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Local food map
Lusaka (Zambia)
Hotels in area
Main course
Vegan
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
360kcal
9gProtein
80gCarbs
1gFat
4gFibre
400 gServing
* Per serving · 400 g. May vary.
Nshima
How to order / say it
Say it
Nshima — [nsh-ee-mah]
Order
I'll have nshima, please.
Locally
Nposalani nshima, chonde.
Say locally
Nshima, a porridge made from ground maize, is the cornerstone of Zambian meals.
Why try it?
Nshima is regarded as the heart of Zambian meals and is a central element of Lusaka's dining tables. Its preparation and serving are deeply ingrained in local hospitality and family traditions, making it essential to experience when in the city.
How it tastes
Nshima has a subtle, corn flavor and a thick, smooth texture. It is usually bland on its own but serves as a neutral base for various vegetable and meat relishes.
Origin & History — first documented: 1850
Introduced by settlers in the 19th century, nshima became a ubiquitous staple as maize cultivation spread throughout Zambia, including Lusaka. Over time, it became an integral part of the local diet due to its affordability and versatility.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌾 300 g mealie meal
- 700 ml water
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
Method
- 1 Boil water and salt.
- 2 Slowly add mealie meal while stirring.
- 3 Continue stirring until thick and smooth.
- 4 Cook for about 10 minutes.
- 5 Serve hot with relishes.
More from Lusaka
© Wikimedia Commons
Snack
Vegan
Chikanda
chee-kan-dah
Chikanda is a traditional Zambian dish made from orchid tubers and ground peanuts.
Drink
Vegan
Munkoyo
mun-ko-yoh
Munkoyo is a traditional, lightly fermented beverage made from maize meal.
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Kapenta
kah-pen-tah
Kapenta are small fish, fried or stewed, commonly served with nshima.
🥩
Snack
Meat
Ifinkubala
ifin-kuh-bah-lah
Fried caterpillars seasoned with spices, a popular Lusaka street food.