Two weeks into our African adventure and we are
noticing a recurring theme – that the host Rotarians are very keen for us to try
their traditional foods, and plenty of it! Here is a small taste of whats been
on the menu so far.
We have tried a variety of meats, from antelope to
crocodile, a Zambian speciality of chicken’s feet (quite chewy/bony),
caterpillars (v crunchy) and home made sausages (spicy). A particular treat was
cow hooves, but not all of the GSE team were brave enough to try that one. The
Zambian way is to eat with your hands, and this takes a little getting used
to – its like doing the opposite of what you were always told as a kid: ‘don’t
play with your food.’ But to eat the traditional nchima, you take some and then
roll it in your hands before dipping it into the vegetabes and gravy. Quite
messy at first but it's an enjoyable way to eat, feeling much more
connected to your meal and it allows you to take some time over eating it.
Another wonderful tradition is the braai. We have been to several already, each one a little different but lots
of fun and delicious food. There is something special about cooking and eating
outside, good food, good company and good beer too! Many of our hosts grow
their own vegetables or keep chickens
and this has meant lots of very tasty homegrown dishes.
It's been great staying with host families and eating meals with them, we are certainly learning a lot and eating a lot too!
