Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL TRADITIONS
Tanzanian style is to eat with the hand from communal dishes in the centre of the table.
There will always be somewhere to wash your hands - either a bowl and jug of water that
are passed around, or a sink in the corner. Although food is shared, it's not customary to
share drinks. Sodas are the usual accompaniment, and there will also usually be a pitcher of
water, though this may be unpurified. Children generally eat separately. If there's a toast, the
common salutation is
afya!
- (to your) health!
With fruits and vegetables, it's best to follow the adage: 'Cook it, peel it,
boil it or forget it.'
Street snacks and meals on the run are common. European-style restaurant dining, while
readily available in major cities, is not part of local culture. More common are large gath-
erings at home, or at a rented hall, to celebrate special occasions, with the meal as the focal
point.
In restaurants catering to tourists, tip about 10%, assuming service warrants it. Tipping
isn't expected in small, local establishments, though rounding up the bill is always appreci-
ated.
DOS & DON'TS
For Tanzanians, a shared meal and eating out of a communal dish are expressions
of solidarity between hosts and guests.
»If you're invited to eat and aren't hungry, it's OK to say that you've just eaten,
but try to share a few bites of the meal in recognition of the bond with your hosts.
»Leave a small amount on your plate to show your hosts that you've been satis-
fied.
»Don't take the last bit of food from the communal bowl, as your hosts may worry
that they haven't provided enough.
»Never handle food with the left hand.
»If others are eating with their hands, do the same, even if cutlery is provided.
»Defer to your host for customs that you aren't sure about.
