About the food of Zimbabwe

A bridge near Victoria Falls. Photo by Someone35

Yesterday, I mentioned my fear of crossing “the chasm”, towards the final post of this Adventure.

And yet, here we are. Time stalls for none.

This is the first step over Victoria Falls from Zambia to Zimbabwe.

"Here's a view of Victoria Falls from the helicopter. (You'll probably want to click the image to see a larger picture, where you'll find this caption waiting for you at the bottom.) At the left the broad Zambezi plunges 100 metres into the first gorge, raising the eternal cloud of mist and forming a rainbow visible in front of the bridge across the gorge. We're overflying Zimbabwe at the moment; the "Knife Edge" from which the first photo of the falls above was taken protrudes from the Zambia side above and to the left of the bridge. The bungee jumping platform is visible at the centre of the bridge, near the top of the rainbow. Electricity generation in Zambia is in excess of 99% hydroelectric; a power station is visible at the right of the image, along with outflow from the turbines into the gorge. After the falls, the Zambezi traverses a series of zigzag gorges, the first two of which are visible here." Photo and words by John Walker (2001)

“Here’s a view of Victoria Falls from the helicopter. At the left the broad Zambezi plunges 100 metres into the first gorge, raising the eternal cloud of mist and forming a rainbow visible in front of the bridge across the gorge. We’re overflying Zimbabwe at the moment; the “Knife Edge” from which the first photo of the falls above was taken protrudes from the Zambia side above and to the left of the bridge. The bungee jumping platform is visible at the centre of the bridge, near the top of the rainbow. Electricity generation in Zambia is in excess of 99% hydroelectric; a power station is visible at the right of the image, along with outflow from the turbines into the gorge. After the falls, the Zambezi traverses a series of zigzag gorges, the first two of which are visible here.” Photo & words by John Walker (2001)

There are a few restaurants near the falls, like the Rainforest Cafe, where you can get a Crocodile Tail Wrap with wasabi.

Talk about fusion!

The Boggie Clock in Gweru, Zimbabwe. In the background is the Midlands Hotel. Photo by Akumudzi.

As one travels further into the heart of this southern African country, more traditional foods appear, like pumpkin greens (bowara) cooked with peanut butter, peanut butter stews, and even pumpkin and peanut butter. (Here are three recipes for pumpkin and squash enjoyed in Zimbabwe)

Not enough peanut butter for you? Next time you boil up rice (white or brown), stir in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter – just enough so that you can shape the rice into balls. This is called Mupunga une dovi.

Zimbabwe Sunset. Photo by Steve Evans.

Serve your meal with anything from the tradtional sadza (a maize-based, stiff porridge), to the cities’ sweet buns made with yeast and sugar.

Many foods you might recognize from South Africa are also popular in Zimbabwe, such as malva pudding (a cake soaked in custard, like a South African “tres leches” of sorts), and Candy Cake [Recipe]. Since the papaya grows well in the hot climate, papaya candy, called mapopo, is a big hit with the children.