Zambia is a country with a diverse culinary culture. One important aspect of this is the variety of delicious and unique snacks that are popular in the country. These snacks are made from locally grown crops and offer a taste of the country’s vibrant and flavorful cuisine. They are often enjoyed on the go or as a quick bite between meals. In this article, I will explore 8 awesome and authentic Zambian snacks that you need to try. From savory samosas to sweet and satisfying vitumbuwas, these snacks are sure to tantalize your taste buds and provide a window into the delicious and diverse world of Zambian cuisine.
Roasted Groundnuts
Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are a popular snack in Zambia. They are often roasted and sold by street vendors or in markets. Roasted groundnuts are typically seasoned with salt. They are especially eaten alongside roasted cassava.
Groundnuts are an important crop in Zambia, and they are used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and butters. Roasted groundnuts are a popular way to enjoy this nutritious and versatile legume as a snack.
Groundnuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which make them a nutritious and filling snack. They are also easy to carry making them a convenient snack for people on the go
Roasted Fresh Maize
Roasted fresh maize, also known as roasted corn, is a popular snack in Zambia. To make roasted fresh maize, fresh ears of corn are roasted over a hot charcoal brazier until they are tender and slightly charred.
Roasted fresh maize is often sold by street vendors or in markets. It is popular among Zambian snacks because it is filling, flavourful, and nutritious.
Fresh maize is an important crop in Zambia, and it is used in a variety of dishes, including nshima, which is a staple food in Zambia. Roasted fresh maize is a popular way to enjoy this versatile crop as a snack. It can be enjoyed as is or with tea.
Vitumbuwa/ Fritters
Vitumbuwa is a Zambian snack made from a batter of flour, yeast, sugar, and water. The batter is allowed to rise for several hours, and then it is cooked in hot oil until it is golden brown. Vitumbuwa is typically served warm and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
The key ingredients in vitumbuwa include flour, yeast, sugar, and water (See Recipe here). Some variations of vitumbuwa also include ingredients like baking powder and eggs, which give the snack a unique flavor. Vitumbuwa is popular among Zambian snacks and it is often sold by street vendors or in markets.
Vitumbuwa is similar to other fried dough snacks found in other countries, such as beignets or doughnuts. However, the use of local ingredients gives vitumbuwa a distinct flavor that is unique to Zambian cuisine.
Samosas
Samosas are a popular snack in Zambia that are believed to have originated in India. They are made from a triangular pastry shell that is filled with a mixture of spiced vegetables or minced meat. The pastry shell is then fried until it is crispy and golden brown.
In Zambia, samosas are typically filled with ground beef, onions, and potatoes. They are flavored with spices like curry, steak and chops spices, and black pepper, which give them a warm, aromatic flavor.
Samosas are among popular Zambian snacks because they are portable, filling, and flavorful. You can easily make this snack at home and enjoy it for breakfast or as a snack in between meals (see recipe here). You can also serve samosas to your guests as an appetizer with some fruit juice.
Roasted Cassava
Cassava is a starchy root vegetable that is commonly found in Africa. In Zambia, cassava is often roasted as a snack. The cassava is peeled and then dried for a long time (usually a season). It is then soaked in cold water and left to soak overnight which makes it soft and acquires a fermented soury taste. It is then sliced and roasted on a hot charcoal stove known as Mbaula until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Roasted cassava is often seasoned with salt. It is a popular among Zambian snacks because it is filling and provides a good source of carbohydrates
Boiled Groundnuts
Boiled groundnuts are another popular way to enjoy this nutritious legume in Zambia. To make boiled groundnuts, raw groundnuts which are unshelled are boiled in water until they are soft and tender.
Boiled groundnuts are often sold by street vendors or in markets, and they are a popular snack for people on the go. They are typically served in a small bag , and they can be eaten as is or seasoned with salt.
Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato chips are a popular snack in Zambia that are made by slicing sweet potatoes and frying them until they are crispy and tender. They are often seasoned with salt and can be enjoyed with tea or coffee for breakfast or in between meals.
Sweet potatoes are an important crop in Zambia, and they are used in a variety of dishes, including stews, soups, and porridges. The chips are a popular way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable as a snack.
Dry Maize/Chiwaya
Roasted dry maize, also known as chiwaya, is a popular snack in Zambia that is made from dried corn kernels. To make roasted dry maize, the corn kernels are removed from the cob and then roasted on a dry pan until they are brown. You can also add a little cooking oil and some salt after they are brown.
Zambia offers a variety of delicious and unique snacks that are worth trying. These snacks showcase the diversity and richness of Zambian cuisine. Many of these snacks are made from locally grown crops, such as maize, cassava, groundnuts, and sweet potatoes, making them not only tasty but also nutritious. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack on the go or as a part of a larger meal, these 8 authentic Zambian snacks are sure to satisfy any craving and offer a taste of the rich and vibrant culinary traditions of Zambia.
