A FOOD TRADITION

Bemba cuisine

Bemba cuisine is centered in northern and Copperbelt areas of Zambia and is closely related to foodways shared across the wider north-central region. Meals commonly combine ubwali, a stiff maize or cassava meal, with umunani relishes made from leafy greens, vegetables, beans, mushrooms, fish, or meat. Chikanda, a firm pounded orchid-tuber preparation cooked with groundnuts and spices, is strongly associated with the region but is also found beyond Bemba communities. Drying, pounding, boiling, and cooking ingredients into thick relishes are characteristic techniques. Examples include ubwali with leafy relish, chikanda, and dried-fish or mushroom accompaniments.

Catalogue preview Cuisine connections may be unreviewed. Regional comparisons include their food references and do not establish the ingredients of a particular meal.