ENGLISH NAMES OF SOME LOCAL ZAMBIAN FOOD AND DISHES

 Have you ever wondered what some Zambian foods or fruits are called in English?

Here are what some foods are called in English;

1. MPHONDA

MPHONDA is called GOURD in English. The Gourd is mostly eaten cooked and some people even mix it with sugar. It's commonly sold in the cold season. MPHONDA is part of the Calabash family of plants.

2. CHIKANDA

CHIKANDA is called AFRICAN POLONY in English. The Bemba people are credited for inventing CHIKANDA. It's sold on the streets  with chilli sauce or soup.

3. MASAU

MASAU is called JUJUBE FRUIT in English. MASAU is eaten both fresh and dried. It's seasonly sold in Zambia.

4. KAWAWASHA

KAWAWASHA is called TAMARIND in English. Tamarind is a well known food in Zambia and used differently. Some people soak it in water to consume it as drink while others use it for medical purposes.

5. CHITUNGUZA

CHITUNGUZA or VITUNGUZA (plural) is called HORNED MELON in English.

The watery  fruit is usually prepared by being pilled, then cut into pieces and mixed up with salt.

6. IMPWA

IMPWA is called WHITE AUBERGINE or WHITE EGGPLANT in English. Zambians have different feelings and opinions about the fruit or "vegetable" as it is wrongly referred to. Some hate and despise it for its bitter taste but others love and enjoy it very much!

7. MSINIGA

MSINIGA is called JAVA PLUM in English.

8. MATAKO 4 

MATAKO 4(FOUR) is called CROSS BERRY in English. The fruit's local name is probably derived from its bum shape.

9. MABUYU

MABUYU is called BAOBAB in English. The fruit is prepared in many ways. It's soaked in water and consumed as a drink, it's eaten raw and it's also sweetened with coloured sugars.

10. MASUKU

MASUKU is called LOQUAT FRUIT in English.

11. VIZIMBILI

VIZIMBILI or CHIZIMBILI (singular) is called  MONKEY FRUIT in English. Some people suspect it to have some alcohol properties as they say it makes people high or dizzy when if eaten in high quantities.

11. INSWA

INSWA is called FLYING TERMITE  in English. INSWA comes out from the ground just after the start of the rain season in ZAMBIA. Others see it as cockroaches and are disgusted by the sight of it. Nonetheless, others just can't afford not to eat it.

12. DELELE

DELELE is called  OKRA in English. DELELE is a well known food in ZAMBIA. It's highly nutritious even though some people associate it with poverty.

Is there any local name of a food or thing that you like to know what it's called in English?

Drop your question in the comments below!