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The Culture of Malawi: Malawian Food
The Culture of Malawi: Malawian Food
Malawi has a rich history, with settlements in the area dating back into prehistoric times. Over the millennia, the food of Malawi has evolved and changed due to influences from European and Asian cultures who settled in the area. In this article, we will explore the culture of Malawi through Malawian food.
Farming in Malawi
Malawi’s population is made up mainly of subsistence farmers, with 80% of the population living in rural areas. Because of this, there is not a wide variety of foods available. Most people grow the same crops so that they can feed their families. Crops grown in Malawi include maize (corn), sweet potatoes, cassava, potatoes, tomatoes, greens (bonongwe, mpiru and pumpkin leaves), soybeans, groundnuts (peanuts), sugar cane, coffee, tea, and sorghum.
Cattle, goats, and chickens are generally raised for meat, and fish from Lake Malawi and local rivers are a staple of the Malawian diet. There are several species of fish eaten in Malawi, including chambo, usipa, mpasa, and kampango.
Traditional foods of Malawi
The classic food of Malawi is nsima, a patty made from cornmeal that is eaten with relish. You might hear that a meal is not complete if there is no nsima on the table. There are many types of relish made in Malawi, containing various vegetables in a light sauce or marinade. You can check out our recipe for nsima here!
A common beverage in Malawi is thobwa, a fermented drink made from either maize or sorghum. Here’s our recipe! Tea is also very popular, with many village markets having tea houses where one can have a cup of tea and a small meal.
Futali is a traditional comfort food, often eaten in the fall when sweet potato crops are harvested. Made with peanut flour, it is a mildly sweet, filling meal that many people love. If that sounds tasty, you can check out our futali recipe.
Mandazi is a type of pastry similar to an American donut. They are eaten out of hand and are a popular option for dessert. Here is a recipe from the US Peace Corps.
Zitumbuwa are banana fritters and are a popular treat often available in Malawian markets. They are an affordable snack and are considered a healthy option when one is hungry. Together Women Rise has an easy recipe.
Malawian food culture
In Malawi, most meals are eaten without utensils. Cooking is often done over a wood or charcoal fire, as many homes do not have electricity. Running water is often not easily accessible (though Orant is working to change that!), and women have to walk several kilometers each morning to fetch water for cooking and washing. Malawians have learned to do a lot with a little, creating delicious, enticing meals from limited ingredients. We hope you will try some of the traditional foods of Malawi, and you will love them as much as we do!
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