What are the most renowned gastronomic dishes in Mozambique?
Mozambique's signature dishes include piri-piri shrimp (local chili), matapa (cassava leaves with peanuts and coconut milk), frango piri-piri (spiced chicken), and fresh grilled seafood.
Must-try specialties
- Peri-peri shrimp: prepared with the famous local chili pepper, an emblematic sauce of the country
- Matapa: traditional dish made with pounded cassava leaves, peanuts and coconut milk
- Frango piri-piri: chicken marinated and grilled in spicy peri-peri sauce
- Grilled seafood and fish: freshly caught from the Indian Ocean coast
Mozambican culinary influence
Mozambican gastronomy reflects the country's history with Portuguese, African and Indian influences. Peri-peri, a small very hot red chili pepper, has become the signature spice that flavors most meat and seafood dishes.
To remember
These dishes are best enjoyed in marisqueiras (seafood restaurants) along the coast, particularly in Maputo, Beira or on the island of Mozambique. Matapa is often served with white rice or xima (corn semolina).