Zambia Food and Drink
Zambian cuisine is simple, filling and based around locally grown staples such as maize, vegetables, beans and fresh fish. Meals tend to be hearty rather than heavily spiced, and food is usually freshly prepared. In cities such as Lusaka and Livingstone, visitors will find a wide range of restaurants serving local dishes alongside international cuisine, including Italian, Indian, Chinese and contemporary African fusion. Safari lodges and high-end hotels generally offer high-quality dining with both local and international options.
Food hygiene standards are generally good in established restaurants, hotels and lodges. Street food is available in cities but visitors are advised to choose busy stalls where food is freshly cooked. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive. Fresh fruit and vegetables are widely used, and fruit that can be peeled is generally considered safe.
Nshima: A thick maize porridge that is Zambia's staple food, typically served with vegetables, beans, fish or meat.
Ifisashi: A rich peanut-based stew usually made with leafy greens or vegetables, commonly served with nshima.
Kapenta: Small dried fish, usually fried or cooked in tomato sauce and served with nshima.
Chikanda: Sometimes referred to as African polony, made from wild orchid tubers mixed with peanuts and spices.
Village chicken: Free-range chicken cooked slowly in stews or grilled, valued for its firm texture and flavour.
Mosi Lager: Zambia's most famous beer, named after the local name for Victoria Falls, light and refreshing.
Castle Lite: A popular lager widely available throughout the country.
Chibuku: A traditional opaque beer made from sorghum or maize, commonly consumed in local settings.
Maheu: A non-alcoholic fermented drink made from maize or millet, slightly sour and refreshing.
Tipping is not compulsory in Zambia but is appreciated, particularly in restaurants, cafés and the tourism sector. In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is customary if service is good and a service charge is not already included. In casual cafés, tipping is discretionary.
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