Malawi: Land of Food and Culture

Category: Travel

Popularly known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi is a country where you will find the most welcoming and friendly people along with colourful and vibrant culture. The traditional cuisine of Malawi includes dishes made from fresh fish found in Lake Malawi. This country is much more than its spectacular lakes and mountains, Malawi is a land of food and culture. One should surely explore the local cuisine of Malawi along with discovering the culture of this land. Malawian Food Unlike others, the cuisine of Malawi is not influenced by other cultures; and it has remained traditional from the very beginning. Farming is one of the major professions in Malawi. People enjoy food from ‘tuck shops’ which are small rural shops that offer a variety of snacks. Top corporate travel management companies in Malawi usually arrange such snacks for their guests. These stalls include delicious food items such as meat pies, bunny chow (deep-fried rolls stuffed with a mix of potato and curry meat), and sausage rolls. You are likely to taste the most delicious and fresh fish here, primarily because of fishes caught by the Lake Malawi fishing community. The popular dishes of Malawi include Chambo, Nsima, Nthochi, Kachumbari, and Kondowde. Among these, Chambo is a Tilapia fish found in Lake Malawi. People consider Chambo the top delicacy while there are other favourite fishes including Usipa, similar to sardines, and Mpasa, similar to salmon. Nsima is a staple Malawi food, made from ground corn and served along with meat or vegetables. The locals can eat this staple food any time of the day. The tomato and onion salad called Kachumbari is also very popular, while you may also try Nthochi bread made with bananas. One can also enjoy the delicacy of Kondowde which is made from water and cassava flour and is served with fish. When it comes to drinks, nothing can replace South African wines and Malawi gin. A business travel management company in Malawi can provide local drinks to their guests on demand. Carlsberg is one of the most commonly used beers in the country. Malawi exports tea that is known for its incredibly high quality. When you eat or drink at a restaurant in Malawi, tipping is not compulsory but appreciated. Malawian Culture Malawi is an ethnically diverse land with multiple unique cultures. Chewa is the largest tribe in the country, while other ethnicities such as Yao, Maravi, Tumbuka, and Nyanja call Malawi their home. Most of the tribes of this country are Bantu, a broader ethnicity widely spread in Central and Southern Africa. Bantu is also the language spoken by the locals usually. Malawian people follow a combination of Christianity and traditional tribal belief systems. So, one can say Christianity is the most prevalent religion in this country. Dance The most crucial element of Malawian culture is dancing. Masks are commonly used by traditional Malawian dancers whether it is for religious or ceremonial purposes. Gule Wamakulu is the most widely known dance form and a secret society of Malawi, performed by the men and women of Nyau society. It is a ritualistic dance that can be performed only during specific occasions, such as Weddings Death of a Chief Coronation or Installment of a new Chieftan The transition from boyhood to manhood Funeral of important community members The dancers wear a mask made up in the shape of beasts. People believe that these masks can capture the spirits of the deceased. This dance form of Gule Wamakulu also teaches moral and social values through character archetypes. The National Dance Troupe in Malawi is partially subsidized by the government. Dance, being the most popular art form in Malawi, receives the only governmental financial support. Music Along with dance, music is an essential part of Malawi culture. This place is home to one of the largest music festivals in Africa, namely the “Lake of Stars Festival.” during this festival, one can enjoy the traditional music of Malawi on the shores of Lake Malawi. More than 4,000 people get together from Africa and Europe to attend this music festival. Even corporate travel providers in Malawi arrange local music sessions. Literature and Arts Oral artistry is one of the ancient traditions of Malawian culture in which the texts were kept in memory and recited or performed. The traditional texts used in oral artistry are an immense source of entertainment, commemoration, and instruction. The literature of this country largely deals with myths, folktales, and legends. The performing arts are not much developed in Malawi; however, local bands play native instruments throughout the country during festivals and celebrations. Dance troupes are becoming more popular because of their performances of relatable daily lives. Graphic arts including pottery making and wood carving are most frequently bought by tourists and people from other African regions. You will notice that every home and shop has wood statues, primarily of animals, along with carved tables and chairs.