The World | Africa and the Middle East | Tanzania

Tanzanian cuisine is similar to that of its East African neighbors, with many rural people eating a vegetarian diet and living mainly on dairy products, grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits, with meat being eaten mainly on special occasions. Tanzanians living on the shores of the many lakes and rivers, as well as the ocean coast, consume many varieties of fish and seafood. Rice is a favorite, as well as millet, corn, and wheat, which are widely used to make thick porridges, breads, and dumplings. Cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, and plantains are also staples. Strong influences from India are seen in spicy Tanzanian curried dishes. Tanzanians also enjoy chile peppers, coconut and coconut milk, and groundnuts as seasonings. The British influence is seen in the Tanzanian love of tea drinking.