice. It often includes seafood.
Wusa: Stiff maize porridge.
Pao: Portuguese white bread rolls baked in wood-fired ovens.
Prego roll: Steak covered in piri piri sauce in a bread roll.
Toasted cheese sandwiches: A commonly sold snack.
Malasadas: Local doughnuts sold in markets.
2M: Popular local beer.
Tipo Tinto: The national rum.

Tipping

Not generally expected outside Maputo. In Maputo and other tourist-exposed areas, around 5% of the bill is normal (depending on standards of service and the place itself).

Drinking age

18

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.