Mozambican food

A TASTE OF

MOZAMBIQUE

Discover the stories, ingredients and traditions behind Mozambique's most loved dishes.

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EXPLORE DISHES

Discover delicious Mozambican recipes.

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DISCOVER CULTURE

Learn about our culture and history.

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WATCH & LEARN

Watch videos and learn step by step.

OUR STORY

Food that tells a story.

Explore the dishes, people and traditions that make Mozambican food unique.

DISCOVER OUR CUISINE

Traditional Mozambican Dishes

Explore the ingredients and flavours that make our food special.
Tihove

Tihove

A traditional dish made with pumpkin, peanuts and coconut, bringing together rich and natural flavours.

TRADITIONAL DISH
Mucapata

Mucapata

A speciality from Zambézia made with rice, split peas and coconut milk.

ZAMBÉZIA SPECIALITY
Xiguinha de Mandioca

Xiguinha de Mandioca

A comforting cassava dish cooked with coconut milk and peanuts.

TRADITIONAL DISH
Nhangana

Nhangana

A traditional dish made with leafy greens and peanuts, enjoyed as part of Mozambican cuisine.

GREENS & PEANUTS
Badjias

Badjias

Golden, crispy bean fritters that are especially popular in Maputo and often eaten with bread.

POPULAR STREET FOOD
Doce de Coco

Doce de Coco

A sweet coconut treat that celebrates the rich flavour of coconut in Mozambican desserts.

TRADITIONAL SWEET

OUR FOOD, OUR CULTURE

The History Behind Our Dishes

Discover the traditions and cultural stories behind some of Mozambique's favourite dishes.

Tihove dish

1. Tihove

Tihove is a traditional Mozambican dish associated with the country's food culture, particularly in the southern regions. It is commonly prepared using ingredients such as maize, beans or other locally available foods, depending on the family and region. Recipes can vary between households, showing how traditional cooking changes according to local ingredients and personal preferences.

Mucapata dish

2. Mucapata

Mucapata is a traditional dish especially associated with Zambézia Province in central Mozambique. It is known for combining rice, split peas and coconut milk. Coconut is an important ingredient in many coastal Mozambican recipes, where it adds flavour and richness. Mucapata reflects the region's culinary traditions and the use of locally available ingredients.

Xiguinha de Mandioca dish

3. Xiguinha de Mandioca

Xiguinha de mandioca is a traditional Mozambican dish made with cassava and commonly prepared with ingredients such as coconut milk and ground peanuts. Cassava has long been an important food crop in many parts of Mozambique because its roots can provide a filling source of energy. The dish demonstrates how everyday crops are transformed into meals that are part of local food traditions.

Nhangana leafy greens dish

4. Nhangana

Nhangana refers to leafy greens used in traditional Mozambican cooking. Leafy vegetables are an important part of many home-cooked meals and are often prepared with ground peanuts, onion or other locally available ingredients. The exact preparation can differ by region and family. Dishes made with greens demonstrate the importance of vegetables and local produce in everyday Mozambican food culture.

Badjias bean fritters

5. Badjias

Badjias are savoury fritters made from legumes, commonly cowpeas or black-eyed peas. They are enjoyed as snacks and street food in Mozambique. Similar fritters are found in other parts of the Indian Ocean region, reflecting the movement of people, ingredients and cooking traditions through trade and migration. In Mozambique, badjias are often sold by street vendors and enjoyed freshly fried.

Doce de Coco coconut sweet

6. Doce de Coco

Doce de coco is a sweet made with coconut and sugar. Coconut is widely used in Mozambican cooking, particularly in coastal areas where it is readily available. Coconut sweets are enjoyed as treats and may be prepared for family gatherings or sold in local markets. Recipes vary in texture and sweetness, but they show how a familiar local ingredient can be used to create a simple dessert.