I do feel very sad these days when I visit home (Dar Es Salaam). Because I have noticed that some of our staple foods are disappearing from the market. I do not see Taro (magimbi) in vegetable and food stands anymore. »

Taro root is known as magimbi in Swahili; its taste is almost like tropical sweet potatoes. Taro grows in muddy or dry areas. Many countries around the world do eat taro. In East Africa taro is also known as arrow roots. Most of taro roots purchased in USA could be from Hawaii. Some of... »

This is the one salad most Tanzanian kids know and love.Traditionally, raw cabbage is used for this dish. However, I prefer to first slightly fry the cabbage in a little extra virgin olive oil before using it in the salad. I have also add extra virgin olive oil. This is a side dish. Ingredients... »

This is very easy to prepare, but please use green papaya. It should not be ripe even a bit. You can find green papaya in any international store in town. If they do not have, please ask them, some stores will be happy to find one for you. Have this with any food but... »

I am sure you are wondering why I am talking about “nazi” in this website. Apparently nazi is a Swahili word for coconut. Mbuzi ya nazi is a Swahili word for coconut grater. The above photo is a coconut grater that I use in my house, I came with from Tanzania. In Tanzania grating... »

How do you peel your tomatoes? Are you using a Knife? Then you should read this. I have come to realize that a few of my friends and family are peeling tomatoes using a knife. Just in case if there are many people out there who are doing the same thing; here is the... »

Ugali is not new to many countries, Italians do eat something almost the same as Ugali known as polenta, which is much softer than ugali, but use course flour. In Angola, Ugali is known as funji, which is much softer than Tanzanian Ugali. West African countries do it ugali using cassava, banana and potato... »

There are ingredients in every culture that would be added in almost every recipe. One of those ingredients for Tanzanians is, sweet peppers, which in Swahili is pilipili hoho. Pilipili hoho add a good flavor in any stew and we Tanzanians love sweet peppers in our stews. I do like to stir fry sweet... »

I first posted this recipe 2006 at mirecipe.com. A few people from Tanzania have asked me about coconut bread. Here again.       2¼ tsp dry yeast ½ cup warm water 1 tsp sugar 3 cups all purpose flour 1 tbsp extra sugar ¾ cups coconut milk 1 tbsp oil (optional) and ¼... »