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Tanzania

Food, Dining, & Drinks

Dining Etiquette

To fit in at a dining table in Tanzania, you must be observant, because table etiquette here varies drastically from one house to the next. Differing socio-economic classes, location, and local ethnicity contribute far more in determining behavior than does anything else. Your best course of action is just to arrive open-minded and follow the lead of your hosts.

If invited to a local's house be ready to eat on the floor or on a mat on the floor. Also, since customs vary so much from one household to the next, use common courtesy by showing up on time, leaving your shoes at the door, and bringing a small gift like a dessert or flowers. These actions will be looked upon favorably by all locals.

Once inside, again, just be observant. You may notice everyone washing their hands prior to eating or in some Muslims families men and women may dine separately. Plus, although there is great variety, few Tanzanians will serve drinks with a meal and many locals consider turning down very rude. If there is no cutlery (silverware) use your right hand to eat and never get up from the table until the meal is complete. Common courtesy and observation is the best course of action for dining in Tanzania so keep your eyes, and your mind open.

For restaurant tipping information, read Tanzania's Expenses & Tipping section.

History & Influences

Tanzanian food has changed little over time; it has always been based on what is locally available, which means their diet primarily consists of grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish along the coasts, rivers, and lakes. Few people, even today can afford a meat-based diet.

Due to Zanzibar's status as the Indian Ocean's most important trading hub for decades there have been influences, however these introductions have rarely made much headway inland. The Arabs introduced many Mediterranean ingredients like citruses and garlic, while the Indians introduced a huge number of spices and increased the popularity of rice.

From before Zanzibar's rise to power, with the Portuguese arrival, to after their trading influence fell, Tanzania has received changes from colonizing European powers. Among these changes, tea, coffee, and cassava have been among the most important and influential introductions.

Staple Foods

Ugali: cornmeal cooked until it is a dough- or sticky rice-like texture
Rice: especially common among the Indian minority, but its popularity is spreading

Regional Varieties & Specialties

Indian Ocean Coast: more Muslims so no pork & more Indians so less meat in general

Drinks

As a result of being under foreign occupation for a number of years tea and coffee have become popular drinks in Tanzania, some of which are grown locally.

Banana beer is growing in popularity in Tanzania and it tends to be a cheap alternative to imported or locally produced beers. Along the coasts and in primarily Muslim communities alcohol is either forbidden or simply unpopular.

This page was last updated: August, 2011