Tanzania , officially the United Republic of Tanzania , is a country located on the east coast of Central Africa. It borders to the north with Kenya and Uganda, to the west with Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south with Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and to the east with the Indian Ocean. Its capital is Dodoma. The name of the country comes from the union of the words «Tangany» and «Zanzibar».
Tanzania food is characterized by the preference of meat in the interior and fish in coastal areas. The preparation of the dishes is not very elaborate but the freshness of the raw materials supplements this process.
Meats are usually grilled or roasted. The fillets of buffalo, wildebeest or antelope are very exquisite. If you prefer something less exotic you will find, without problems, lamb, cow, chicken and pork dishes. Due to the Islamic influence, restaurants and street stalls are served where kebabs, lamb strips, seasoned with strong spices are served. These meats are usually served with vegetables such as corn, green beans, potatoes and, above all, rice. Vegetables can be served cooked or raw in mincemeat. The sauces usually carry curry or, prepared with a base of coconut milk that gives the dishes a special flavor.
Salads are usually fruit. Mango, papaya, coconut, banana, apple and sweet potatoes are the most used. Cooked fruits are also used as an accompaniment to meat and fish dishes. In the coastal areas you can take fresh fish of excellent quality. The most requested varieties are tilapia, trout, perch, tiger fish, parrotfish and rock cod. The seafood is great and we invite you to try the Zanzibar lobster, the oysters and the giant prawns. In Tanzania, pepper is used a lot when it is still fresh, the beans are red and when dried they give the white pepper that we know.
A typical dish is Pepper Cake whose ingredients are minced beef, onion, olive oil, butter, nutmeg, turmeric and pepper of three types, green, of cayenne and black. It is something explosive but very tasty. Indian food is also highly appreciated and there are numerous restaurants serving Indian specialties. Curious note, in Tanzania there is no cheese.
Drinks: To accompany the meals you usually drink national beer such as Safari Lager and Pilsner and Tanzanian wines such as Dodoma Pink, rosé and Dodoma Red, red. The taste of these broths is somewhat sweet but there is no other option since import wines are prohibited. There are no problems when having a drink since you can find any type of alcoholic drinks without problems. Do not hesitate to try the liquor of the country known as kibgayi, a kind of gin and vodka mixture, very strong.
Tea has a strong flavor and coffee is usually instant. Water should be mineral but if you like soda remember that it is much cheaper. Drinks are usually served very little cold but it is advisable to avoid ice.
Tanzania Recipes 