Zambia Food Guide: Nshima with Ifisashi — From Market Eateries to Riverside Restaurants
Food Guide
2026-10-03
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Cornmeal nshima is the true soul food of Zambia: how to eat it the local way, where to find Kapenta fish and grilled chicken, plus average price ranges for three types of dining scenarios.
Staples of the National Table
- Nshima: A thick, white porridge made from finely ground maize meal, it’s a staple of nearly every Zambian meal, eaten three times a day; traditionally, it’s rolled into a ball with the right hand and dipped into a side dish.
- Ifisashi: A peanut sauce stew made with leafy greens or spinach, which pairs well with nshima — a great choice for vegetarian travellers.
- Kapenta: Small dried silver fish from Lake Tanganyika, typically pan-fried or cooked in tomato sauce, and a great addition to many meals.
- Zambezi Bream/Tilapia: Whole fish grilled or fried, usually served with a tomato and onion dipping sauce — a popular dish at riverside restaurants.
- Grilled Chicken (Inkuku): Free-range chicken grilled over charcoal, with a firm texture, often served with a local chili sauce.
- Mopane Worms: Dried caterpillars of the emperor moth, usually pan-fried — a high-protein traditional snack that’s an acquired taste.
Drinks and Alcohol
- Mosi Beer: A national lager named after the Victoria Falls, commonly found in safari camp bars.
- Mahewu / Chibwantu: Fermented drinks made from maize or millet, slightly tangy and sweet, ideal for cooling down.
- Zambian Coffee and Black Tea: Coffee from the Eastern Province highlands has been improving in quality in recent years, and Lusaka’s specialty coffee shops are worth visiting.
Price Ranges and Where to Eat
| Setting | Per Person | Typical Places |
|---|
| Markets and Small Eateries | $1–$4 | Around Soweto Market in Lusaka, roadside grilled chicken stalls in towns |
| Mid-range Restaurants | $8–$17 | East Park, Arcades shopping mall food courts, riverside restaurants in Livingstone |
| Safari Camps | All-inclusive | Three meals a day plus afternoon tea at camps in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi |
Tips
- Portions tend to be large — a single nshima meal is often enough to share between two people.
- For fresh river fish, grilled is the safest option; avoid raw or undercooked fish due to higher risk.
- During Ramadan, some Muslim-owned eateries may close during the day; plan meals earlier in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Alcohol at camp bars is often priced in US dollars and can be expensive — wine drinkers may want to bring their own.