Gastronomy key to promoting cultural tourism

Gastronomy is emerging as a vital avenue for promoting cultural tourism in Zimbabwe, with traditional cuisine taking centre stage at the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Mutare.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo in Mutare, Councillor Dieless Muradzikwa of Kwekwe Ward 1 commended efforts to spotlight Zimbabwe’s rich culinary heritage, particularly through initiatives led by the First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa.

She commended First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa for spearheading the traditional cookout competitions, which aim to showcase Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage and preserve indigenous food knowledge.

“Gastronomy is more than just preparing and eating food — it is about telling the Zimbabwean story through taste, tradition, and cultural pride. The First Lady’s cookout competitions have played a critical role in reviving traditional recipes and encouraging communities to value their local ingredients and cooking methods,” said Cllr Muradzikwa.

She noted that the competitions have gone beyond culinary celebration and are now fostering community participation, intergenerational learning, and even economic empowerment especially for women and youths involved in food production and preparation.

 “These initiatives are empowering, educational, and enriching. They help keep our cultural identity alive and give us a unique edge in the global tourism space,” she said.

At this year’s Sanganai Expo, several exhibitors are showcasing traditional Zimbabwean dishes, including sadza rezviyo, road runner chicken, derere, madora, and locally brewed beverages such as maheu and mapfura wine.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has also expressed interest in expanding gastronomy tourism through food festivals, culinary tours, and partnerships with local chefs and rural communities.

Tourism experts agree that the global traveller is increasingly seeking authentic and immersive experiences, and food often serves as an entry point into local culture.

With platforms like the Sanganai Expo and the national cookout competitions gaining momentum, Zimbabwe’s traditional cuisine is now playing a growing role in shaping the country’s tourism narrative one plate at a time.