Dining Etiquette

Visitors are almost always offered a drink and perhaps something to eat. Eating usually is done without utensils. You will often be given a bowl and a jug to wash your hands. As most people eat with their hands, it is important that you ensure your hands are clean before eating. You only eat with the right hand, because the left hand is considered dirty. The men usually eat separately from the women and in fact, the women often kneel to serve them. Malawi is a devoutly Christian country; prayers before meals are common in local homes.

Besides, you need to know some information about the traditional food of Malawi. The national dish is loaka, which is a kind of stew or soup in which most of what is available is cooked together; it is eaten, whenever possible, with rice. Rice is the national grain, and almost all meals are accompanied by a bowl of sakay, or a spice mixture for seasoning, which includes peppers, ginger, and garlic. The national drink is ranovola, a healthy drink made from water and leftover rice in a pot. As a guest. you will always be served hanikotrana, a snack of sweets and vegetables, and a cool drink or tea when you visit.