Food

Food in Maputo and most of the Mozambican tourist resorts is not restricted to traditional Mozambican delights. Cuisine from all over the world can be found in Mozambique, including Asia, India, the Middle East and the East.

Fast food chains are also rising in popularity due to convenience, but don’t consider it. Rather eat the local food. It’s just great! 

Portuguese rule impacted heavily on the cuisine of Mozambique. Crops such as cassava (a starchy root), cashew nuts, pãozinho (bread rolls) as well as the use of seasonings such bay leaves, garlic, fresh coriander, paprika, chili peppers, red sweet peppers, and wine were introduced by the Portuguese.

The influence can be seen in several popular modern day dishers such as the Prego (steak roll), rissois (battered shrimp), espetada (kebab), pudim (pudding), and the popular inteiro com piripiri, which is a whole chicken in very hot piri-piri sauce.

Shrimp, crayfish and fish is popular and easy to come by along the coast.

Drink

Locally brewed maize beer is like a staple food for locals. It is thick and sweet and often drunk from a common pot, shared by everyone present. A Portuguese wine called Madeira is also popular, but beer and wine from across the world is served in most restaurants. Wines from South Africa is extremely popular and can be bought in shops all over the country.

Water

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised.