Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Masvingo, Zimbabwe, Masvingo, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Masvingo, Zimbabwe

1. Sadza with Nyora

A staple dish made from ground corn meal and served with relish made from cow peas or green vegetables. Try it at Runde Turnoff Restaurant.
  • Authentic Taste: Sadza is a traditional dish that offers an authentic taste of Zimbabwean cuisine.
  • Versatile Accompaniment: The relish can be made from various vegetables, but Nyora (cow peas) is a local favorite.
  • Affordable Prices: Sadza with Nyora is a cost-effective meal, making it accessible to travelers on a budget.

2. Nehwe Stew

A traditional dish made from dried wild game meat and berries. Visit Great Zimbabwe National Monument Restaurant to try this delicacy.
  • Historical Setting: Enjoy Nehwe Stew in a restaurant located within the Great Zimbabwe ruins, adding historical significance.
  • Wild Game Flavor: The unique flavor of the dried game meat sets this dish apart from others.
  • Berries Variation: Different types of berries are used in Nehwe Stew, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the game meat.

3. Murondo Pork

Pork cooked in a traditional clay pot over an open fire. Visit a local village or Gumunda Lodge for this smoky treat.
  • Cooking Method: The cooking method in a clay pot gives Murondo Pork a unique, smoky flavor.
  • Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional way of cooking by visiting a local village or lodge.
  • Tender and Juicy: The slow-cooking process results in tender, juicy pork that melts in your mouth.

4. Mapofu Dish

A dessert made from wild fruit and ground nuts. Try it at Runde Turnoff Restaurant.
  • Traditional Dessert: Mapofu is a traditional Shona dish, offering a taste of local desserts.
  • Wild Fruit Variety: The fruit used in Mapofu can vary depending on the season, providing a unique experience each time.
  • Healthy Option: Mapofu is a healthier dessert option, made from natural fruits and nuts.

5. Mukowo Stew

A stew made from cow's liver, served with sadza. Try it at Runde Turnoff Restaurant.
  • Cultural Significance: Mukowo Stew is a traditional dish that holds cultural significance for many Zimbabweans.
  • Taste and Texture: The taste and texture of Mukowo Stew are unique, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
  • Complementary to Sadza: Mukowo Stew is a perfect accompaniment to the traditional staple, sadza.

6. Runde River Fish

Fresh fish caught from Runde River. Try it at Runde Turnoff Restaurant.
  • Fresh and Local Ingredients: The fish is freshly caught from the local Runde River, ensuring a high-quality meal.
  • Variety of Fish Species: Different species of fish can be found in the Runde River, providing a diverse culinary experience.
  • Cooking Method: The fish is grilled or fried to perfection, enhancing its natural flavors.

7. Mahambe Nherera

A traditional dessert made from wild fruit and ground nuts. Try it at Gumunda Lodge.
  • Traditional Dessert: Mahambe Nherera is a traditional dish that offers a taste of local desserts.
  • Wild Fruit Variety: The fruit used in Mahambe Nherera can vary depending on the season, providing a unique experience each time.
  • Healthy Option: Mahambe Nherera is a healthier dessert option, made from natural fruits and nuts.

8. Gora Mhoba (Zambezi Bream)

Fresh fish caught from the Zambezi River. Visit Gumunda Lodge to try this local delicacy.
  • Fresh and Local Ingredients: The fish is freshly caught from the nearby Zambezi River, ensuring a high-quality meal.
  • Variety of Fish Species: Different species of fish can be found in the Zambezi River, providing a diverse culinary experience.
  • Cooking Method: The fish is grilled or fried to perfection, enhancing its natural flavors.

9. Mutakura (Grilled Goat Meat)

Grilled goat meat, a popular dish among locals. Visit a local village or Gumunda Lodge to try Mutakura.
  • Cultural Significance: Mutakura is a traditional dish that holds cultural significance for many Zimbabweans.
  • Flavorful and Tender: The goat meat is marinated before grilling, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.
  • Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional way of cooking by visiting a local village or lodge.

10. Mbudzi Rungwe (Roasted Antelope)

Roasted antelope, a delicacy often served on special occasions. Try it at Gumunda Lodge.
  • Historical Significance: Mbudzi Rungwe is a traditional dish that holds historical significance as a symbol of wealth and status.
  • Taste and Texture: The taste and texture of Mbudzi Rungwe are unique, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
  • Authentic Experience: Enjoy this special dish at a lodge that offers traditional Zimbabwean cuisine.

11. Runyoka (Roasted Maize)

Roasted corn on the cob, a popular street food. Find it at local markets throughout Masvingo.
  • Affordable and Accessible: Runyoka is an affordable and accessible snack, perfect for travelers on a budget.
  • Cultural Experience: Buying Runyoka from local street vendors provides a cultural experience.
  • Flavorful and Nutritious: Roasted corn is flavorful, and it's also a nutritious snack option.

12. Nyama Choma (Grilled Meat)

Grilled meat, often served at social gatherings. Visit a local village or Gumunda Lodge to try Nyama Choma.
  • Cultural Significance: Nyama Choma is a traditional dish that holds cultural significance as a symbol of hospitality and friendship.
  • Taste and Texture: The taste and texture of Nyama Choma are unique, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.
  • Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional way of cooking by visiting a local village or lodge.

13. Runde River Prawns

Fresh prawns caught from Runde River. Try them at Runde Turnoff Restaurant.
  • Fresh and Local Ingredients: The prawns are freshly caught from the local Runde River, ensuring a high-quality meal.
  • Variety of Prawn Species: Different species of prawn can be found in the Runde River, providing a diverse culinary experience.
  • Cooking Method: The prawns are grilled or fried to perfection, enhancing their natural flavors.

14. Mhanda (Roasted Groundnuts)

Roasted groundnuts, a popular snack. Find them at local markets throughout Masvingo.
  • Affordable and Accessible: Mhanda is an affordable and accessible snack, perfect for travelers on a budget.
  • Cultural Experience: Buying Mhanda from local street vendors provides a cultural experience.
  • Healthy Snack Option: Mhanda is a nutritious snack option, rich in fiber and protein.

15. Runde River Crayfish

Fresh crayfish caught from Runde River. Try them at Runde Turnoff Restaurant.
  • Fresh and Local Ingredients: The crayfish are freshly caught from the local Runde River, ensuring a high-quality meal.
  • Variety of Crayfish Species: Different species of crayfish can be found in the Runde River, providing a diverse culinary experience.
  • Cooking Method: The crayfish are grilled or fried to perfection, enhancing their natural flavors.