Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia, a green plateau city of about three million people at 1,280 m. It is a practical base for markets, wildlife nurseries and onward travel to national parks.
Zambian food centres on nshima (maize meal) with relish of beef, chicken, fish or vegetables; Lusaka's malls add South African, Mediterranean and Asian options.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Lusaka.
Nshima with relish
Maize porridge with stewed meat or greens.
Where to try: Soweto Market Food Stalls
Price: K20-60 ($1-3)
Kapenta
Dried or fried small lake fish.
Where to try: Soweto Market Food Stalls
Price: K30-70 ($1.60-3.70)
Ifisashi
Greens in groundnut sauce.
Where to try: Local restaurants
Price: K30-70 ($1.60-3.70)
Village chicken
Free-range chicken, grilled or stewed.
Where to try: Local grills
Price: K80-150 ($4-8)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Burgers
Cafe
Fast Food
International
Portuguese
Steakhouse
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Grilled maize cobs
Charcoal-roasted corn.
Find it at: Cairo Road
Fried fish and chips
Fried tilapia.
Find it at: Soweto Market
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Soweto Market
Produce and cooked food.
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
Lusaka City Market
Produce and fish.
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM-5:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Wash hands before eating nshima.
Add 10% tip if service is not included.
Lunch is 12:00-2:00 PM; dinner from 6:30 PM.
- Vegetarian
- Possible with beans, greens and vegetable relish.
- Halal
- Available in Muslim-run restaurants; ask.
- Gluten free
- Nshima is naturally gluten-free.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | K20-100 ($1-5) per meal | Market stalls and fast food. |
| Mid-range | K180-400 ($9-21) per meal | Mall restaurants. |
| Upscale | K300-600 ($16-32) per meal | Plates and hotel dining. |