In Zambia, the food is as vibrant and unique as the landscapes and sweeping views of waterfalls and forests. Although it’s all mostly centred around Nshima, you can try out different flavours, textures and ingredients.

Nshima

This is a thick porridge-like dish made using maize or mealies. It is one of the most popular foods in the country and serves as a base for many curries and other dishes. Usually eaten with hands, often served fresh and hot in almost all Livingstone restaurants.

Ifinkubala

This dish is not for the faint-hearted. Hailing from the northern region of the country these caterpillars are popular throughout Zambia. Fresh caterpillars are hand-picked during the rainy season and deliciously prepared. Sometimes you can find dried versions of this with the inner fluids drained out to preserve them longer.

Kapenta

Kapenta is sort of a dried fish that’s prepared by deep frying. Usually, kapenta is known by the name of the town it comes from. You can find different versions of this dish anywhere you go, and you can even purchase kapenta from a local grocery store and make your own.

Simz711, An Example of Kapenta And Sadza(as it is known in Zimbabwe), CC BY-SA 4.0

Chikanda

This unique dish is made using wild orchids. The flowers are dried and pounded before being formed into the meat-like consistency the dish is famous for. Depending on one’s preference various spices such as chillies, turmeric and cumin are added. You can find this delicacy at resorts such as Avani Victoria Falls Resort too.