Food and drink in Mozambique

Mozambican cuisine falls into a unique niche in terms of where the cuisine comes from and where it is headed. Combining the best of Portuguese flair, Indian flavor, and a touch of African ingenuity, Mozambican cuisine is a real treat for anyone. Drinks in Mozambique are those that are normally found in the rest of the world, with 1 or 2 exceptions.

Keep in mind that Mozambicans like to add bell peppers to many of their dishes, so be prepared for the food to be hot. You will also find that there are many informal food stalls that can be good to eat at, but each must be taken into account due to the large number of infectious diseases in the country.

Local foods

Local food is based mainly on starches such as rice and potatoes, as well as meat and seafood. Vegetarian dishes aren’t common, but they can be found with a bit of effort, although most people won’t understand why you wouldn’t want to eat compliments. Some of the local dishes include:

  • Meat: Beef is known as Bifel (which means steak), while chicken is known as Frango. Both meats are commonly served with a variety of sides such as cashews, coconut, beans, and various spices. You’ll also find Prego beef sandwiches, which is a burger made with a steak topped with chili sauce. Peppers are widely used so be sure to keep this in mind if you don’t like hot food.

  • Fruit: This is any of the wide selection of fresh fruits.

  • Matata: Traditional Mozambican seafood stew made with peanuts.

  • Posho: Corn porridge that is considered a staple food in the poorer regions.

  • Sweet Potato Fritas – French fries that the locals call chips.

  • Peixe grelhade – Translated as catch of the day, this is a very popular seafood dish due to its ever-changing variety and freshness.

There are many other dishes offered with regional variations that make for a very interesting dining experience. Traditionally, the main meal in Mozambique is lunch (almoco) and consequently the breakfast meal (small almoco) tends to be quite small. For the more affluent families with the economic means, dinner (jantar) is considered the main meal, as well as an opportunity to entertain the guests.

Drinks

Both tea (cha is a locally made tea) and coffee are quite popular in Mozambique and can be found almost everywhere. As for alcoholic beverages, they are also quite widespread and you will often enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine with your meal. Another firm favorite is a corn-based beer traditionally enjoyed in a communal pot on social occasions. A warning is needed about a local drink called Nipa, which is known to be dangerous and not found often due to its incredibly high alcohol content. There is also a wide selection of South African and Namibian beers, as well as some commercially brewed local beers.

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