Zambia’s culinary scene holds a delicious surprise for vegetarian travellers: ifisashi, a beloved dish found in homes across the country. While it is less commonly seen on restaurant menus in Lusaka and Livingstone, ifisashi remains a staple of traditional food and everyday Zambian home cooking and is celebrated for its rich, comforting flavours.
Green leafy vegetables are abundant in Maramba Market in Livingstone, Zambia.
At its heart, ifisashi is a harmonious blend of leafy greens and groundnuts, creating a thick, satisfying stew. Zambia’s cuisine is often associated with grilled T-bone steak and fresh fish from the Zambezi River, but a visit to a local market reveals a vibrant variety of greens.
Hibiscus leaves, sweet potato leaves, collard greens, and pumpkin leaves are all commonly used, each bringing its own subtle character to the dish.
These markets are also a wonderful place to pick up food souvenirs, from groundnut flour to locally grown spices, offering travellers a taste of Zambia to take home.
Ifisashi can look quite different based on the type of leafy green, the amount of groundnuts added, and the personal recipe of the cook.
Traditionally, ifisashi is enjoyed with nshima, Zambia’s staple food, and eaten by hand. Small portions of nshima are shaped into balls and used to scoop up the stew, turning each bite into an interactive and memorable experience. For visitors, mastering this technique becomes part of the journey, one that often ends with a newfound appreciation for Zambian cuisine and a lasting connection to its food culture.
For travellers wanting to experience Zambia through its food, guided culinary experiences offer a deeper connection to local culture. Jiranileo Food Tours, based in Lusaka and Livingstone, provide an immersive way to explore markets, meet local producers, and taste traditional dishes like ifisashi in their authentic setting.
Whether as a standalone experience or part of a wider itinerary, food tours add a rich and memorable layer to any journey through Zambia.
