5 Ndiwo Varieties
Ranked From the Best To the Worst

In Zambia, the term delele denotes okra, but also a simple dish that incorporates this traditional vegetable. The dish is predominately prepared with fresh okra that is cooked in water, alongside sliced tomatoes. Bicarbonate of soda is considered to be the essential addition that provides a distinctive thick, glutinous texture. Pair it with nshima, a traditional Zambian cornmeal porridge. The same dish is also enjoyed in Zimbabwe, where it typically goes under the name derere.Expand

This Zambian snack is prepared with a tuber of chikanda orchids. The small-sized tubers are dried and pounded, and then combined with a thick mixture of peanuts and dry chili peppers. Chikanda is often referred to as African polony, because of its meat-like consistency. In the past, the dish was traditionally associated with the Bemba tribe in north-east Zambia, but nowadays it is consumed throughout the country. Chikanda is usually served sliced and can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or an accompaniment to nshima, a traditional Zambian maize porridge.Expand

Chibwabwa is a typical Zambian dish cooked throughout the country. It consists of tomatoes, onions, pumpkin leaves, and (optionally) groundnuts. The ingredients are boiled in water until the combination becomes thick in texture. In Zambia, chibwabwa is typically prepared during traditional ceremonies. When properly prepared, this creamy side dish is always served as an accompaniment to nshima, a dough-like porridge made with maize flour.Expand

Ifisashi is a traditional dish made with peanuts, tomatoes, onions, and greens such as pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, spinach, and collard greens. The ingredients are cooked until the peanut sauce achieves a desired, thick consistency. The dish is typically served piping hot. Although ifisashi is usually prepared as a vegetarian dish, beef, chicken, or fish can also be added to the pot if there are any leftovers.Expand

Kalembula is a traditional ndiwo dish prepared with sweet potato leaves, tomatoes, onions, and pounded groundnuts. The combination of these ingredients is cooked in water until the dish develops a thick consistency. Just like other ndiwo dishes, kalembula is also paired with nshima, a traditional Zambian maize porridge.Expand