Traditional Malawi food is heavily based on the staple food, which is usually maize served in various forms. This includes nsima (a thick porridge-like dish made from maize flour and water) or as a side dish with other foods.
Other commonly eaten foods in Malawi include beans, rice, vegetables (such as pumpkin leaves, okra, and cabbage), and various meats such as chicken, beef, and fish.
Best Malawi Food
Below you’ll find a list of the some of the best traditional Malawi food.
Chambo
Chambo is a type of freshwater fish that is native to Lake Malawi, which is located in East Africa and is shared by Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
The chambo fish is an important food source for local people and is a popular dish in Malawi. It is often served grilled or fried with side dishes like nsima (a type of maize porridge) and vegetables.
The fish has a firm, white flesh and a mild, slightly sweet flavour that is well-suited to grilling or frying. Chambo is also an important commercial fish species and is exported to other countries in the region, where it is sold in fish markets and used in a variety of dishes.
Mandasi
Mandasi is a type of fried dough or bread that is popular in several African countries, including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. It is similar in appearance and texture to a doughnut. It is typically less sweet and may be made with ingredients like cornmeal or cassava flour in addition to wheat flour.
Mandasi may be served as a breakfast food or snack, and is often enjoyed with tea, coffee, or other beverages. It is sometimes flavoured with spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or may be coated with sugar or powdered milk for added sweetness. In some regions, mandasi may also be referred to as “mahewu doughnuts” or “zwelethuza”.
Nthochi
Nthochi is a traditional Malawian dish made from mashed bananas or plantains that are fried in oil. The bananas or plantains are first peeled and then mashed into a paste, which is formed into small round balls or patties. The patties are then fried in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown.
Nthochi can be served as a snack or side dish, and is often eaten with other traditional Malawian foods such as nsima (a thick porridge-like dish made from maize flour and water), beans, or vegetables. It is also sometimes served as a breakfast food or as a dessert, and can be sweetened with sugar or honey.
Nthochi is a popular food in Malawi because bananas and plantains are readily available and affordable, and the dish is simple and easy to prepare. It is also a nutritious food, as bananas and plantains are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Kondowole
Kondowole is traditional Malawi food made from sweet potatoes and groundnut flour (peanut flour). The sweet potatoes are first boiled until they are soft, and then mashed together with the groundnut flour and sugar to form a smooth, dough-like mixture. The mixture is then shaped into small balls or patties and steamed until cooked through.
Kondowole is a popular food in Malawi, particularly in the northern and central regions of the country, where sweet potatoes and groundnuts are abundant. It is a simple and nutritious food that is often eaten as a snack or side dish, and can also be served as a breakfast food or dessert.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while groundnuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats. As a result, Kondowole is a filling and nutritious food that provides energy and essential nutrients. It is also a popular food among children and nursing mothers due to its high nutritional value.
Kachumbari
Kachumbari is a popular dish in Malawi and other African countries, typically made with diced tomatoes, onions, and sometimes peppers or other vegetables, mixed with lemon or lime juice and sometimes salt or other seasonings.
It is often served as a salad or side dish with grilled meats or other main dishes, and is known for its fresh, tangy flavor and bright, colorful appearance.
Kachumbari is similar to other tomato-based salads found throughout Africa and the Middle East, such as Israeli salad or Nigerian salad, and is a popular and versatile dish that can be adapted to many different regional and personal tastes.
Mbatata
Mbatata is a traditional Malawian dish made from sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk and sugar, and sometimes flavored with cinnamon or other spices.
The sweet potatoes are peeled and sliced, and then cooked in a mixture of coconut milk, sugar, and spices until they are soft and tender. The dish can be served as a side dish or a dessert. It is often eaten with nsima and other traditional Malawian foods.
Mbatata is a popular food in Malawi, particularly in the southern region of the country, where sweet potatoes are grown in abundance.
It is a rich and flavorful dish that is often prepared for special occasions such as weddings and festivals, and is also commonly eaten during the cooler months of the year when hot, hearty dishes are preferred.
Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while coconut milk is a good source of healthy fats and adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish. As a result, Mbatata is a nutritious and satisfying food that provides energy and essential nutrients.
