Cuisine in Malawi

Signature dishes

Nsima

Staple food of kneaded cornmeal eaten by hand with various side dishes

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Cornmeal, Water

Chambo

Representative fish dish of Lake Malawi tilapia grilled or fried

Region: Lakeshore areas
Main ingredients: Chambo (fish), Salt, Oil

Ndiwo

Nsima side dish of pumpkin leaves or water spinach simmered in peanut sauce

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Greens, Peanuts, Tomatoes

Mkondoro

Sour sauce simmering dried baobab leaves with tomatoes

Region: Central
Main ingredients: Baobab leaves, Tomatoes, Onions

Beef Sobora

Home dish simmering beef fillet with tomatoes and onions

Region: Urban areas
Main ingredients: Beef, Tomatoes, Spices

Malawi-style Chicken Curry

Mild curry influenced by British culture

Region: Urban areas
Main ingredients: Chicken, Curry powder, Coconut milk

Mandazi

Slightly sweet fried donuts popular for breakfast and snacks

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Sugar, Yeast

Mutton Macadamia Nut Stew

Rich stew simmering goat meat with macadamia nuts

Region: South
Main ingredients: Goat meat, Macadamia nuts, Spices

Mouse on a Stick

Rare snack of dried grassland mice on skewers

Region: Central highlands
Main ingredients: Wild mice, Salt

Toro (Lake Chilwa Dried Fish)

Sun-dried small fish preserved food used as nsima ingredient

Region: Lakeshore areas
Main ingredients: Freshwater small fish, Salt