Traditional food in Mozambique is diverse and flavourful, with influences from Portuguese, African, and Indian cuisine.
Read on to learn more about some of the most popular dishes in Mozambique. If you’ve tried any of them, be sure to leave a comment below.
Best Food in Mozambique
Below you’ll find a list of the some of the best traditional food in Mozambique.
Matapa
Matapa is a traditional dish from Mozambique that is made from cassava leaves or spinach, ground peanuts, garlic, and coconut milk.
The leaves are first washed and boiled, and then pounded with ground peanuts, garlic, and onion to form a paste. The paste is then cooked with coconut milk and often served with rice.
Matapa is a popular dish in Mozambique and is often served on special occasions such as weddings or funerals. It is considered to be a staple food in some regions of the country. It is also popular in neighboring countries such as Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The dish is known for its rich, nutty flavour and creamy texture, and is also quite nutritious due to the high protein and vitamin content of the peanuts and leafy greens.
In some regions of Mozambique, matapa is also made with dried shrimp or crab meat, which adds a seafood flavor to the dish.
Matapa can also be made with other leafy greens such as pumpkin leaves or amaranth, depending on the region and availability of ingredients. Overall, matapa is a delicious and culturally significant dish that is enjoyed by many people in Mozambique and beyond.
Piri Piri Chicken
Piri-piri chicken is a popular traditional food in mozambique, Angola, and other parts of Southern Africa that is made with chicken that has been marinated in a spicy piri-piri chili pepper sauce and grilled or barbecued.
Piri-piri is a small but fiery chilli pepper that is widely used in African cuisine, particularly in Angola and Mozambique. The sauce is usually made from a combination of piri-piri chilli peppers, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and other spices such as paprika, cumin, and oregano.
To make piri-piri chicken, the chicken pieces are first marinated in the spicy sauce for several hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. The chicken is then grilled or barbecued until it is cooked through and has a crispy, charred exterior.
Piri-piri chicken is often served with a side of chips (french fries) and a salad, or with rice and vegetables. The dish is known for its spicy, smoky flavour and is a popular street food in Mozambique, Angola, and other parts of Southern Africa. It is also served in many restaurants and is a favourite dish for many people in the region.
Chamussas
Chamussas, also spelled “samussas” or “samosas”, are a popular traditional food in mozambique. As well as in many other parts of the world, including India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. They are small, triangular-shaped pastries that are usually filled with a spiced mixture of meat, vegetables, or cheese.
To make chamussas, a thin layer of pastry dough is filled with a mixture of cooked and spiced ingredients such as ground beef, chicken, or lamb, along with vegetables like potatoes, onions, and peas. The dough is then folded into a triangular shape and deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown.
Chamussas are often served as a snack or appetiser and are sometimes eaten as a meal on their own. They can be found in street food stalls, restaurants, and in homes throughout Mozambique and are a popular food for celebrations and special occasions. Chamussas can be made with a variety of fillings to suit different tastes, and can also be baked instead of fried for a healthier option.
Caril
Caril, also known as curry, is a dish that is popular in Mozambique, as well as in many other parts of the world, including India, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. It is typically a spiced stew or sauce that is made with a variety of ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, and spices.
In Mozambique, caril is often made with chicken, shrimp, or fish, along with vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and potatoes. The dish is seasoned with a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, along with coconut milk, which gives it a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
To make caril, the meat or fish is first cooked in a pan with the vegetables, spices, and coconut milk, until it is tender and flavorful. The dish is typically served with rice or bread and is often garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
Caril is a popular dish in Mozambique and is enjoyed by many people throughout the country. It is a flavourful and hearty dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and preferences, and is a great way to explore the unique flavours of Mozambican cuisine.
Pãozinho
Pãozinho is a type of small, round bread roll that is popular in Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking countries. The word “pãozinho” translates to “little bread” in Portuguese. The rolls are typically made with a simple dough that includes flour, water, yeast, and salt.
To make pãozinho, the dough is first mixed together and then allowed to rise for several hours until it has doubled in size. The dough is then shaped into small balls and allowed to rise again before being baked in the oven until they are golden brown and slightly crusty on the outside.
Pãozinho is a versatile bread roll that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is often served warm with butter or jam for breakfast, or used to make sandwiches for lunch or a quick snack.
Pãozinho is a common accompaniment to meals in Mozambique, and is a popular street food that is sold by vendors throughout the country. It is a simple and delicious bread roll that is loved by many people in Mozambique and beyond.
Xima
Xima, also known as pap or sadza, is a type of porridge that is a staple food in many African countries, including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It is made from a mixture of maize flour and water, which is cooked over low heat to form a thick, smooth consistency.
To make xima, the maize flour is first mixed with cold water to form a thick paste, which is then added to boiling water and stirred continuously until it forms a smooth, thick porridge.
The xima is typically served with a variety of stews, soups, and sauces, and is often eaten with the hands, rolled into small balls and used to scoop up the accompanying dish.
Xima is a nutritious and filling food that is an important source of carbohydrates for many people in Africa. It is also known by different names in different regions, such as pap in South Africa and sadza in Zimbabwe.
The dish is often served at communal meals and is a symbol of unity and sharing in many African cultures. Xima can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and is a versatile and delicious staple food that is loved by many.
