Travelling to a continent is not complete with sampling the authentic and traditional foods of each country, so we have put together a top five featuring spicy, exotic and sweet local dishes you can try on your adventure, and don’t forget to try one of our many favourite dining haunts en-route as they are not to be missed!
Poitjiekos
There is nothing like traditional South African Potjiekos. Literally translated this means “small pot food”, and it is a well known stew including, beef, lamb, chicken, vegetable or (one of South Africans favorites) Waterblommetjies (“water flower”) prepared outdoors in a traditional round, cast iron, three-legged pot. The meal is served with root vegies of your choice, rice or traditional mielepap – a traditional porridge/ polenta made from mielie-meal(ground maize) and a staple food of the Bantu inhabitants of South Africa.
Where to sample it: On the road – The Acacia crew are truly creative cooks and nothing compares to cooking in a Potjie pot. The equipment on our Overland trucks carry both the flat round and the three legged potjie pots. So, without a doubt a poitjie will be served at least once on your African Adventure.
Game Sosatie (Game Kebab)
If you are a meat lover, Namibia will be one of your favorite foodie destinations. From cuts of beef, lamb, pork and the more exotic game meats – Kudu, Springbok, Zebra and Gemsbok you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Where to sample it: Joe’s Beer House Restaurant, Windhoek is the most famous game steak restaurant and serves the most outstanding Sosatie (kebab) – Kudu, Zebra, Gemsbok, Springbok and crocodile with corn fritters – This place has to be the most talked about game meat restaurant in Southern Africa and hosts a huge selection of the finest game meats, plus mouth watering vegetarian foods and beers. How to get there? Hop on our Cape Desert Safari (Norhbound) – NCDS12 tour and finish in Windhoek.
Nyama Choma (roasted meat)
Nyama choma, meaning “barbecued meat” in Kiswahili, is Kenya’s unofficial national dish. Any meat can be used for this dish (the most popular is goat) as long as it is cooked by the process of roasting. Nyama Choma pairs well with Ugali i.e. maize flour or cornmeal porridge and native Kenyan Beer. Its served with freshly cooked greens or a fresh crunchy tomato-onion salad known as ‘Kachumbari’
Where to sample it: On the road. Nothing beats roasting a leg of goat, or lamb on an open fire back at camp and eating it traditional style – with your hands! Add in a little bit of meat, a little bit of Ugali (Maize meal) and some Kachumbari and you’ll have a really tasty dish.
The Forodhani Gardens hosts the food market every night after sunset. This is where locals and tourists indulge in delicious Swahili and Zanzibar delicacies such as grilled seafood (plenty of octopus and fish mixed with local spices) samoosas, skewered meat, sweet potatos and cuts of Cassava (a tuberous starchy root). The Zanzibar vegetarian Pizza is also a must as is the sugar cane drink with added ginger and lime. It’s a really fun vibe, and the food is delicious. Come here in the late afternoon and immerse yourself in the culture.
Where to sample it: On Zanzibar of course – 3 days southbound or 4 days northbound on your East African adventure.
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Where to sample it: On our Small groups tours from Kruger to Cape Town – KTCT17 on one of your lunch stops. You’ll be able to take a bite everywhere in Southern Africa whether you’re at a restaurant, supermarket or spending time at a farm stall, though be warned, it is one of those desserts that will have you going back for more.
Blog written by: Michelle Lewis – Acacia Sales & Marketing department.