Zambia offers some of Africa's most pristine wilderness experiences, from the thundering Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park. Known for pioneering the walking safari, Zambia combines exceptional game viewing with authentic cultural encounters and warm hospitality.
Zambian cuisine centres on nshima — a thick white maize porridge eaten with the hands and paired with relishes (side dishes) of vegetables, fish, or meat. Kapenta (small dried fish from Lake Tanganyika and Kariba) is the most consumed protein. The cuisine reflects the country's landlocked geography and rural majority with simple, filling staples. International influences from South Africa and India are strong in cities. Livingstone's tourist proximity has introduced more experimental cooking celebrating indigenous ingredients like game meat, mopane worms, and wild mushrooms.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Zambia.
Nshima with Kapenta
The national dish — thick maize porridge eaten by rolling it into a ball with the right hand and using it to scoop up dried kapenta fish relish. Simple, filling, and genuine Zambian home food.
Where to try: Any traditional restaurant; Chez Ntemba in Lusaka; Mukamba Boma in Livingstone
Price: $3-8
Ifisashi
Zambia's most beloved vegetarian dish: leafy vegetables (commonly pumpkin leaves or rape) cooked in a peanut sauce. Rich, creamy, and deeply flavourful. Often paired with nshima as a meat-free relish.
Where to try: Traditional restaurants throughout Zambia; Chez Ntemba, Lusaka
Price: $4-8
Zambezi Bream (Tilapia)
Fresh bream from the Zambezi River, typically grilled whole over charcoal. The most celebrated fish in Zambian cooking — light, flaky, and delicious when cooked simply. Livingstone's riverside restaurants serve it fresh daily.
Where to try: Cafe Zambezi Livingstone; riverside restaurants; village fish stalls near rivers
Price: $12-20
Chikanda (African Polony)
A uniquely Zambian snack or side dish made from ground wild orchid tubers and peanuts, boiled into a firm textured cake. Vegetarian and protein-rich, it tastes faintly of groundnuts and is unlike anything else in African cooking.
Where to try: Lusaka City Market; Maramba Market Livingstone; roadside vendors
Price: $1-3
Ifinkubala (Mopane worms)
Sun-dried and sometimes fried Emperor moth caterpillars that feed on mopane trees. Eaten across southern Africa as a traditional protein source. Crispy when fried, they taste slightly earthy and nutty.
Where to try: Chez Ntemba Lusaka; traditional markets; seasonal availability
Price: $3-8
Crocodile curry or medallions
Crocodile meat is a genuine Zambian delicacy, farmed near Victoria Falls and increasingly available at restaurants. The white meat is tender and mild, sometimes curried or pan-fried with African spices.
Where to try: Cafe Zambezi Livingstone ($22); Marula Restaurant Lusaka
Price: $20-35
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Kubu Crafted Dining
Exclusive dining experience at the Royal Livingstone Hotel featuring a 12-course tasting menu showcasing Zambian ingredients with modern techniques. Intimate setting on the Zambezi River.
Royal Livingstone Hotel, Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Cafe Zambezi
Lively restaurant near Victoria Falls specializing in African and Caribbean fusion. Known for grilled meats, fresh fish, and vibrant atmosphere with live music.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Mukamba Boma
Traditional Zambian restaurant near Victoria Falls offering authentic village-style dining experience with cultural performances. Great introduction to Zambian cuisine.
Livingstone
Lusaka City Market Food Stalls
Authentic local food stalls in Lusaka's central market offering traditional Zambian dishes. Perfect for adventurous eaters wanting genuine street food experience.
City Market, Lusaka
Latitude 15 Cafe
Stylish cafe at Latitude 15 hotel in Lusaka serving excellent coffee, pastries, and light meals. Popular with business crowd and laptop workers.
Latitude 15 Degrees, Independence Avenue, Lusaka
Sungani Restaurant
Livingstone's newest fine dining venue offering intimate 22-seat experience with chef's tasting menus that celebrate Zambian culinary heritage through innovative preparations.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Olga's Italian Corner
Authentic Italian restaurant in Livingstone serving homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and Italian classics. Cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Zigzag Coffee House
Popular cafe in Livingstone serving excellent coffee, healthy breakfasts, sandwiches, and salads. Relaxed atmosphere perfect for planning your day.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cafe
Mint Lounge
Modern cafe in Lusaka offering coffee, teas, smoothies, and healthy food options. Bright space with good wifi for remote work.
Arcades Shopping Centre, Lusaka
News Cafe
South African cafe chain with Lusaka location serving all-day breakfast, coffee, and casual meals. Reliable quality in comfortable setting.
Levy Junction, Lusaka
Bean Tree Cafe
Cozy neighborhood cafe in Lusaka with friendly atmosphere, good coffee, and homemade cakes. Popular with expats and locals.
Kalundu Market Area, Lusaka
Mugg & Bean
South African cafe chain in Lusaka malls serving generous portions of breakfasts, burgers, and coffee. Family-friendly with free wifi.
Manda Hill, Lusaka
International
The Brasserie
Upscale restaurant at Latitude 15 Degrees in Lusaka offering refined cuisine in contemporary setting. Known for excellent steaks and fresh seafood.
Latitude 15 Degrees Hotel, Independence Avenue, Lusaka
The Copper Pot
Charming restaurant in Lusaka serving mix of Zambian and international cuisine. Popular for business lunches and family dinners with reliable quality.
Addis Ababa Drive, Lusaka
Rhapsody's
Long-standing favorite in Lusaka offering international menu with steaks, seafood, and pasta. Comfortable atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
Haile Selassie Avenue, Lusaka
Explorers Tavern
Livingstone restaurant and bar with colonial ambiance offering international menu and excellent cocktails. Popular spot for post-adventure meals.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
African
Zest Bar and Restaurant
Contemporary restaurant blending Brazilian and African flavors. Features grilled meats, fresh salads, and creative cocktails in modern setting.
Livingstone
Marula Restaurant
Fine dining establishment in Lusaka specializing in African fusion cuisine with European influences. Sophisticated atmosphere with excellent wine selection.
Addis Ababa Drive, Lusaka
Fast Food
Hungry Lion
Fast food chain across Zambia serving fried chicken, burgers, and local favorites. Reliable quick meal option in Lusaka and Livingstone.
Multiple locations
Steers
Burger chain with locations in Lusaka serving flame-grilled burgers, chips, and ice cream. Popular for quick, tasty meals.
Manda Hill, Lusaka
Zambian
Lilly's Restaurant
Friendly local restaurant in Livingstone known for hearty portions and affordable prices. Mix of Zambian and international dishes.
Akapelwa Street, Livingstone
Chez Ntemba
Authentic Zambian restaurant in Lusaka offering traditional dishes in welcoming atmosphere. Great place to experience genuine Zambian home cooking.
Nationalist Road, Lusaka
American
Polo Grill
Casual grill restaurant in Lusaka offering burgers, steaks, and grilled meats. Sports bar atmosphere with TVs and outdoor seating.
Arcades Shopping Centre, Lusaka
Chinese
Malabar Village
Well-established Indian and Indo-Chinese restaurant in Lusaka known for authentic flavors and extensive menu. Popular with locals and expats alike.
Great East Road, Lusaka
Coffee Shop
Southern Coffee Company
Livingstone coffee shop roasting their own beans and serving specialty coffee drinks. Cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating and wifi.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
Deli
The Deli
Casual eatery in Livingstone offering sandwiches, wraps, and salads made fresh to order. Good vegetarian options and healthy choices.
Livingstone
Grilled Meats
Roadside BBQ Stands
Numerous roadside stands throughout Zambia grilling fresh fish, chicken, and meats. Look for busy stalls with locals for best quality.
Various locations
Indian
The Golden Leaf
Popular Indian restaurant in Livingstone offering authentic curries, tandoori dishes, and vegetarian options. Known for generous portions and flavorful food.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone
International Fine Dining
The River Club
Elegant dining room at Tongabezi Lodge serving gourmet cuisine with Zambezi views. Features seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients and international techniques.
Tongabezi Lodge, Zambezi River, Livingstone
Pizza
Debonairs Pizza
South African pizza chain with multiple Zambian locations. Reliable pizza in various sizes with creative toppings.
Multiple locations
Portuguese
Nando's
Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken chain with Zambian locations. Known for spicy flame-grilled chicken and casual atmosphere.
East Park Mall, Lusaka
Seafood
Ocean Basket
South African seafood chain with location in Lusaka. Fresh fish, calamari, prawns, and sushi in casual family-friendly environment.
Manda Hill Shopping Centre, Lusaka
Traditional Zambian
Maramba Market Food Vendors
Local market near Livingstone with various food stalls serving fresh nshima, grilled meats, and traditional snacks. Authentic local dining experience.
Maramba, Livingstone
Various
Manda Hill Food Court
Modern food court in Lusaka mall offering various quick meal options from local to international. Clean and air-conditioned environment.
Manda Hill Shopping Centre, Lusaka
Various Street Food
Sunday Market Street Food
Weekend market in Lusaka with diverse street food vendors offering grilled meats, local snacks, and traditional dishes in lively atmosphere.
Arcades Area, Lusaka
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Vitumbuwa (fried dough)
Deep-fried dough balls similar to doughnuts but less sweet. A popular breakfast and snack sold at market stalls throughout Zambia, best eaten hot from the fryer with sweet tea.
Find it at: Morning market stalls throughout Lusaka and Livingstone
Grilled maize (roasted corn)
Whole corn cobs roasted slowly over charcoal embers and sold by vendors from roadside grills. Smoky and satisfying, they're dusted with salt and sometimes chilli. Abundant during harvest season.
Find it at: Roadside vendors throughout Lusaka; near Livingstone market
Samosas
Deep-fried triangular pastry pockets filled with spiced minced meat or vegetables, reflecting the Indian influence on Zambian food through colonial-era workers. Sold at markets and informal restaurants.
Find it at: Lusaka City Market; school tuck shops and market snack stalls
Boiled groundnuts (peanuts)
Fresh groundnuts boiled in salted water in their shells, sold in small plastic bags from market vendors and informal stalls. A traditional Zambian snack that's nutritious and addictive.
Find it at: All markets and many roadside stalls throughout Zambia
Roadside BBQ meats
Chicken pieces, beef offal, and sometimes whole tilapia grilled on charcoal braziers by roadside vendors. Served wrapped in newspaper with a chilli dip. Best quality at busy stalls with fast turnover.
Find it at: Throughout Lusaka and Livingstone — look for smoking charcoal grills with local crowds
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Lusaka City Market
Zambia's largest and most comprehensive food market occupying multiple city blocks near Cairo Road. Fresh fish from Lake Tanganyika and Kariba, dried kapenta, vegetables, fruit, grains, and traditional snacks fill the stalls in a chaotic, authentic atmosphere.
Hours: 6AM-6PM daily
Maramba Market, Livingstone
The main daily food market serving Livingstone residents with fresh produce, dried fish, grains, and traditional foods. Less tourist-focused than craft markets with genuine everyday Zambian food culture on display.
Hours: 7AM-5PM daily
Sunday Arcades Market, Lusaka
Weekly outdoor market on Sunday mornings near the Arcades Shopping Centre. Food stalls offer cooked meals, fresh produce, and a variety of street foods alongside crafts and second-hand goods.
Hours: 8AM-4PM Sundays
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal of the day in Zambian culture — the largest and most varied food offerings are available 12-2PM
Ask for the 'daily special' at local restaurants — it's always the freshest, cheapest, and most authentic option
Tourist restaurants in Livingstone near Victoria Falls charge 2-3x more than identical food at local spots; walk 5 minutes from the main road for significant savings
Nshima is eaten with the right hand — it's customary and adds to the experience
Vegetarians can find good food in Zambia: nshima with ifisashi, beans, and vegetable relishes are widely available
Always drink bottled water and avoid raw salads or unpeeled fruit at informal stalls
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-10/meal | Street food, local nshima restaurants, City Market food stalls |
| Mid-range | $15-30/meal | Cafe Zambezi, Olga's Italian, Copper Pot, Golden Leaf |
| Upscale | $60-100+/meal | Kubu at Royal Livingstone, Sungani Restaurant, Marula in Lusaka |