Grilled Flavors of Harare — A Feast We’ll Never Forget

Touch down! We had arrived at the grill destination in Harare, Zimbabwe, that we had once only seen on television. Even now, my mouth waters just thinking about it. This was no ordinary grill pit. It was pits on top of glorious pits, offering everything from chicken, beef, and pork to salads, rice, and more. We could hardly wait to dive in.

Finding the place took a little navigating, but the moment we stepped into the area, we knew we were close—the smell of smoke and sizzling meat guided us in. We all (Wayne, Denise, Margaret, Harmony, and I) set our sights on sampling a little bit of everything.

Before the feast began, we (Wayne, Denise, and I) experienced something new: the ritual of handwashing. In Zimbabwe, meals are often shared without utensils. Before eating, a gentleman or lady brings a bucket of warm water, pouring it gently over your hands, then a towel to dry them.

Wayne described it best: “This was a thoughtful gesture of caring for the person and their hygiene for this brief moment.” He preferred his utensils (except when it came to the meat), while Denise embraced the tradition wholeheartedly—“Zimbabwe feels like home,” she said. I had to agree.

It was here that our relatives introduced us to sadza, Zimbabwe’s beloved staple food. Sadza is made by slowly cooking finely ground maize meal with water until it thickens into a smooth, dough-like consistency. Think of it as Zimbabwe’s version of rice or bread—the foundation of nearly every meal. Traditionally, it’s eaten with the hands: rolled into a ball, pressed with the thumb, and used to scoop up stews, vegetables, or meat. To us, it tasted like grits from the American South—a different preparation, but the same comforting role at the table.

As much as we loved the experience of sadza, the star of the meal was, without a doubt, the chicken. Perfectly grilled, smoky, and seasoned to perfection—it was the dish we knew we’d order again if we returned. The best part? Prices were very reasonable for such hearty street food.

Of course, travel always brings lessons. Two gentlemen tried to charge us “gringo prices” for the rice. But Margaret—our Zimbabwean relative, whom we lovingly call our sister—wasn’t having it. She gave them a firm lesson in honesty and integrity, reminding them that running an upstanding business matters more than taking advantage of visitors. We applauded her when she returned to the car. It wasn’t about the money—it was about fairness, and she handled it with grace and strength. Truly, she is family.

✨ Have you ever visited a Zimbabwe grill? What dish did you love the most? And has anyone ever tried to sell you something at “tourist prices”? We’d love to hear your stories.

Onward! Next up: The Mukuvisi Woodlands Nature Reserve—the trip that never was. Stay tuned to find out what happened and why.