Mozambique, a Southeast African gem, is a treasure trove of vibrant flavors, rich spices, and hearty dishes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
With its coastal location and cultural influences from Portugal, India, and Arabia, Mozambican cuisine is a fusion of bold, fresh, and downright delicious flavors.
Think coconut-infused stews, fiery peri-peri sauces, and seafood so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’re in for a treat.
We’ve rounded up the 10+ best Mozambican recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.
These dishes are packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to transport you straight to the sunny beaches of Mozambique. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
1. Matata (Clam and Peanut Stew)
Matata is a creamy, nutty stew that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.
This dish combines fresh clams, ground peanuts, and leafy greens like spinach or pumpkin leaves for a hearty meal that’s perfect over steamed rice.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh clams (cleaned)
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts (ground)
- 2 cups spinach or pumpkin leaves (chopped)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until softened.
Stir in the ground peanuts and coconut milk, then add the clams and greens.
Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the clams open and the stew thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Matata is a unique blend of land and sea, showcasing Mozambique’s love for fresh seafood and rich, nutty flavors. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore the country’s coastal cuisine.
2. Piri-Piri Chicken
Piri-Piri Chicken is Mozambique’s answer to spicy, smoky grilled chicken.
Marinated in a fiery piri-piri sauce made from African bird’s eye chilies, this dish is a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 10-12 piri-piri chilies (or substitute with Thai chilies)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Blend chilies, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, and salt into a smooth paste.
Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 2 hours (overnight is better). Grill or bake until golden and cooked through.
Why We Selected It:
Piri-Piri Chicken is iconic in Mozambique, and its spicy kick is unforgettable. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
3. Xima (Maize Porridge)
Xima is a staple in Mozambican households, a simple yet satisfying maize porridge that pairs perfectly with stews and sauces.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups maize meal (cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Bring water to a boil, then gradually whisk in the maize meal. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook on low heat until thick and smooth. Serve as a side dish.
Why This Made the List:
Xima is the ultimate comfort food in Mozambique. It’s versatile, easy to make, and a great way to experience the country’s everyday cuisine.
4. Camarão à Zambeziana (Prawns in Coconut Sauce)
This dish features succulent prawns cooked in a creamy coconut sauce with garlic, lime, and chili. It’s fresh, zesty, and downright addictive.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 chili (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté garlic and chili in olive oil until fragrant. Add prawns and cook until pink.
Pour in coconut milk and lime juice, then simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Camarão à Zambeziana is a coastal classic that highlights Mozambique’s love for seafood and coconut. It’s a dish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining by the beach.
5. Frango à Cafreal (Green Chicken Curry)
Frango à Cafreal is a fragrant, spicy chicken dish made with a vibrant green curry paste. It’s bold, aromatic, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1-inch ginger
- 2 green chilies
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Blend cilantro, garlic, ginger, chilies, and lime juice into a paste. Marinate the chicken in the paste for 2 hours.
Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
Why We Selected It:
Frango à Cafreal is a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for spice lovers. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Mozambican cuisine.
6. Bolo Polana (Cashew Nut Cake)
Bolo Polana is a rich, moist cake made with ground cashews and potatoes. It’s a unique dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cashews (ground)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Mix in mashed potatoes, ground cashews, and vanilla. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
Why This Made the List:
Bolo Polana is a delightful dessert that showcases Mozambique’s love for cashews. It’s a sweet ending to any meal.
7. Galinha à Zambeziana (Chicken in Coconut Sauce)
This dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy coconut sauce with garlic and chili. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 chili (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté garlic and chili in olive oil. Add chicken and cook until browned. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the chicken is tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Galinha à Zambeziana is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It’s a taste of Mozambique’s culinary heritage.
8. Samosas (Spicy Potato Pastries)
Mozambican samosas are crispy, spicy pastries filled with potatoes, peas, and spices. They’re perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 package samosa wrappers
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Sauté onions, then add potatoes, peas, and spices. Fill samosa wrappers with the mixture and fold into triangles. Fry until golden and crispy.
Why We Selected It:
Samosas are a popular snack in Mozambique, and their spicy, crispy goodness is hard to resist.
9. Feijoada (Bean Stew)
Feijoada is a hearty bean stew with Portuguese roots. It’s packed with beans, vegetables, and spices for a filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black beans (soaked overnight)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Add tomatoes and beans, then simmer until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Why This Made the List:
Feijoada is a comforting, flavorful stew that’s perfect for chilly days.
10. Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a fragrant, slightly sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with spicy Mozambican mains.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
Cook rice in coconut milk and water until fluffy. Season with salt.
Why We Chose It:
Coconut rice is a simple yet delicious dish that complements Mozambican flavors beautifully.
11. Mandazi (Sweet Fried Dough)
Mandazi are sweet, fluffy doughnuts that are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp cardamom
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Mix flour, sugar, coconut milk, and cardamom into a dough. Roll out and cut into triangles. Fry until golden.
Why We Selected It:
Mandazi are a sweet treat that’s loved across Mozambique. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Conclusion
Mozambican cuisine is a vibrant mix of flavors, spices, and textures that’ll take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.
From spicy piri-piri chicken to creamy coconut rice, these dishes are a must-try for any food lover.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and start cooking your way through these incredible Mozambican recipes.