Top traditional Mozambican foods
Updated | By Breakfast with Martin Bester
We take a look at some of Mozambique's famous traditional meals.

Mozambique is a popular tourist attraction. It has stunning views and beaches.
Many South Africans visit the country during the holiday season for leisure.
Like any other country, Mozambique has its traditional foods.
Xima
Xima, pronounced 'she-ma', is a staple in many homes in Mozambique. It is like the South African version of maize meal (pap).
Xima is prepared using ground corn flour and water. Some people add vinegar.
The soft porridge can be enjoyed with soup, meat or stew.
READ: Experience Korea in Pretoria at the Korean Cultural Centre
@miravilhaesmeralda Receita de Xima Moçambicana Ingredientes: - 2 xícaras de farinha de milho - 5 copos de água (250 ml cada) Passo a Passo: 1. Em uma tigela, misture 1 xícara de farinha de milho com 1 copo de água, mexendo até formar uma mistura suave e sem grumos. 2. Coloque 4 copos de água em uma panela grande e leve ao fogo até ferver. 3. Quando a água estiver fervendo, adicione a mistura de farinha de milho e água à panela, mexendo constantemente para evitar a formação de grumos até engrossar ligeiramente. Deixe a papinha cozinhar por 25 minutos em fogo alto com a panela tapada, pois a papinha pode saltar e queimar. 4. Uma vez cozida a papinha, destampe a panela. Continue mexendo a papinha fervente de forma circular enquanto adiciona os restantes 250 gr de farinha, controlando a consistência desejada. Misture até que ela comece a engrossar e ganhe a consistência desejada (não é obrigatório usar toda a quantidade de farinha, se não couber pode ajustar). O ideal é uma consistência suave e cremosa. 5. Cozinhe por mais 3-6 minutos em fogo brando, destampe a panela e vai mexendo até que a xima esteja homogênea. 6. Sirva a xima quente como acompanhamento para carnes, vegetais ou outros pratos da sua preferência. *Dica:* Acompanhe o vídeo para não perder nenhum detalhe e garantir que sua xima fique perfeita! #moçambicana🇲🇿🙏😻🥺❤💪 #foryou #receitas #brasil🇧🇷 #angola🇦🇴 #moçambique🇲🇿 #angola🇦🇴portugal🇵🇹brasil🇧🇷 #xima #Moçambicana #riodejaneirobrasil #ximapassoapasso ♬ som original - Miravilha Esmeralda
Matapa
Matapa is a healthy dish made of cassava leaves. The leaves are rich in vitamins, proteins and essential amino acids.
It is prepared using the leaves, coconut milk and peanuts. Coconut milk is lactose-free and contains vitamin C, iron, proteins and magnesium. Peanuts are also healthy. They are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
The dish can be made into a fish stew by adding shrimp or crab.
This healthy dish is rich and hearty and is mainly eaten with xima or rice.
@mil_sabores_mz MATAPA ,CARAGUEJO E CAMARÃO 🥥 INGREDIENTES; 600g de caranguejo 300g de camarão 3 cocos ralado 6 dentes de alho 1 tomate picado 2 cebolas picadas 2 xicaras de amendoim pilado Matapa q.b Caldo q.b MODO DE PREPARO Assista o vídeo 👇🏼 #fyp #foodie #foodlovers #receita #receitasimples #receitasfaceis #like #sher #tiktokfood #folow #coco ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) - SUNNY HOOD STUDIO
Arroz de cenoura (Portuguese carrot rice)
The arroz de cenoura is a famous rice dish in Mozambique.
It is cooked with carrot, onion and spices. You can add garlic and herbs to give it more flavour.
This type of rice has a distinct smell and taste. It can be enjoyed on its own or with meat.
@nannyfagir Receita de arroz de cenoura 🥕 #moçambique #receita #arroz #arrozdecenoura #cozinha #rotina ♬ som original - ✨Nanny🦋
Dobrada
Dobrada is a hearty tripe dish.
This stew consists of beans and onions. You can add green peppers, paprika, tomato paste and garlic to ramp up the flavour.
The stew is best served with xima.
@pik_delicias Coisas de casa, coisas d’África.😌🙌🏿 #xima #verdura #dobrada #vinagrete #fyp #naoflopa #delicia #nacalaporto #nampula #mocambique ♬ Xigubu - Dj Ganyani
Bolo Polana
Bolo Polona is a popular cake in Mozambique. Unlike other cakes that use flour, this Mozambique treat is made using cooked potatoes and ground cashews.
It is easy to make and has a rich, smooth and nutty taste.
The Bolo Polona is an excellent choice for vegans.
Chicken!
What makes Mozambique's chicken unique is the peri-peri flavour using the country’s unique spices.
The chicken is marinated overnight in a peri-peri sauce.
Some chicken flavours are smoky. To achieve this, use a smoky marinate instead of a plain one.
@chefwithpalette Roast Chicken In Air Fryer #airfryer #airfryermaster #airfryerchicken #airfryerrecipes #airfryertiktok #roastchicken #roast #chicken ♬ original sound - Chefwithpalette
Badjias (bean cakes)
The Badjias is a popular snack in Mozambique.
They are a small bean patty fried in oil that you put in pão (bread).
The cakes consist of beans that have been soaked and blended, then made into a purée. This mixture is then mixed with onions, garlic and peppers.
@neyma_nc O melhor matabicho de Maputo 🇲🇿 pão com badjia. Uma das melhores iguarias de Mocambique. #receitatradicional #mozambique #food #africa #badjias ♬ som original - Neyma Nacimo
Taste of Global: Experience tastes from around the world
From Monday, February 24, we're launching something truly special on 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', brought to you by FNB Private.
Welcome to Taste of Global – an eight-week culinary journey that brings global cuisine to our studio and your airwaves.
Taste of Global: Experience tastes from around the world
Each week, from Monday to Thursday, we'll explore the flavours, traditions, and stories behind some of the world's most iconic dishes.
A featured country will take centre stage every week, with a chef, cook, or flavour maestro joining us to showcase their nation's signature cuisine.
These countries include:
South Korea
Mozambique
Italy
Ghana
Greece
Botswana
United Kingdom
India
Image courtesy of iStock/ @Ivan Bruno
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