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Snack Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥400kcal
💪30gProtein
🌾10gCarbs
🥑25gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️100 gServing

* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.

Ifinkubala

How to order / say it
Say it Ifinkubala — [ifin-kuh-bah-lah]
Order Can I get some fried caterpillars?
Locally Ndisunge ifinkubala fyakosaswa.
Say locally

Fried caterpillars seasoned with spices, a popular Lusaka street food.

Why try it?

Ifinkubala, commonly served in Lusaka, is emblematic of the city's adventurous palate and reliance on nutrient-dense indigenous foods. Eating these caterpillars fosters an appreciation for unique protein sources available in Zambia.

How it tastes

Ifinkubala have a rich, earthy flavor combined with a crispy exterior when fried. They are seasoned with salt and local spices, offering an exotic and daring taste experience.

Origin & History — first documented: 1955

Although Mopane worms originate from southern Africa, they have been sold as a snack in Lusaka's bustling markets since the mid-20th century. As city dwellers sought affordable and protein-rich foods, ifinkubala found their place as both sustenance and delicacy.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥩 200 g dried caterpillars
  • 🫒 100 ml oil
  • 🧂 1 tsp salt
  • 🧂 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 🧄 2 cloves garlic

Method

  1. 1 Rehydrate caterpillars in warm water.
  2. 2 Heat oil in a pan.
  3. 3 Fry caterpillars with garlic until crispy.
  4. 4 Season with salt and chili powder.
  5. 5 Serve hot as a snack.

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All Africa recipes — Zambia — Lusaka — Ifinkubala
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